The Embassy of the United Kingdom in Turkmenistan held a ceremonial reception in honor of the birthday of the outstanding Scottish poet Robert Burns. The event was attended by heads of state agencies of Turkmenistan, heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations.
The official part of the evening was opened by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom Steven Conlon and Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Atageldi Shamuradov.
During the welcoming addresses, it was emphasized that constructive cooperation between the countries is dynamically developing in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The parties noted the particular significance of such meetings as an effective instrument of "cultural diplomacy" strengthening ties between peoples.
The atmosphere of the Scottish celebration was conveyed through the classic poetry of Burns and energetic ceilidh dances. The central event of the evening was the presentation of Haggis. The famous dish, to which the poet dedicated one of his best-known odes, celebrating it as a symbol of the Scottish spirit and unity, served as a kind of guide for the guests into the history and traditions of the United Kingdom.
Although Burns Night is officially celebrated worldwide on January 25 (on the birthday of the poet, born in 1759 in the village of Alloway), festive evenings in his honor continue through February.
