Ambassador discusses preparations for major upcoming events with the Dutch Deputy Foreign Minister

Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, met in The Hague with Joost Flamand, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands/Director-General for Political Affairs.

The meeting focused on preparations for the World Championship in Equestrian Sport and Beauty for Akhal-Teke Horses, scheduled to take place in September 2026 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the Province of Limburg.

The Ambassador briefed the Dutch side on the ongoing organisational preparations and noted that the upcoming championship would be the first international event of such scale dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses to be held outside Turkmenistan. The event is expected to bring together some of the finest representatives of this unique breed from around the world, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate their outstanding athletic qualities, noble character, grace and exceptional beauty.

It was emphasised that the Netherlands was selected as the host country in recognition of its rich equestrian culture, highly developed equestrian sport, long-standing horse-breeding traditions and internationally recognised expertise in organising major equestrian events.

The upcoming championship is regarded not only as a significant cultural and sporting event, but also as an important platform for strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of Turkmenistan and the Netherlands, expanding cultural and humanitarian ties, and further promoting the Akhal-Teke breed internationally.

The talks also covered the organisation of high-level events within the framework of the championship. Particular attention was given to prospects for the further development of political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.

The diplomats discussed the possibility of holding a Turkmen-Dutch Business Forum in The Hague with the participation of representatives of government institutions, business communities and leading companies from both countries. It was noted that such a forum would undoubtedly provide additional impetus to bilateral trade and economic cooperation, facilitate the establishment of direct business contacts and contribute to the launch of joint projects in Turkmenistan involving advanced Dutch technologies.

They also exchanged views on prospects for cooperation in water resources management, the introduction of water-saving technologies, climate change adaptation and the development of modern water infrastructure.

The Ambassador also held a separate meeting with Bob Aal, Head of the High-Level Events Unit of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and other protocol officials. The discussions focused on organisational and technical matters related to preparations for the upcoming events and arrangements for visits by high-level delegations.

The Dutch side expressed its readiness to continue constructive engagement on preparations for the forthcoming events and to facilitate the further development of contacts with relevant government agencies, research institutions and business organisations in the Netherlands.

The diplomats agreed to maintain close working contacts and continue coordinating joint efforts aimed at ensuring the successful organisation of the World Championship for Akhal-Teke Horses and further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.