President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan supported the initiative to hold a global summit in Ashgabat next year as part of the “International Year of Peace and Trust,” a concept proposed by Turkmenistan at the UN General Assembly. His remarks came during an international forum on October 11, commemorating the 300th anniversary of Turkmen poet and thinker Makhtumkuli Firoghi.

The forum, themed “Interdependence of Times and Civilizations – The Basis of Peace and Development,” attracted several global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, among others. The event was chaired by Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

In his address, President Mirziyoyev stressed the important role the forum plays in fostering brotherhood, unity, and shared heritage across nations. He highlighted Makhtumkuli Firoghi’s enduring influence, not only in classical Eastern poetry but also in world literature, emphasizing the poet’s importance in strengthening the bonds between the peoples of Central Asia.

Makhtumkuli’s legacy holds a special place in Uzbekistan, where he studied at Khiva’s Shergazi Khan madrasa and maintained deep respect for Uzbek literary icons like Alisher Navoi. In recognition of his cultural influence, Uzbekistan has celebrated the 300th anniversary of Firoghi’s birth with conferences, literary evenings, film productions, and other events that bring his contributions into focus.

In appreciation of Uzbekistan’s efforts to honor Makhtumkuli’s legacy, President Berdimuhamedov awarded President Mirziyoyev a medal commemorating the 300th anniversary of the renowned poet and thinker. The event concluded with the adoption of the forum’s first document, marking a step toward promoting cultural solidarity and peace across the region.