Diplomatic Digest: Ashgabat Connects with the World
While Ashgabat is working around the clock to address the complex challenges of establishing a "humanitarian corridor" and evacuating foreign citizens from the Middle East conflict zone, Turkmen diplomatic missions abroad continue to actively work on key foreign policy vectors. The beginning of March was a busy month for Turkmen diplomacy, ranging from strategic debates in Brussels and Beijing to the promotion of national values in academic circles in Bulgaria, Romania, and Central Asian countries.
Beijing: Focusing on Strategic Trust
Ambassador Parakhat Durdyev met with Assistant Foreign Minister of People’s Republic of China Liu Bin in Beijing. The two sides reaffirmed that the two countries' relations are not simply economic, but "ancient friendship and brotherhood." They discussed a schedule of high-level contacts and strengthening ties within international organizations.
Brussels: New Stage of Dialogue with the European Parliament
Ambassador Sapar Palvanov held a briefing for members of the European Parliament in Brussels. The key message was: cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU requires a new, more modern legal framework. Transport connectivity and the climate agenda were discussed. An interparliamentary dialogue with members of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan will begin there on March 5.
Sofia: Horses and European Dialogue
Ambassador Esen Aydogdyev met with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria in Sofia. In addition to discussing the new date for the Intergovernmental Commission meeting, the Bulgarian side was officially invited to the celebration of the National Day of the Turkmen Horse. Bulgaria confirmed its readiness to intensify ties in medicine and tourism.
Educational Bridge: Bucharest, Bishkek, and Astana
Science and youth policy were central topics in the three capitals:
In Bucharest, practical partnerships between agricultural universities of the two countries were discussed. Romanian veterinarians and agronomists will participate in events celebrating the Year of the "Purposeful Winged Horses."
In Bishkek, students at Manas University delved into the history of the Akhal-Teke breed at a special lecture. For Turkmens, the horse is a symbol of identity, and Kyrgyz youth showed keen interest in this topic.
In Astana, Ambassador Batyr Rejepov presented to students President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's new book, "Turkmenistan's Neutrality: A Bright Path to Peace and Trust," and plans for celebrating the 35th anniversary of independence in 2026.
