Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, on Sept. 5 attended an open meeting of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding held in Kronenberg, Netherlands, as part of the World Equestrian Championship and the Akhal-Teke Horse Beauty Competition, according to the Business Turkmenistan representative at the event.
In her opening remarks at the meeting held at the Peelbergen Equestrian Sports Complex, Marian Weltevrede noted that the World Akhal-Teke Horse Beauty Championship and the open meeting of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding were being held in Europe for the first time in history. She also particularly highlighted Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s contribution to the development of Akhal-Teke horses and their recognition internationally.
In his remarks at the meeting, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said the history of the Akhal-Teke horse is inseparably linked to the history of the Turkmen people. He noted that for centuries, Akhal-Teke horses have been a loyal friend, companion and source of pride for the Turkmen people, emphasizing the breed’s special place in national culture and heritage.
During the meeting, speeches were delivered by Emil Roemer, King’s Commissioner for Limburg province; Jan Peter Balkenende, Minister of state and former Prime Minister of the Netherlands; Ioannis Maronitis, president of the Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Associations in Europe and North America and International Action Art; and Blanca de Toledo, president of the Spanish Akhal-Teke Horse Association.
Roemer said holding the international championship in Limburg is in line with traditions associated with equestrian sports being an important part of the province’s social and sporting life. Balkenende noted that horses and equestrian sports play an important role in strengthening relations between peoples and states, emphasizing that the event in the Netherlands creates opportunities for cultural exchange and international cooperation.
Blanca de Toledo spoke about the development of Akhal-Teke horse breeding in Spain, as well as the work of the Spanish association to preserve the breed’s characteristics, expand cooperation between horse owners and breeders, and promote Akhal-Teke horses. She said Turkmenistan and the international community need to work together to preserve and further develop this ancient breed.
As part of the event, the Akhal-Teke Horse Association presented Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with a certificate and prestigious award titled “For a Great Contribution to the Development of Horse Breeding” in recognition of his contribution to preserving the traditions of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and developing the breed worldwide. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude and said the award primarily symbolizes the respect shown to the Turkmen people and Turkmenistan, the homeland of the world-famous Akhal-Teke horses.
At the end of the event, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked the organizers for the award, as well as the leadership of Kronenberg for their hospitality and contribution to the successful organization of the events. The World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke Horse Beauty Competition are being held in Kronenberg from Sept. 4-6.
