High-Level International Conference Held in the City of Arkadag
14 September 2026
High-Level International Conference Held in the City of Arkadag

On September 13, the high-level international conference titled "Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – the Land of Swift-Paced Akhal-Teke Horses: A Realm of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation" took place at the "Ruhyýet" Palace in the new city, built on the initiative and through the efforts of Hero-Arkadag.

Members of the Government, heads of ministries and departments, heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in our country, as well as representatives of public organizations, political parties, revered elders, silver-haired mothers, and numerous youth took part in this historically significant event.

Prior to the start of the forum, attendees toured an extensive exhibition displayed in the foyer of the Palace. The exposition featured works dedicated to the historical and modern achievements of the Turkmen people, as well as the harmonious development of the Motherland confidently progressing toward new frontiers. Valuable decorative and applied art exhibits left an unforgettable impression on the attendees, with horse harnesses and traditional adornments taking a special place among them.

The high-level international conference was then officially opened.

The new poem "Pride of Turkmens" by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who treats Akhal-Teke horses with deep reverence, made a special impression on the participants. Videos illustrating the Motherland’s achievements in culture and art, as well as specialized cooperation with foreign states, were shown on the magnificent stage of the "Ruhyýet" Palace, adding vivid moments to the forum's cultural program.

The high-level international conference continued with an inspiring song performance by Hero of Turkmenistan Annajemal Nurmukhammedova. Noting the successful development of our country's international ties, she emphasized that everything necessary is being done to fittingly present Turkmen art and culture on the world stage. Furthermore, the large-scale goals of Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar aimed at a great future are marked by great success, fostering inter-cultural interaction and a broad presentation of the Motherland's achievements.

Next, Hero of Turkmenistan and instructor at the State Academy of Arts Saragt Babayev delivered a speech, emphasizing that the educational process at the Academy is conducted on a comprehensive basis.

The sculptor, widely known both within our country and beyond its borders, noted the great importance attached by the Turkmen State to the development of fine arts. This support, as in other spheres, creates favorable conditions for forming a new generation of master sculptors, serving as further evidence of national art's orientation toward a great future and its worthy continuation.

Among the youth, many show interest in sculpture as a form of visual art. Thanks to Arkadagly Hero Serdar, who successfully and consistently implements the large-scale undertakings of Hero-Arkadag, support and assistance are provided at the state level to student youth in their professional development. S. Babayev noted that it is gratifying to see an increasing number of young people striving to create artistic depictions of Akhal-Teke horses.

As a result of consistent measures taken at the initiative of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero-Arkadag, our country has significantly expanded its interaction within the global community and authoritative international structures in recent years. In this context, the Turkmen State is developing constructive cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Hero of Turkmenistan and Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO Chinar Rustamova then spoke, highlighting the successful realization under the leadership of the Head of State of the large-scale initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty, Hero-Arkadag.

It was noted that national values created by ancestors and the hard-working people are gaining international recognition, reflecting exemplary activity carried out in Turkmenistan—a country widely known across the world. Work in this direction actively continues, particularly within major international organizations.

In this regard, it was emphasized that the following have been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: the epic art of "Görogly"; the Turkmen national art of singing and dancing "küştdepdi"; the craft of dutar making, dutar playing musical art, and the art of bakhshi; traditional Turkmen carpet making art; Turkmen national embroidery art; sericulture and traditional production of silk for weaving; telling traditions of Molla Ependi anecdotes; and the art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horse decoration.

Videos featuring legendary Akhal-Teke horses and their unique traits were shown on screen accompanied by a beautiful melody.

Thanks to the President's efforts to preserve the rich historical and spiritual heritage, study it deeply, and promote it worldwide, great attention is paid to the further development of traditions passed down through generations.

Subsequently, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Turkmenistan Stephen Conlon spoke, praising the work carried out in the historical homeland of Akhal-Teke horses, as well as the conditions created for their keep and breeding. It was noted that in many countries of Europe, Asia, and the Americas, special importance is attached to preserving the Akhal-Teke breed, its further improvement, and the participation of these unique horses in major international competitions.

This demonstrates that Akhal-Teke horses hold a worthy place on the world stage and are capable of achieving outstanding sports victories. The guest also emphasized that it was a great honor for him to participate in the event in the historical homeland of Akhal-Teke horses and to address this large-scale international conference.

Throughout Stephen Conlon's speech, video footage was shown on screen from international equestrian events and the trade fair held in Windsor (United Kingdom) with the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag, underscoring the high level of the event organized in this magnificent modern venue.

Furthermore, via video link, horse breeder from France Ms. O. Martinez, recipient of the main prize at the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke Beauty Contest in Kronenberg (Kingdom of the Netherlands), addressed the forum. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar for the opportunities created in Turkmenistan for the development of horse breeding and equestrian sports.

Video materials were shown featuring international horse races in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation) attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag, alongside footage of victorious Turkmen riders, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the conference.

The speech by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Turkmenistan Ms. Alena Grand was dedicated to the unique characteristics of Akhal-Teke horses. The global fame of the Akhal-Teke horses—a national treasure of the Turkmen people presented to the world—continues to grow. All this bears witness to the great state-level attention paid in Turkmenistan to developing horse breeding and supporting national riders in international competitions.

The diplomat noted that thanks to the efforts of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero-Arkadag, modern equestrian complexes designed for hosting large-scale competitions have been built across the country, highlighting that this work clearly confirms the success of measures taken to elevate equestrian sports to a new level.

The speech of the French Ambassador was accompanied by video footage capturing the moment the award was presented to the French horse breeder who won the main prize at the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke Beauty Contest in Kronenberg (Kingdom of the Netherlands) with the participation of Hero-Arkadag.

Special Representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for Central Asia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Kazakhstan Viktor Maiko then spoke.

On behalf of the conference participants, the diplomat expressed sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero-Arkadag for the hospitality extended on Turkmen soil and the high organizational standard of the events.

The guest emphasized that it was a great honor to participate and speak at this international conference. Akhal-Teke horses, bridging different epochs and generations, serve today as a symbol of peaceful relations, fully confirming their high esteem and prestige on the international arena.

The diplomat’s speech was accompanied by video footage capturing award presentations to Ukrainian horse breeders at the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke Beauty Contest in Kronenberg (Kingdom of the Netherlands), as well as videos showcasing the artistic depiction of Akhal-Teke horses in fine, decorative, and applied arts.

The international forum continued with a speech by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to Turkmenistan Şener Cebeci, who stressed that it was a great honor to share pride in the world-renowned Akhal-Teke horses nurtured in their historical homeland, Turkmenistan.

He noted that relations between the two brotherly nations are reaching a new level, with cultural and humanitarian interaction—specifically in equestrian sports—forming the foundation of international partnerships. The diplomat proudly emphasized that Turkmenistan has established exemplary global traditions and accumulated rich expertise in breeding Akhal-Teke horses.

The Turkish diplomat's address was accompanied by video clips of stunt performances by the "Galkynyş" National Equestrian Games Group at the International Ethnosport Festival in Istanbul, adding further depth to the forum.

Next, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan Gismat Gozalov delivered his speech. Concurrently, video footage displayed masterful, complex stunts performed by members of the "Galkynyş" Group during celebrations in Baku, Azerbaijan.

It was noted that relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have expanded across a wide range of areas in recent years, with special emphasis on cultural-humanitarian links and promoting national horse breeding traditions.

In major literary works of significant importance to Turkic-speaking peoples, such as "Kitabi Dede Korkut" and "Görogly", the horse is portrayed as a faithful companion and closest friend throughout a warrior's life journey, testifying to the enduring interest in Akhal-Teke horses throughout centuries of history.

A speech was then presented by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan Ravshanbek Alimov. Highlights of performances by Turkmen horses participating in the "Pearl of the East" international equestrian tournament and beauty contest in Tashkent were screened, confirming the active application of digital technology across all domains in the country.

Special recognition was given to the Motherland's efforts toward preserving cultural heritage. The ongoing work positively impacts the health and physical development of horses, demonstrating the long-term vision and commitment to excellence of the national horse-breeding school.

At the state level, high priority is placed on increasing the population of world-matchless Akhal-Teke horses and maintaining breed purity. Special focus is given to youth, who view these directions as vital, alongside implementing Hero-Arkadag’s initiatives to engage the younger generation in national horse-breeding traditions and develop caretaking skills through international cooperation.

Afterward, L. Annayeva, lecturer at the Department of Equestrian Sports, Tourism, and National Equestrian Games at the Aba Annayev International Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Academy, spoke about deepening students' mastery of course materials. She noted that recent guidance from Hero-Arkadag regarding youth involvement in horse breeding traditions and international skill-sharing inspires young people.

Simultaneously, footage of performances by the "Galkynyş" National Equestrian Games Group was displayed on screen, providing further evidence of the comprehensive approach to organizing this high-level international forum.

During the conference—a continuation of the historically significant events marking the year "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Goal-Oriented Winged Steeds"—an extensive exchange of views took place on the presented initiatives and proposals. All of this reflects global recognition of the Motherland’s efforts toward ensuring peace, security, and sustainable development worldwide.

Participants of the high-level international conference emphasized that due to the efforts of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero-Arkadag, large-scale goals are being achieved in Turkmenistan, assuring their full commitment to fulfilling all designated tasks.

Following the conference, a festive concert took place in the square in front of the "Arkadag" monument in the smart city to mark the successful hosting of the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke Beauty Contest at the "Peelbergen" Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg (Kingdom of the Netherlands).

The arrival of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov along with family members to participate in the festivities added to the status and significance of the event organized in this picturesque setting. This served as a vivid testament to how traditions of intergenerational continuity are maintained and expanded in tune with modern times.

Commending the high level of event organization, the Head of State noted that the country's cultural and art figures make essential contributions to enriching the spiritual life of the Turkmen people, wishing them continued success in advancing national art.

These events foster effective progress across relevant sectors, facilitating the contemporary expression of noble traditions handed down by famous domestic horse breeders. At the state level, paramount importance is attached to refining the art of horse breeding and harmonizing national traditions with advanced global practices, elevating the organizational standard of planned events.

The festivities concluded with a vibrant fireworks display illuminating the evening sky over the city, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of joy. This served as another confirmation that high achievements in the life of our nation are celebrated on a grand scale.

Congratulating those gathered on these notable events and wishing everyone success, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed the location.