On the 15th of August, a gala reception was held in the capital of Turkmenistan to mark a significant date – the 80th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of India. The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, government agencies and the public.
Opening the meeting, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan Bandaru Wilsonbabu read out an address from the President of India Draupadi Murmu on the occasion of national holiday of the country. The diplomat then addressed the guests with a welcoming speech. As was emphasised, the deep cultural and historical ties between the two states are dynamically strengthening from year to year.
In his speech, the head of the diplomatic mission paid special attention to the progressive development of the Indian-Turkmen trade and economic partnership. It was noted that, based on the results of last year, the volume of mutual trade exceeded 270 million USA dollars. The Ambassador expressed the readiness of the diplomatic mission to provide every possible assistance in fully realising the potential for cooperation not only in trade, economics, and investment, but also in culture, science, and education.
The head of the diplomatic mission noted with satisfaction the growth in tourist flow from Turkmenistan to India, as well as the increase in the number of Turkmen students choosing Indian higher education institutions. In this regard, it was emphasised that the Government of India continues to provide educational scholarships and strengthen partnerships as a country of the Global South and a close friend of Turkmenistan in the region. Bandar Wilsonbabu also praised remarkable achievements of Turkmenistan.
«We are sincerely pleased with the impressive successes Turkmenistan has achieved under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as thanks to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the leadership and people of Turkmenistan on the upcoming 35th anniversary of independence of the country and express hope for the further deepening of our close, multifaceted partnership», – the Ambassador concluded.
