Ashgabat, July 08, 2024, The Europe Today: President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, honored United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres with the prestigious jubilee medal “On the 300th Anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi” during their talks on Friday.
The award ceremony, held in Ashgabat, celebrated the contributions of the distinguished guest to Turkmenistan’s independence, sovereignty, and neutrality policy, as well as his efforts in fostering international relations, peace, and humanitarian cooperation. The jubilee medal commemorates the 300th anniversary of the renowned Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi.
“In our independent, neutral country, in the year of ‘The Fount of Wisdom Magtymguly Fragi,’ the jubilee medal of Turkmenistan ‘On the 300th Anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi’ was established in honor of the great master of words. I decided to award you the first issue of this medal and signed the corresponding decree. Now I will present you with great pleasure this medal,” President Berdimuhamedov stated.
Amidst applause from those present, President Berdimuhamedov presented the high award to Secretary-General Guterres. The UN Secretary-General was recognized for his significant personal contribution to enhancing Turkmenistan’s independence and sovereignty, promoting the country’s neutrality policy, and strengthening ties with global states and international organizations. The award also acknowledges his dedication to peace, friendship, and brotherhood among peoples and his role in advancing mutually beneficial humanitarian cooperation.
Expressing gratitude for the high honor, Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the enduring relevance of the philosophical views of Magtymguly Fragi, the great Turkmen poet and philosopher. He noted that Fragi’s calls for unity, friendship, humanism, and global peace resonate with the core objectives of the United Nations.
In addition to the jubilee medal, Secretary-General Guterres received a sovereign badge and a special edition book titled “Magtymguly,” prepared for the poet’s 300th anniversary. The book, which features selected poems by Fragi, has been published in Turkmen, Russian, and English.
The award ceremony highlighted Turkmenistan’s commitment to honoring its cultural heritage while fostering international cooperation and understanding through the timeless wisdom of its literary icons.