Asif Ali Zardari Address at the International Forum “Interrelation of Times and Cultures

Asif Ali Zardari Address at the International Forum “Interrelation of Times and Cultures: Basis of Peace & Development”
dedicated to the 300th Birth Anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi
Ashgabat, 11th October 2024

• His Excellency Sardar Berdi Muhammadov, President of Turkmenistan,
• Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,
• Esteemed Scholars, Ladies and Gentlemen,
• Assalamu-o-Alaikum and a very good morning to you all

1. It is indeed a great honour to address this august gathering to celebrate the 300th birth anniversary of Makhdum Gulli Fraghi, a towering figure in Turkmen literature and a beacon of cultural and spiritual enlightenment. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Government and brotherly people of Turkmenistan for organising this prestigious event aimed at promoting understanding, peace and dialogue among cultures.

Ladies and Gentlemen!
2. Pakistan and Turkmenistan share a deep-rooted bond of brotherhood, which is built on mutual respect, commonality of faith, and a shared vision for a better and peaceful future. My participation in this conference is a reflection of our commitment to strengthening these ties between our two brotherly countries. We need to focus on promoting connectivity among regional countries that would help strengthen cultural and economic cooperation.

3. I am delighted to share that one of our founding fathers and our national poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Makhdum Gulli Fraghi share several commonalities in their poetry and thoughts on Sufism and nationalism.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
4. Makhdum Gulli is not only a poet but a symbol of the Turkmen people’s spirit, aspirations, and love for their homeland. His works, written in the 18th century, continue to resonate with us today, providing guidance, inspiration, and a sense of unity. Makhdum Gulli was born into a time of great political and social unrest when Turkmen tribes were scattered and divided. Yet, despite these challenges, he dedicated his life to the dream of seeing the Turkmen people united as one.

5. I would like to especially commend the President of Turkmenistan, Sardar Berdi Muhammedov, for organizing this event to promote the works of Makhdum Gulli Fraghi as well as providing an opportunity to interact with the leadership of regional countries that would help strengthen our bonds of friendship. I also congratulate the Turkmen nation on the announcement of 2024 as the “Year of the great poet and thinker of the Turkic world- Makhdum Gulli”.

6. I am confident that the discussions and deliberations at this conference will not only honour the memory of Makhdum Gulli but will also pave the way for new avenues of cultural collaboration between our countries. Let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the values he cherished and work together to create a brighter and peaceful future for generations to come.

7. I am also glad to meet President Sardar Berdi Muhammedov, who is the son of my great friend and former President Gurbanguly Berdi Muahammedov, who I had the pleasure of meeting multiple times on different fora. He is not only a great politician but also an eminent scholar and author of many books.

8. I would like to conclude with these beautiful verses of Makhdum Gulli Fraghi:
I dream of a nation, united and free,
Where every heart beats with dignity,
Turkmen stand strong, their spirits bright,
Together we’ll shine, in freedom’s light.
Thank You!