A CEREMONIAL EVENT MARKS THE DAY OF KNOWLEDGE AND STUDENT YOUTH
On September 1, 2026, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a festive ceremony entitled «Independent and Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – the Land of Noble Aspirations, Moving Forward with the Speed of a Steed», dedicated to the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth and the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. The event took place in an uplifting atmosphere with the participation of the students, and representatives of the national diplomatic service.
The ceremony commenced with the solemn playing of the National Anthem of Turkmenistan. Following the anthem, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs R. O. Meredov read the Congratulatory Address sent by the Esteemed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the country’s school students, youth, and educators. The President’s message underscored the extensive opportunities created for the younger generation to pursue modern education, master their chosen professions, and contribute to the nation’s development.
Congratulatory speeches were also delivered by the Rector of the Institute, Gulshat Yusupova, and Associate Professor of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Chary Nyyazov. They highlighted the state policy pursued by the Esteemed President and Hero Arkadag to foster high-quality education and support young people’s creative and professional development.
During the program, first-year students presented a literary and musical performance, and white doves were released into the sky as a symbol of peace, friendship, and goodwill. Newly admitted students solemnly received their student IDs and a symbolic key to university life. They also took an oath of loyalty to the Motherland before the State Flag of Turkmenistan. The festive event concluded with a commemorative photo session featuring first-year students, distinguished guests, and senior diplomats.
Following the ceremonial first bell, students attended their first lecture of the academic year, dedicated to the theme «Independent and Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – the Land of Noble Aspirations, Moving Forward with the Speed of a Steed», The session focused on Turkmenistan’s achievements during the years of independence, its foreign policy of Neutrality, its global standing, and the key duties resting upon the younger generation.
Aylale GULBERDIYEVA,
the 5th-year student of the Faculty of International Journalism
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan