The fifth meeting of the International Association ‘Türkmen Alabaý Itleri’ was held in Ashgabat, timed to coincide with the Turkmen Alabay Festival. The forum became a platform for discussing issues related to the promotion, breeding and preservation of this national breed, according to the state news agency TDH.

The event was attended by representatives of relevant departments, scientists, dog breeders, members of the Association and foreign dog breeders.

Particular attention was paid to the role of the Turkmen Alabay as part of the country's cultural heritage, its history, breed characteristics and international cooperation. The prospects of including the tradition of breeding Alabay dogs in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, expanding the exchange of experience and preserving the purity of the breed were discussed.

The forum included an exhibition of decorative and applied arts dedicated to Alabay dogs, as well as an award ceremony for leading dog breeders. Speeches by participants from Russia, China, the United States and Turkey highlighted the global interest in Turkmen Alabay dogs and the importance of preserving national dog breeding traditions.

The honorary titles ‘Türkmenistanyň halk itşynasy’ (‘National dog breeder of Turkmenistan’) and ‘Türkmenistanyň at gazanan itşynasy’ (‘Honored dog breeder of Turkmenistan’) have been established, the ‘Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy’ (‘Turkmen Brave Alabay of the Year’) competition is held, and the magazine ‘Türkmeniň nusgalyk alabaýy’ (‘Turkmen Classic Alabay’) is published.