On 24 July, the First International Forum of Sister Cities took place in Samarkand, attended by Rahym Gandymov, the governor of Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

The forum brought together representatives of government bodies, local authorities, international organisations and the expert community from nearly 30 countries. Participants discussed the development of inter-municipal cooperation, the improvement of urban governance, the introduction of modern technologies and the exchange of experience in the field of sustainable urban development.

Speaking at the forum, the governor of Ashgabat emphasised the importance of interaction between cities for expanding international cooperation, implementing joint initiatives and exchanging experience in the fields of digitalisation, the development of transport and engineering infrastructure, and the creation of a comfortable urban environment.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership and the twinning ties between Ashgabat and Tashkent, including the implementation of joint cultural and humanitarian projects.

The forum also featured a presentation marking the 145th anniversary of Ashgabat. Participants were shown the achievements of Turkmenistan’s capital in the fields of urban planning, architecture, urban improvement and sustainable development.

Following the forum, it was noted that the event would contribute to the further development of inter-municipal cooperation, the strengthening of partnerships and the implementation of new joint projects.