Oriented on making people closer

A meaningful and eventful meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Kingdom of Belgium with a group of students from the People's Republic of China who arrived in Brussels as part of a summer educational program. The group of 27 people representing 9 provinces of China, including regions such as Yunnan, Jiangsu, Chongqing and others, consisted of high school and first-year students from leading Chinese educational institutions. Among them were students from prestigious schools and universities such as New Oriental School, Baoshan First Middle School, Bashu School in Chongqing, Sichuan University of Foreign Studies, Hebei University, Beijing Jiaotong University and others.

Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium and the European Union Sapar Palvanov warmly welcomed the young guests. The conversation took place in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The Ambassador introduced the students to the fundamentals of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, emphasizing the central role of permanent neutrality, recognized by the UN in 1995. Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan’s current initiatives, including the hosting of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Avaza, as well as the significance of 2025, declared the International Year of Peace and Trust.

The Ambassador spoke about Turkmenistan's peacekeeping role in the region, efforts to promote transport diplomacy, and the country's strategic importance as a link between the East and the West. The current vectors of partnership with the European Union and the dynamics of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and China, which continue to strengthen in all areas - from transport to education, were also highlighted.

Ambassador Palvanov also reminded the students of the important role of Turkmenistan in the history of the Great Silk Road. He said that caravan routes connecting China and Europe passed through cities such as Merv, Amul, Sarakhs, Dehistan, and others. Today, Turkmenistan continues to fulfill this historical mission, acting as a reliable transit hub in Eurasia. This continuity, the Ambassador emphasized, formed the basis of the country's modern transport diplomacy strategy.

The presentation of the cultural and historical heritage of Turkmenistan aroused great interest among the students. National products, traditional jewelry, embroidery, and elements of national clothing were presented. The Ambassador spoke about the meaning and features of each item, which allowed the young guests to get a deeper understanding of the Turkmen cultural code.

Particularly warm emotions were aroused by the presentation of a traditional Turkmen skullcap-takhya to each student as a sign of friendship. The students enthusiastically took pictures both inside and outside the Embassy building, posing for selfies with interest, which testified to their keen interest and admiration for Turkmen hospitality and culture. The guests were also offered national sweets, which added warmth and comfort to the atmosphere of the meeting.

The conversation with the students was lively - numerous questions were asked about diplomacy, international relations, history and modern life in Turkmenistan. The event was a great opportunity for young Chinese representatives not only to gain valuable knowledge about Turkmenistan, but also to experience the atmosphere of public diplomacy.

ORIENT

Photo: courtesy of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium