National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during a goodwill visit to China, presented an Akhal-Teke horse named Gadyrly to President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping on behalf of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan’s official media reported Wednesday.
Xi accepted the gift with gratitude, noting that Akhal-Teke horses are highly respected in China. The Chinese leader emphasized that Turkmenistan is the homeland of the renowned Akhal-Teke breed and recalled that he was presented with another horse, named Gahryman, 12 years ago.
He also cited traditional Turkmen sayings about the significance of horses, stressing that the gift of a horse named Gadyrly on behalf of the Turkmen president is a great honor not only for himself, but also for the Chinese people, and expressed his appreciation again.
According to the report, a horse is traditionally regarded as one of the most valuable diplomatic gifts.
Berdimuhamedov also conveyed an invitation from Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Xi to visit Turkmenistan at a convenient time.
