Ambassador to Belgium talks about public diplomacy strategies at a meeting with European students
On 26 March 2024, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels opened its doors to students/undergraduates and teaching staff from the University of Lille (French public research university based in Lille, Hauts-de-France), emphasizing the desire of the diplomatic mission to strengthen its efforts in the field of public diplomacy.
Ambassador Sapar Palvanov held a detailed briefing for the guests, focusing on Turkmenistan’s priorities, as well as the country’s methods of combining traditional and innovative diplomatic practices to promote its rich cultural heritage and progressive policies to a wide European audience.
The head of the Turkmen diplomatic mission discussed the active interaction of the embassy on media platforms and its openness to cooperation with various European media. As the envoy explained, this approach is part of a broader effort to involve the media in the embassy’s activities, from political to cultural events, which contributes to increased transparency and a deeper understanding of Turkmenistan’s public values and priorities.
One of the key strategies highlighted by Palvanov is the accreditation system for media platforms in Turkmenistan, which allows for comprehensive coverage of state events, improving the country’s international image. Moreover, the Ambassador mentioned the publication of books, including the recent work of the President of Turkmenistan on the historical city of Anau – the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024 – demonstrating the country’s use of literature as a bridge linking cultures and promoting international friendship.
The Ambassador highlighted the nationwide celebration of the 300th anniversary of the great Turkmen poet and philosopher, Magtymguly Fragi, as a key initiative. The briefing showcased videos featuring cultural exhibitions, events and a poetry challenge organized by the Turkmen Embassy in Brussels. These visuals served as illustrations of the Embassy’s innovative approach to cultural diplomacy, aiming to captivate a global audience.
The briefing also touched upon Turkmenistan’s interaction with the European Union, highlighting the active dialogue with EU institutions. As the Turkmen diplomat noted, such interactions are crucial for promoting mutual understanding and cooperation on a wide range of issues, from enriching cultural dialogue to harmonizing political strategies. The recent successful visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov to Brussels and his meetings with representatives of the EU and Belgium were also mentioned.
The Ambassador’s briefing showcased Turkmenistan’s multifaceted approach to public diplomacy and its efforts to build strong relations with the European community.
The event culminated in a fun and engaging interactive quiz, allowing students to test their knowledge of Turkmenistan’s culture and traditions. This provided a unique opportunity for friendly competition and further solidified the positive engagement with the audience.///nCa, 27 March 2024 (in cooperation with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium)