President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani visited “Ancient Merv” State Historical and Cultural Reserve “during his official trip to Turkmenistan. As it informed earlier, Ashgabat hosted Turkmen – Iranian high-level talks on the day before, which proved the commitment of both states and nations to the traditions of good neighbourhood, mutual willingness for the development and activation of beneficial partnership in all spectrum of directions. During high-level meeting, Turkmen and Iranian leaders discussed different aspects of bilateral relations, having specified its key vectors. The improvement of interstate cultural dialog, which supports the consolidation of friendship relations, trust and understanding of the nations, was mentioned as one of priority directions. The collaboration in this sphere were reflected in the Programme of cooperation in culture, art, science and education between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2018 – 2020 that was signed by the outcomes of the talks among other important documents. On the second day of the official visit to Turkmenistan, President Hassan Rouhani arrived in administration centre of Mary Velayat, the city of Mary that has old and rich history. In the airport, decorated on this occasion with the State Flags of both countries, high-ranking guest was met by the officials. The leader of friendly country was traditionally presented with bread and salt and the flowers. From the airport, the motorcade of the President of the Islamic Republic of Turkmenistan went to “Ancient Merv” Historical and Cultural Reserve. This complex of unique monuments that are included to the UNESCO World Heritage List, is practically an open-air museum, one of the most visited place by the tourists and pilgrims as well as the laboratory for scientific studies in national and world history and culture. This year, which undergoes under slogan “Turkmenistan is the Heart of the Great Silk Road”, special attention is paid to the popularization of national heritage, which is an integral component of the treasury of the universal values. In this aspect, great importance is added to the establishment of fruitful scientific and cultural contacts with different countries, especially with neighbouring states. Good future for beneficial exchange of practice and development of cooperation in tourism are opening for Turkmenistan and Iran as unique historical, architectural and cultural places of our countries attract the attention of scientists and tourists from all over the world. During his trip to “Ancient Merv” State Historical and Cultural Reserve, high-rank guest visited architectural monuments and Muslim sanctuaries indicating the past grandeur of this region and ancient contacts of our people. After the visit to the reserve, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani went to Mary International Airport and left Turkmenistan.