SAMARKAND: The Mayor of Ashgabat, Rahym Gandymov, represented Turkmenistan at the First International Forum of Sister Cities held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where delegates from nearly 30 countries gathered to strengthen global cooperation on sustainable urban development and modern city governance.The high-level forum brought together government officials, municipal leaders, international organizations and urban development experts to discuss key issues including digital transformation, smart city solutions, transport and engineering infrastructure, and the exchange of best practices in municipal management.
Addressing the forum, Mayor Rahym Gandymov underscored the growing role of city-to-city partnerships in fostering international cooperation. He highlighted the importance of joint initiatives, digital innovation, infrastructure development, and creating more sustainable and livable urban environments for citizens.The mayor also emphasized the continued strengthening of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, founded on the principles of friendship, good-neighborliness and mutual respect.
He praised the successful sister-city relationship between Ashgabat and Tashkent, noting its contribution to expanding cultural, humanitarian and municipal cooperation.On the sidelines of the forum, Ashgabat presented a special exhibition marking the 145th anniversary of the Turkmen capital, showcasing its achievements in modern urban planning, innovative architecture, landscaping, environmental sustainability and smart city development.
Concluding the event, participants expressed confidence that the First International Forum of Sister Cities would pave the way for stronger international municipal partnerships, deeper collaboration among cities, and the launch of new joint projects aimed at promoting sustainable urban growth worldwide.
