One of the priorities of the state policy of Turkmenistan, consistently implemented by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is the preservation and popularization of the historical and cultural national heritage in the world. An important aspect of the large-scale work carried out in this area is the development of the selection of Turkmen alabay and an increase in the number of this unique breed. On May 2020, the International Association Turkmen Alabay dogs was established, the main goal of which is to continue the best traditions of the national school of dog breeding, using methods of folk selection and modern scientific achievements to improve the most valuable qualities that distinguish Turkmen Alabay from many other breeds of dogs. On August 31, 2020, in Ashgabat, the constituent meeting of the International Association Turkmen Alabay dogs was held online in Ashgabat, in which I took part on behalf of the Cynological Federation of Georgia. I would like to thank again for the opportunity given to me to take part in this event and to congratulate Turkmenistan on the establishment of the association. The agenda included issues of reorganization of the “Association of Turkmen Alabay”, and the creation on its basis of the International Association Turkmen Alabay dogs. Also, within the framework of the event, the draft Charter of this Association was discussed and approved, its foreign members were elected, as well as members of the Executive Committee, the Control and Auditing Commission and the management team. On October 16, 2020, an international briefing was organized on the activities of the International Ahalteke Horses Association and the International Association Turkmen Alabay dogs. This briefing provided an opportunity to consider the key areas of work of these important struc tures, which unite not only specialists and lovers of the world of horse breeding and cynology, but also the international community, which made sure that cultural values unite the peoples of the world and strengthen humanitarian dialogue between countries. We know what a significant place the Alabai occupies in the life of the Turkmen people and what great attention President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov pays to the preservation of national traditions of dog breeding as part of the rich cultural heritage, the preservation and enhancement of the legendary Turkmen alabay breed, its popularization in the world. The President’s book “Turkmen alabay”, which summarizes many years of research, reflections, historical and literary information about the origin of this ancient breed, which has become widespread in the world, tells about the significant role of the Alabay in the life and fate of the Turkmen people. As stated in the book of the President of Turkmenistan “Alabay dog is our national pride. Alabay is an integral part of the life of Motherland. It is a national treasure created by our ancestors. It is our duty to preserve it and hand it down to our future generations. In Turkmenistan a dog and a horse considered to be the best gifts. They are appreciated more than money and other things. In some cases, they are considered to be a symbol of great respect and friendly relations. Turkmen people have distinctive peculiarities of taking care Ahalteke horses, alabays, camels and other thoroughbred animals. And thanks to
this pecularities, our national values having no analogues in the world have been created. I am pleased to note that the Alabay breed is very popular in Georgia and, along with the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, is one of the most popular service and working breeds. I hope with the help of the created Association in Georgia there will be an opportunity to breed purebred Alabay, we will be able to actively cooperate with our Turkmen colleagues and Turkmen dog handlers and breeders will be able to participate, representing the Association and Turkmenistan in international shows, exhibitions-fairs, specialized forums, shows, competitions. I am glad to have been given the opportunity to become a member of the association and look forward to our further fruitful cooperation. I am deeply convinced that the activities of the International Association Turkmen Alabay dogs will contribute to the further spread of this unique breed throughout the world.