The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels hosted a familiarization meeting with a group of 30 students from Asian countries, most of them from the People's Republic of China. The young people are participants in an educational program that brought them to Brussels to learn about the work of European Union institutions, the basics of European diplomacy, and the operation of diplomatic missions.
The students were received at the embassy by Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium Sapar Palvanov. He spoke about the main areas of the mission's work, which also represents Turkmenistan's interests before EU institutions, as well as about the country's history, current development, and cultural heritage. He also highlighted the key principles of Turkmenistan's foreign policy — permanent neutrality, peacefulness, mutual respect, and good-neighborliness.
The ambassador paid particular attention to Turkmenistan's peacemaking initiatives and its steps to strengthen peace, trust, and sustainable development, as well as to its participation in international cooperation. It was noted that Turkmenistan addresses current global issues through political and diplomatic means and develops constructive relations with all interested states and organizations.
The students learned about the achievements of independent and permanently neutral Turkmenistan, which in 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of its state independence, and about this year's motto — «Independent Neutral Turkmenistan — the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses». The ambassador spoke in detail about the significance of Akhal-Teke horses in the history and culture of the Turkmen people as a national pride and a symbol of beauty, devotion, speed, and the continuity of generations. The guests were briefed on preparations for major international equestrian and cultural events planned for September 2026 in the Netherlands, which will showcase Akhal-Teke horse breeding, national traditions, and the contemporary culture of Turkmenistan.
Part of the conversation focused on Turkmenistan's state policy on public welfare, social protection, and improving living standards. The students were told about the role of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan as a socio-political institution whose sessions address issues of national development. It was noted that the next session of the Halk Maslahaty is planned for September this year and will be a significant event in the country's socio-political life, demonstrating commitment to the principles of unity between the state and the people, social justice, and sustainable development.
After the presentation, the ambassador held a quiz based on the meeting's content, with questions on Turkmenistan's history, foreign policy, culture, and national traditions. The most attentive participants received souvenirs, with a traditional Turkmen carpet as the main prize. The meeting continued in an informal exchange: students asked about the work of diplomats, the development of Turkmenistan-European Union relations, and the country's international initiatives, culture, and traditions, and shared their impressions of their stay in Brussels and their professional plans.
Such meetings are gradually becoming a good tradition for the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels: the mission regularly hosts young people who, as part of educational programs, learn about Europe, the work of European Union institutions, and the practical operation of diplomatic missions. These events help broaden the younger generation's knowledge of Turkmenistan, strengthen intercultural dialogue, promote youth diplomacy, and build new connections among future specialists in international relations.
