Turkmenbashi: In a ceremonial event held on August 22, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was honored with the gift of an Akhal-Teke horse by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan. The event, which was also attended by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, featured a performance by Turkmenistan’s ‘Galkynysh’ equestrian group.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the Akhal-Teke horse, named ‘Taus,’ was presented to President Aliyev on behalf of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Turkmen people. The presentation was a gesture symbolizing the friendship and brotherhood shared among Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, a camel was gifted to President Mirziyoyev, further underscoring the bonds between the nations.
During the event, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed his honor in presenting the gift, emphasizing the cultural significance of the horse in Turkmen society. He highlighted the saying among Turkmens that ‘The horse is the support of the people’ and ‘The horse brings happiness,’ reflecting the deep cultural ties and shared heritage among the participating nations.
President Ilham Aliyev, in response, expressed his gratitude for the gift, noting the world-renowned status of the Akhal-Teke horse as a national symbol of Turkmenistan. He underscored the brotherly relations between the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples, drawing parallels between the Akhal-Teke and Karabakh horse breeds as symbols of the nations’ shared heritage. Aliyev also praised the equestrian performance, acknowledging the bravery and skill of the performers.