As part of his official visit to the Italian Republic, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the opening ceremony of the archaeological exhibition "Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan."

The head of state was warmly welcomed by Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri in the square in front of the Capitoline Museum.

A literary and musical performance by Turkmen cultural and artistic masters took place there.

Following the performance, the floor was given to Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri.

Welcoming the President of Turkmenistan and the ceremony participants, the Mayor noted that an important event was taking place on Capitoline Hill, where Rome's history was shaped for millennia: the opening of the archaeological exhibition "Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan." He emphasized that this large-scale event, which will run until April 2026, serves as a bridge connecting the cultural heritage of Central Asia with the origins of European civilization.

The floor was then given to the President of Turkmenistan.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov warmly congratulated the ceremony participants on the opening of the archaeological exhibition "Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan" in Rome and expressed confidence that the magnificent examples of ancient artifacts discovered at archaeological sites in Turkmenistan and housed in the country's museums would generate great interest.

It was noted that cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Italian Republic is developing fruitfully, with cultural ties occupying a special place. The rich experience and traditions of good neighborliness accumulated in the cultural sphere contribute to the expansion of relations in this area, stimulating interest in the history, culture, and art of the two countries. One effective tool for promoting interstate cooperation in the humanitarian sphere is the holding of cultural events in friendly states. The holding of the archaeological exhibition "Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan" in Rome, Italy, in the year of the widespread celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, is of particular significance, the head of state noted, emphasizing that the clear goals stemming from our country's neutrality policy greatly contribute to strengthening friendly relations between the peoples of the world and further developing cultural cooperation.

The full text of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's speech at the opening of the archaeological exhibition "Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan" can be found at www.mfa.gov.tm

In conclusion, the head of state warmly congratulated the participants of the ceremony on the opening of the archaeological exhibition "Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan," wishing everyone good health and creative success.

Then the President of Turkmenistan ceremoniously opened the exhibition by cutting the symbolic ribbon.

This exhibition is a striking result of the long-standing cooperation between Turkmenistan and Italy in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage protection.

During the ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan and the Capitoline Museum of Cultural Heritage of Italy, and a Memorandum of Understanding between the Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan named after Saparmurat Turkmenbashi the Great and the Capitoline Museum of Cultural Heritage of Italy.