On the final day of his visit to the People’s Republic of China, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the international equestrian complex “Equuleus” in Beijing.
During the visit, the National Leader was introduced to the complex’s infrastructure. Chinese specialists demonstrated techniques for training sport horses and organizing competitions, with particular emphasis on the breeding of Akhal-Teke horses.
Representatives of the complex highlighted that their work with the breed in China combines traditional Turkmen methods with modern horse-rearing practices, ensuring the preservation of the line’s purity.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also toured a thematic exhibition of artworks and met with members of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding.
In the course of the conversation, he recalled the deep historical ties between the two countries, symbolized by the legendary “heavenly horses.”
The National Leader announced that, during the current visit and on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, an Akhal-Teke stallion named Gadyrly had been presented as a gift to the Chinese side.
This gesture continues a cherished tradition: twelve years earlier, a purebred Akhal-Teke horse was also gifted to Chinese President Xi Jinping, becoming a symbol of the strengthening bilateral relations.
In his remarks, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov spoke about the development of horse breeding in Turkmenistan. He mentioned the new city of Arkadag, home to the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annayev and a state-of-the-art equestrian sports complex.
He extended an invitation to Chinese colleagues and horse enthusiasts to visit Turkmenistan in April for the National Turkmen Horse Day celebrations. Additionally, he noted that a scientific-practical conference, organized as part of the holiday, will take place in September to coincide with Turkmenistan’s Independence Day. During the conference, interested participants will have the opportunity to join the International Association, he added.
Following the visit to the complex, the National Leader of the Turkmen people proceeded to Beijing Capital International Airport (Shoudu), from where he departed for Ashgabat./// nCa, 20 March 2026