Visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the Hero-Arkadag, to Great Britain

ArmInfo. In the morning, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, arrived at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. There, the Hero-Arkadag was warmly welcomed by Edward Benyon, Deputy Chairman of the Royal Windsor Horse Show Organizing Committee, and Sarah Rutherford-Jones, a Windsor event organization representative.

Following this, the Hero-Arkadag met with King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Warmly greeting the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the King of the United Kingdom emphasized that he was sincerely glad about this meeting.

Charles III fondly recalled his meeting with the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan in March 2015 during the commemorative events at the Çanakkale Memorial Complex in the Republic of Türkiye, stressing that it left pleasant memories in his mind.

The King of the United Kingdom also stated that the National Leader of the Turkmen people is known worldwide as Arkadag, an outstanding political figure who enjoys great prestige, noting that it was a great honor for him to meet a Leader with such high international recognition.

Thanking him for the warm words, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan conveyed greetings and best wishes to King Charles III from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. It was noted that top-level negotiations currently play an important role in the harmonious development of relations between the two countries.

In turn, King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland thanked him for the kind words and asked the Hero-Arkadag to convey his greetings and best wishes to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, noting that he fondly remembers the Turkmen head of state's visit to Great Britain in 2023.

Continuing the conversation, King Charles III stated that Turkmen Ahal-Teke horses are known worldwide, emphasizing that the National Leader’s saying “At – myrat” (A horse is a realized goal) carries a profound meaning.

Furthermore, King Charles III expressed hope that Turkmen Akhal-Teke horses would participate in the international equestrian events to be held in Great Britain next year.

The King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland noted that the participation of O. Atabayeva, Vice-President of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in the current event is perceived as a sign of deep respect for the British people and has become an event of historical significance.

During the conversation, the Hero-Arkadag and King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland exchanged well wishes, addressing prosperity and well-being to both the Turkmen and British peoples.

The Hero-Arkadag also spoke with Sophie Helen, Duchess of Edinburgh and wife of Prince Edward, who emphasized the special reverence shown to horses in Turkmenistan and shared her sincere admiration for these noble creatures. In Great Britain, equestrian traditions are passed down from generation to generation within the royal family, the wife of Prince Edward noted, and proudly stating that significant work is being done to preserve and develop these traditions for descendants, she expressed gratitude to the Hero-Arkadag for his historic contribution to the development and support of horse breeding worldwide.

Following this, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, met with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh.

Welcoming the distinguished guest, Prince Edward emphasized that he was pleased to meet the Hero-Arkadag on British soil.

Thanking him for the warm welcome, the National Leader of the Turkmen people conveyed cordial greetings and good wishes to Prince Edward from President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

In turn, Prince Edward expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the kind words and asked to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to the President of Turkmenistan.

During the conversation, the Hero-Arkadag shared a notable story about how, in 1956, the renowned Turkmen horse breeder Babaly Taymazov presented Queen Elizabeth II with a magnificent golden-dun Ahal-Teke stallion named Melegush.

In the course of the negotiations, Prince Edward also spoke with O. Atabayeva, Vice-President of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who spoke about the scientifically-based application of hippotherapy using Ahal-Teke horses for the rehabilitation of children with disabilities. Prince Edward showed great interest in this practice and emphasized the importance of further bilateral cooperation in this field.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the National Leader of the Turkmen people presented King Charles III of Great Britain, as well as Prince Edward and his spouse, with commemorative gifts on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Turkmen people.

During the meetings held with King Charles III and Prince Edward, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan invited them and members of the royal family to participate in the celebrations marking the wide commemoration of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence this year, as well as the festive events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses. The invitations were accepted with deep gratitude.

Expressing his appreciation to the Hero-Arkadag once again, Prince Edward stated that the negotiations held would open a new chapter in the history of Turkmen-British relations.

In addition, the Hero-Arkadag watched a prestigious equestrian performance taking place on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The Hero-Arkadag also toured an exhibition dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses organized at the venue.

At Windsor Castle, the Hero-Arkadag also met with Elchin Guliyev, Chief of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, who conveyed warm greetings and special gifts to the National Leader of the Turkmen people and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on behalf of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The Hero-Arkadag expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Azerbaijani leader and extended his best wishes in return.

Following this, the National Leader of the Turkmen people watched an equestrian performance by riders from the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Subsequently, the Hero-Arkadag bid farewell to everyone and departed from Windsor Castle.Concluding his visit to Great Britain, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, the Hero-Arkadag, departed for the Motherland.