Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Jan. 11 / Trend, H. Hasanov /
Turkmenistan is preparing celebrations for Novruz, which is recognized as an international festival and is traditionally celebrated on March 21, the Turkmen government said.
"This year Turkmenistan will be hosting guests during Novruz", the government stated. Holiday celebrations conducted by regional leaders were hosted by Tajikistan in 2012 and Iran in 2011.
The festival acquired international status in 2010. The resolution on Novruz's international status was adopted at the 64th session of the UN General Assembly via an initiative of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran and the Central Asian states.
Novruz is celebrated as a holiday that strengthens peaceful relations between states and promotes the historical and cultural traditions spanning from Central Asia to the Balkans and the Middle East.
President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said at a recent government meeting in Ashgabat that "This holiday has gained international status in modern times and represents the highest principles of peace, humanity and hard work and is a symbol of friendship and good will".
According to him, expansion of fruitful relations with neighboring countries and peoples united by historical ties of friendship and good neighborliness with Turkmens is one of the key vectors of Turkmen foreign policy.