Chairperson of the Council of the Federation of the Federal Assembly of Russia, Valentina Matviyenko, addressed a message to the President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, expressing her gratitude for the invitation to attend the opening ceremony of the Ashgabat–2017 Games, and conferment of the title of the Honorary Citizen of the city of Ashgabat. “Accept my heartfelt appreciation of the opportunity to meet with you during the visit to Turkmenistan of the delegation of the Council of the Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on 16-18 September 2017, and to attend the opening ceremony of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. Unforgettable days when we were accorded cordial hospitality in sunny Turkmenistan will remain in our hearts forever. Members of the delegation of the Council of the Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation witnessed the titanic work that has been carried out since Turkmenistan won the right to host the 5th Asian Games. Since my visit to your hospitable country in December 2015, the image of the white-marbled capital has changed even more and dazzled us with amazing architecture and uniqueness. 5th Asian Games, the opening ceremony of which we had the privilege to attend, left an indelible impression. Smooth organization and grandeur of the opening ceremony of the 5th Asiad is comparable to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. In the past seven years you created a unique sports infrastructure that will serve as a basis for hosting competitions of global significance in the future, thus promoting development of national sports in accordance with the National Program for Support and Development of Physical Education and Sports in Turkmenistan for 2011-2020 approved by you. In this I see, primarily, your immediate involvement and personal contribution. I trust that such achievements will inscribe your name in the history of global sports, and Turkmenistan will forever remain the recognized center of the Asian sporting movement. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the great privilege accorded to me in conferment of the title of the Honorary Citizen of the city of Ashgabat. Esteemed Gurbanguly Myalikgulyyevich, I wish you health, well-being and new achievements in your state activity for the benefit of the people of Turkmenistan”, states the message.