“I cordially congratulate you on the beginning of the XX International Universal Exhibition “White City of Ashgabat ”! The annual celebration of the Day of Ashgabat on May 25 has become one of the unforgettable events for the residents of the Turkmen capital. Traditionally, an international exhibition is held in honor of this significant date. I am convinced that it will be of great importance in strengthening international partnership and exchange of experience,” President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov says in his welcoming address.

According to the Turkmen leader, the international forum provides a platform to demonstrate the magnificent look, the unique beauty of white-marble Ashgabat, achievements in economy, science and education, healthcare, communications, culture and other fields.

“This year, we celebrate the 140th anniversary of our beautiful capital, Ashgabat, the city with a glorious historical past, which we highly respect. Reforms initiated in all spheres of the city's life contributed to achieving a modern look of the Turkmen capital.

“We have taken tremendous efforts and invested significant funds in the construction of facilities in our beautiful city that combine in their look a special flavor, historical and cultural values of the nation. Therefore, Ashgabat is indeed a visible embodiment of the love of its residents. Many buildings built in Ashgabat, considered the "pearl" of Asia, have been recognized internationally, which clearly testifies to the growth of its status as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This is confirmed by the inclusion of a number of capital objects in the Guinness Book of Records.

“We are proud of the modern achievements and beauty of our capital. One of the key areas of the urban planning programme, within the framework of which grandiose activities are carried out in our beautiful capital, is the development and optimal improvement of the country's main city through the construction of residential areas with all amenities, objects for various purposes and clusters of road transport infrastructure.

“This year, the motto of which is "Turkmenistan is the Motherland of Peace and Trust", a number of buildings and facilities were opened in the Turkmen capital on occasion of the 30th anniversary of independence. Among them are the Reception Centre of Turkmenistan, the International Congress Centre and the International Reception Centre of Turkmenistan, the State Commercial Bank "Türkmenbaşy", the Joint-Stock Commercial Bank "Senagat", the center of the International Association of Ahalteke Horse Breeding, the International Association "Türkmen alabaý itleri", the complex of the International Association "Türkmen alabaý itleri", as well as a number of other social and cultural facilities.

“Tremendous tasks in the field of development and comprehensive arrangement of the country's main city are set to us. I am convinced that, guided by our main motto "The state for a person!", we will be able to turn white city Ashgabat into the center of prosperity and progress!" the President of Turkmenistan emphasized in his address.

The Turkmen leader wished participants of the XX International Universal Exhibition "White City of Ashgabat" good health, family well-being and great success in their activities.