The Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, A. Shamyyradov, participated in the plenary session of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, which is being held in Samarkand on October 31, as reported on the official social media page of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in France.

In his speech, the minister highlighted the symbolic significance of holding the conference outside Paris for the first time in more than 40 years. The choice of Samarkand as the venue for the event, according to Shamyyradov, reflects UNESCO's efforts to strengthen mutual understanding and cultural dialogue between peoples.

Shamyyradov emphasized that cooperation with UNESCO is a priority of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, which is based on the principles of permanent neutrality, openness, and equal partnership. He also praised the long-standing collaboration between Turkmenistan and UNESCO in the fields of culture, education, science, and digital technologies.

The minister informed that more than one thousand historical and cultural monuments are registered in Turkmenistan, three of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: Ancient Merv, Kunya-Urgench, and the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa.

Shamyyradov also announced Turkmenistan's nomination for the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026–2030 period. He further noted the development of cooperation within UNESCO programs such as "UNITWIN," "Man and the Biosphere," "Memory of the World," and the "Global Network of Creative Cities."

In conclusion, the minister reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to continue its active participation in UNESCO’s mission to strengthen peace, mutual understanding, and humanistic values.