Bridging Cultures: Turkmenistan’s Embassy in Belgium Hosts Leuven Students for Cultural Dialogue

The Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Kingdom of Belgium hosted a cultural and educational event dedicated to strengthening international cultural and humanitarian dialogue. The event welcomed students from KU Leuven, including members of the university’s “KULTUR” association.

The main objective of the gathering was to deepen European youth’s understanding of Turkmenistan's history, culture, philosophical heritage, and national art pieces displayed throughout the Embassy’s halls. The event followed the recent Peace and Neutrality Conference held at KU Leuven, where the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, had delivered a keynote address.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from the Ambassador, who expressed appreciation for the student community’s initiative and active engagement in discussing key issues of today’s international agenda. He emphasized the vital role of youth in promoting peace, mutual respect, and dialogue. The Ambassador also outlined Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, rooted in principles of peace and good-neighborliness, reminding the audience that 2025 has been declared the International Year of Peace and Trust upon Turkmenistan’s initiative.

His address offered a sincere insight into diplomatic service and the importance of authentic human connections within the Brussels community. He highlighted creativity, sincerity, and passion as the foundations of successful public diplomacy and shared personal reflections on his own student years in Ashgabat, inspiring the audience to believe in the transformative power of aspiration and education.

A special highlight of the event was the presentation by Ms. Derya Soysal, a partner of the Embassy and an accredited journalist with Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who had recently returned from a working visit to Ashgabat. With heartfelt admiration, she shared vivid impressions of her visit, praising the country’s hospitality, urban cleanliness, architectural beauty, spiritual culture, and remarkable pace of development. She described Turkmenistan as a source of deep respect and inspiration—an exemplary fusion of rich historical heritage and modernity.

Ms. Soysal also introduced the legacy of the great Turkmen thinker and poet Magtymguly Pyragy, highlighting the visionary nature of his ideas and the universal relevance of his messages. She portrayed Magtymguly as a seer whose legacy remains deeply meaningful today, particularly in the context of environmental awareness and love for one’s homeland. Attendees were captivated by the story of how his poetry became a cultural treasure of the entire Turkic world.

Following the speeches, participants were invited to explore Turkmen culture through a display of traditional decorative and applied arts exhibited in the Embassy. The event concluded with a reception featuring traditional Turkmen cuisine, including the rich and aromatic national dish "palov", which left a lasting impression on the guests.

This event once again underscored the Embassy of Turkmenistan’s openness to international cultural engagement and its commitment to building lasting friendships with Europe’s younger generation.