Policy
Turkmenistan showcased its international achievements in Ahal-Teke horse breeding
07.09.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, addressed an open meeting of the International Ahal-Teke Breeding Association, held in Kronenberg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This was reported by the news agency TDH. At the start of his address, Hero Arkadag conveyed his greetings and best wishes to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, members of his family and the people of the country. He also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Rob Jetten for his support in developing relations of friendship and cooperation with Turkmenistan. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the international significance of the events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses. Kronenberg brought together horse breeders, researchers, specialists and representatives of associations from dozens of countries across Asia, Europe, North and South America. In his speech, he emphasised that the Ahal-Teke horse is an integral part of the history and culture of the Turkmen people. Since gaining independence, Turkmenistan has continued its work to preserve and develop purebred Ahal-Teke breeds, drawing on centuries-old traditions of horse breeding. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised that modern equestrian sports complexes have been established in the country, scientifically based breeding programmes are being developed, DNA testing has been introduced to monitor bloodlines, and an electronic database has been created. The International Ahal-Teke Breeding Association, headquartered in Ashgabat, brings together horse breeders from dozens of countries. Particular mention was made of the inclusion of the art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and the traditions of horse decoration in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In 2012, a decision was taken to hold an annual International Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, timed to coincide with Turkmen Horse Day. The Chair of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of further expanding international cooperation in the field of Ahal-Teke horse breeding. Turkmenistan is ready to participate in international equestrian events, scientific research and other initiatives aimed at developing this sector. The speech also highlighted the international achievements of Turkmen equestrians in 2026. The ‘Galkynyş’ national equestrian troupe received international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association. The troupe performed in Azerbaijan, Turkey and other countries. Turkmen riders took part in competitions in Tashkent and Kazan, where they secured prize places and awards. The Turkmen delegation also participated in equestrian events at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Hero Arkadag noted that hosting the World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest in Kronenberg helps to strengthen international ties and promote the Ahal-Teke breed. In conclusion, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated the participants on the start of the events and expressed his gratitude for the broad international participation in the open meeting of the International Ahal-Teke Breeding Association.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a message of congratulations to the King of Eswatini
07.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated King Mswati III of Eswatini on the Kingdom’s national holiday — Independence Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The Turkmen Head of State wished the King good health and happiness, and the people of Eswatini peace, well-being and prosperity.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Brazil on its Independence Day
07.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the people of Brazil on their national holiday — Independence Day of the Federative Republic of Brazil. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The Turkmen Head of State wished Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva good health and well-being, and the people of Brazil peace, progress and prosperity.
The Hero Arkadag’s visit to the Netherlands has strengthened equine diplomacy
06.09.2026On 5 September, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where the World Equestrian Games and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest are taking place. This was reported by the Orient news agency. As part of the visit, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in an open meeting of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Breeding. The forum and professional competitions organised in Europe highlight the status of the Ahal-Teke breed as a cultural heritage of Turkmenistan. The visit contributes to the expansion of international contacts, the promotion of the Ahal-Teke breed and the development of humanitarian dialogue between Turkmenistan and European countries.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has left on a visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
06.09.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed on 5 September for a visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands to take part in the World Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Championship and equestrian competitions. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the source, Hero Arkadag will take part in events marking the conclusion of the first World Championship for Ahal-Teke horses in beauty, dressage and show jumping. As part of the events, an open meeting of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Breeding is expected to take place. The National Leader of the Turkmen people was welcomed at Ashgabat International Airport by officials of the country.
The Hero Arkadag’s visit to the Netherlands has strengthened equine diplomacy
06.09.2026On 5 September, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where the World Equestrian Games and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest are taking place. This was reported by the Orient news agency. As part of the visit, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in an open meeting of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Breeding. The forum and professional competitions organised in Europe highlight the status of the Ahal-Teke breed as a cultural heritage of Turkmenistan. The visit contributes to the expansion of international contacts, the promotion of the Ahal-Teke breed and the development of humanitarian dialogue between Turkmenistan and European countries.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has left on a visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
06.09.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed on 5 September for a visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands to take part in the World Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Championship and equestrian competitions. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the source, Hero Arkadag will take part in events marking the conclusion of the first World Championship for Ahal-Teke horses in beauty, dressage and show jumping. As part of the events, an open meeting of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Breeding is expected to take place. The National Leader of the Turkmen people was welcomed at Ashgabat International Airport by officials of the country.
Turkmenistan is preparing to mark the 35th anniversary of its independence
06.09.2026On 27 September, Turkmenistan will mark the 35th anniversary of its independence. The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, highlighted the special significance of this date for the country and its people, reports Arzuw.news, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. Over the years since independence, programmes to modernise the economy have been implemented in the country. The energy, transport, communications, agro-industrial and financial-banking sectors are developing. GDP growth stood at 6.3 per cent in the first half of 2026. More than 70 per cent of the state budget is allocated to the social sector. During the reporting period, 309,000 square metres of housing were brought into use. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, highlighted the increase in the country’s export potential and the introduction of digital technologies into the economy. Turkmenistan is a member of the United Nations and maintains a status of permanent neutrality, enshrined in a UN General Assembly resolution in 1995. In 2026, the country holds the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Rashid Meredov held a meeting with an adviser to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands
06.09.2026On 3 September 2026 in The Hague, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashid Meredov, met with Christoffer Jonker, Adviser to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on foreign policy and defence. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Dutch relations, the intensification of political contacts and the expansion of bilateral dialogue, including within the Turkmenistan–European Union framework. During the meeting, views were also exchanged on the international and regional situation. The Turkmen side outlined its approaches, based on the country’s status of permanent neutrality, and emphasised the importance of preventive diplomacy, political dialogue and peaceful means of settlement. Particular attention was paid to economic cooperation, including the involvement of Dutch businesses in projects in Turkmenistan in the fields of shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure, healthcare, innovative technologies and the reduction of methane emissions. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to facilitate visits by the heads of leading Dutch companies to Turkmenistan and to organise their meetings with representatives of the country’s government bodies and business community. The parties also discussed cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They noted the holding of the World Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Championship and the International Equestrian Competition in the province of Limburg. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the conditions created to host these events. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in continuing the dialogue and implementing the initiatives discussed.
Turkmenistan took part in a regional parliamentary conference
05.09.2026From 3 to 4 September 2026, a representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the regional conference ‘Parliamentary Leadership for the Future: An All-of-Society Approach to the Care Economy and Demographic Resilience’, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed ways to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation, improve legislation, and increase youth engagement and participation in public administration. They also discussed gender equality, the empowerment of women, demographic stability, digital technologies and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. In his address, the representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan spoke about state policy in the areas of protecting human rights and freedoms, supporting families and young people, ensuring gender equality and demographic development. It was also noted that measures to develop education and healthcare, digitalise the economy, protect the environment, and promote vocational training and youth employment are being implemented in accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On State Youth Policy’. Following the conference, participants emphasised the importance of further international cooperation in implementing the United Nations 2030 Agenda, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and exchanging experience in the field of demographic and sustainable development.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of patriotism
05.09.2026At the ‘Ruhyýet’ Palace in Arkadag, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, delivered a public lecture to young people. In his speech, Hero Arkadag paid special attention to patriotism, the historical development of the state, and the strengthening of sovereignty, reports the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’ news agency. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised that love for one’s homeland is a key sentiment, the foundations of which are laid in one’s youth. The National Leader of the Turkmen people also noted the approaching 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and highlighted the country’s achievements over the years since independence. According to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Turkmenistan is strengthening its international standing and continues to develop as a consistent and dynamically developing state. He cited the motto ‘The Motherland is the Motherland only with the people! The state is a state only with the people!’ as an important guiding principle.
Hero Arkadag highlighted the role of Ahal-Teke horses in the culture of Turkmenistan
05.09.2026Speaking at a general lesson for young people, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov spoke about the role of Ahal-Teke horses as a symbol of national dignity and a tool of cultural diplomacy, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Hero Arkadag noted that the Ahal-Teke horse is a symbol of the independence, sovereignty and national dignity of the Turkmen people. The international promotion of the breed is facilitated by the activities of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association, the successes of the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group, and the inclusion of the art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and the traditions of horse decoration on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan emphasised that in 2026, under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, a series of major equestrian events will be organised in Turkmenistan and abroad.
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