A formal reception was held in Ashgabat to mark France's National Day, Bastille Day, organised by the Embassy of the French Republic in Turkmenistan. The event brought together representatives of diplomatic circles, ministries, as well as figures from the worlds of culture and science, according to the news website TerraNews.

In his speech, French Ambassador Philippe Merlin noted Turkmenistan's support for international law and global initiatives, including the fight against climate change. He highlighted the contribution of French companies to projects in Turkmenistan, ranging from telecommunications to sustainable urban development. Special attention was paid to educational cooperation: French is taught in 25 schools and several universities in the country, and interest in the language is growing.

In his response, Turkmenistan's Minister of Education Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian partnership and thanked France for its contribution to the preservation of Turkmen heritage.

The festive part of the event included a fashion show by Govher Gouvernet, who combined Eastern motifs and French style in her collection. The evening continued with video presentations on archaeological expeditions and a musical programme featuring Turkmen and French performers.

The event highlighted the close cultural ties and the development of Turkmen-French dialogue at all levels, from diplomacy to fashion and education.