OREANDA-NEWS. November 11, 2011. The Turkmen-Hungarian top level talks in Ashgabat spotlighted the willingness of the two friendly states to promote and enhance full cooperation on a long-term mutually advantageous basis in the bilateral format as well as within the Turkmenistan-European Union dialogue. The talks were held in a very constructive atmosphere, an atmosphere of mutual confidence and understanding and the respect for national interests of the two states as the leaders of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Hungary emphasized in their speeches.

The talks resulted in signing a package of bilateral documents which would facilitate mutually advantageous cooperation. Emphasizing that their countries were committed to the policy of peace and friendship and shared views on many aspects of international relations, the leaders of Turkmenistan and Hungary expressed the willingness to fully use the potential of cooperation within the major international organisations, particularly within the United Nations.

A focus of the lively discussions were the possibilities to effectively collaborate in the fuel and energy, high technology, trade, transport, communications, agricultural, tourism, education, science and cultural sectors, the water, pharmaceutical, chemical and other industries. New incentives to develop were given to contacts between the foreign ministries and the chambers of commerce and industry of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Hungary. Thus, the high level of mutual understanding between the states and their leaders, the readiness to promote full cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples was demonstrated in Ashgabat.

On the second day of the visit President of the Republic of Hungary Pal Schmitt attended the ceremony of opening the Turkmen-Hungarian business forum which was held in the Mizan Business Centre in Ashgabat.

Then the distinguished guest visited the National Turkmen Carpet Museum.

Turkmen carpets have been always estimated highly in Europe as an exotic luxury. The ancient samples are kept nowadays in museums, exhibition halls and art galleries in England, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland and other countries. A Hungarian scientist, linguist Arminiy Vamberi, who travelled in Central Asia in 1863 wrote, “Besides the fascinating purity of colours, strength of the canvases, it is amazing that their creators can follow the symmetry of patterns which are distinguished for a very good taste.”

The President of the Republic of Hungary had an opportunity to make sure of the truth of his prominent compatriot’s statement. President Pal Schmitt could estimate the craftswomen’s workmanship, exquisite taste and artistic talent at their true worth. He expressed admiration for beauty and uniqueness of the museum pieces displayed.

Then the Hungarian leader visited the Gulistan shopping centre were he could see abundant fruits of the generous Turkmen land. Sellers willingly answered the questions of the leader of the friendly country about prices for and quality of vegetables, fruits, melons and gourds, greens. The distinguished guest could not conceal his astonishment at low prices, wide range of products grown by Turkmen farmers. President Pal Schmitt was impressed most of all by hospitality and kind-heartedness of citizens of Ashgabat, their sincerity and cordiality.

Then President Pal Schmitt visited the Altyn Asyr shopping centre where he could see at first hand high quality and wide range of Turkmen textiles. The guest confessed that on that day he had discovered Turkmenistan, its outstanding achievements which illustrated best of all the progress of the country and its reputation as a dynamically developing country in the world.

In the afternoon the Hungarian leader visited the Ahalteke Horse Breeding Complex located at the picturesque foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains.

The age-old traditions of horse breeding are revived nowadays through the tireless efforts of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, a connoisseur and admirer of Ahalteke horses, a skilful horseman. The equestrian sports complexes built in compliance with international standards throughout the country contribute to promoting equestrian sport. Much work is carried out to popularize the Ahalteke breed worldwide. The International Ahalteke Horse Breeding Association was founded on the initiative of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov; the Ahalteke Horse Day is celebrated each year throughout the country, the horse beauty contest is conducted each year on international scale.

The leader of the friendly state showed keen interest in the Ahalteke Complex which has no analogues in the Central Asian region. Highly evaluating beauty and gracefulness of elite horses of the legendary breed and the Turkmen jockeys’ horsemanship, the President of the Republic of Hungary expressed sincere admiration for everything he had seen there.

From the Ahalteke Horse Breeding Complex the cortege of the President of the Republic of Hungary headed to the Ashgabat International Airport. On that day President Pal Schmitt left for Budapest.