Yesterday was the third day of the state visit of President of the Republic of India Ram Nath Kovind to Turkmenistan.

On the day before at the Turkmen capital, the talks of heads of states on development of bilateral relations as well as discussion of regional and international issues of mutual interest were held with great success.

…today, in the morning the motorcade of President of the Republic of India Ram Nath Kovind headed towards the memorial complex «Halk hakydasy», located in the south-west part of the capital, which serves a great symbol of deep respect for brave heroes and the glorious past of Turkmen people.

Here, a flower-laying ceremony at the monuments, which immortalize the memories of brave defenders of the fatherland, who gave their lives for the freedom of people and demonstrated an example of unique courage, steadfastness and courage in the fieriest battles, took place.

Further, the motorcade of the high guest headed towards the sports complex «Bagtyýarlyk», where flowers were laid to the monument to Mahatma Gandhi, one of the illustrious political leaders of India.

As known, the monument to the thinker, advocate of peace, enlightener and fighter for independence of India was opened with participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official visit to Turkmenistan in July 2015.

Appearance of the monument to the world famous spiritual leader of the Indian people in Ashgabat Mahatma Gandhi is symbolic as both Turkmenistan and India act as advocates of peace and sustainable development on the planet.

Here, at the square the President of India planted a young sapling as a symbol of friendship between two countries and peoples.

Further, the head of India visited the Centre for yoga located in the sports complex «Bagtyyarlyk», where elements of this teaching were displayed for guests.

Yoga is the oldest spiritual practice in Indian culture. It is considered that one can prevent various chronic ailments and others upon regular practice of yoga. It improves the human health and organism.

It should be noted that Turkmenistan supported the initiative of India on declaration of International Day of Yoga, which is annually marked on June 21 since 2015.

Further, the motorcade of the President of the Republic of India took a direction towards the Institute of International Relations of the MFA of Turkmenistan where the meeting with the teaching staff and students of the higher educational establishment took place.

Among partners of the Institute of International Relations are Moscow State Institute of International Relations of MFA of Russia, Foreign Service Institute of MEA of India, Institute of Political and International Studies of MFA of Iran, Romanian Diplomatic Institute, National Foreign Service Institute of the foreign affairs department of Arginine and many others.

The institute cooperates actively with representations of authoritative international organizations located in Turkmenistan.

In the foyer of the main building of the Institute, the President of the Republic of India familiarized himself with exhibits of the exhibition of decorative and applied art. Students of the Turkmen national conservatoire named after Maya Kuliyeva performed the song and musical compositions.

Within the framework of his meeting, the high guest took part in the opening ceremony of the “Corner of India” in the higher educational institute, which demonstrated another bright example of bilateral cooperation of the two countries in different areas, including the education sphere.

A special emphasis was made on topicality of intensification of fruitful partnership of the two countries in regional and global dimensions and development of optimal forms of interaction.

It was noted that today’s opening of the “Corner of India” in one of the prestigious higher educational establishments of the country will serve a basis for promotion of the historical and cultural as well as spiritual heritage of Indian people in Turkmenistan. Its visitors can familiarize themselves with modern India, its national holidays, traditions and others.

The “Corner of India” is fully equipped with necessary information resources, including audio and video materials. Here one can also see Indian national instruments, a mini library, including books published in various languages, works of classic and fiction literature, periodicals, photo albums of history of the country.

President Ram Nath Kovind noting the significance of today’s event in strengthening friendship between two peoples, expressed his acknowledgment to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for his attention to preservation and development of traditions of spiritual intercommunication and creation of conditions for expansion of multilateral humanitarian relations between our countries.

As was marked, one of the inseparable part of bilateral relations is humanitarian relations. A special emphasis was made on the deepening of cooperation in the sphere of education and development of direct contacts between the leading higher educational establishments of Turkmenistan and India, in particular, through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and scholarships offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to develop the potential and human resources.

At the end of the meeting, they expressed confidence in further deepening of bilateral relations and realization of the great potential of interaction in the education and scientific spheres.

…in the second half of the day, the high guest visited the International Akhal-Teke equestrian sports complex located in the picturesque piedmont of the Kopetdag.

It is not without reason that the visit to the largest equestrian sports complex was included in the program of his visit. Akhal-Teke horses, which have brought world popularity through ages and millenniums, today remain the invaluable heritage of the nation.

The high Indian guest is invited to pass to a special place to see the best representatives of this elite pedigree.

One after another, wonderful Akhal-teke horses are brought out to the arena and in-detail information of every horse, its family tree, features, distinctions and achievements is provided. Fine stature, light tread, gracious movements, and amazing conformation of the best representatives of the breed, inspiring beauty of horses leave no one indifferent.

Horses demonstrated their external data and skill kingly by their bewitching unique lines and proportions. Though each of us has his own idea of beauty, in relation to Akhal-teke horses, one can hardly find a man who will not be amazed with excitement from their mysterious attraction and charm. No doubt that the purebred Akhal-Teke horses are a real treasure, masterpiece developed by efforts of the best horse breeders…

During the conversation, the President of India got interested in the equipment of the complex, conditions for keeping horses and various aspects of work carried out there.

Further, national equestrian games group “Galkynysh”, which is famous for its stunning victories in the international circus festivals and prestigious international competitions, demonstrated its skill of trick riding for the high guest.

The program of the spectacular show included dances of horses to the national melody, daredevil equestrians rushing at full gallop, who once again displayed their unmatched skill.

Having highly appreciated the beauty and graciousness of elite horses of the legendary pedigree as well as the skill of trick riding demonstrated by Turkmen equestrians, President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his sincere admiration for all seen. He expressed his thanks to Turkmen riders who today worthily continue traditions of their glorious ancestors.

Further, the motorcade of the President of the Republic of India took a direction towards the National Music and Drama Theatre named after Magtymguly where a concert with participation of workers of art took place.

The dramatized literary and musical composition «Dost-doganlyk ýollary» served an overture to the ceremony. Spectators welcomed the performance of actors who performed folk pieces as well as modern variety songs and stirring dances with great inspiration.

The song and chorographic composition to the tune of Indian folk music and modern composers and joint performance of dance groups «Näzli», «Ashgabat», «Meňli» served a wonderful surprise for our guests.

The ancient dance kushtdepdi –colourful example of folk creation performed by the ensemble «Miras» of the Turkmen State Institute of Culture became an apotheosis of the concert.

The song «Parahatlyk aýdymy», which brought all participants of the solemn event to the stage, became a hymn of unbreakable friendship of peoples.

Upon completion of the concert, the head of the Republic of India headed towards his designated residence located in the hotel «Ýyldyz».

The state visit of President of the Republic of India Ram Nath Kovind to Turkmenistan continues.

On April 4, upon completion of the program of his visit, the high guest leaves Turkmenistan.