The XII Conference of the Humanitarian Association of World Turkmens (HAWT) was held in Ashgabat on October 23. The conference brought together representatives of the Turkmen diasporas from 18 states and delegates from all parts of Turkmenistan.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is also president of HAWT, spoke at the conference.

"Turkmens, wherever they live, will never forget their native land, their traditions, and we believe that the Turkmens all over the world are a one big family, the president said. We have inherited from our ancestors such wonderful qualities as openness, friendliness, ability to get along with neighbors and help them in difficult moments of life. We are always ready to lend a hand of friendship to our compatriots living in different countries."

The president expressed confidence that the work of the conference will contribute to the revitalization of the Humanitarian Association of World Turkmens and to the further unity of compatriots.

A ceremony of awarding membership cards to the newly elected members of the association was held as part of the forum. In a festive atmosphere, valuable gifts were also awarded to the winners of the contest "The era of the great Renaissance and the Turkmens of the world", which is traditionally held by HAWT among creative art workers.

The World Turkmens will hold a lot of meetings with youth and public associations of Ashgabat in these days.