A lecture entitled ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ was held at the University of Leuven in Belgium, featuring Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, blogger and polyglot Yuji Beleza, and Central Asia researcher Derya Soysal. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission.

The Ambassador of Turkmenistan spoke about the country’s development since gaining independence in 1991, emphasising its commitment to neutrality, equality and mutual respect in international relations. He noted the importance of national identity and the Turkmen language as the foundation of cultural unity and the preservation of historical memory. The motto and theme of the lecture symbolise the country’s strength and determination through the image of the Ahal-Teke horse.

The students watched a video presentation on Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage, natural resources and achievements. Yuji Beleza shared his experience of language learning and the importance of intercultural communication, whilst Derya Soysal highlighted Central Asia’s growing role on the world stage and the importance of academic dialogue.

The lecture took an interactive form with a lively discussion, after which participants sampled traditional Turkmen dishes. The event was noted as a platform for exchanging ideas, fostering an interest in culture and forging future links between Turkmenistan and European youth.