On 18 March 2026, Chiba University hosted a round-table discussion to mark the theme of the year: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan and the university’s management, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan.

The discussion was attended by Chiba University President Koutaro Yokote, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Japan A. Bayramov, the Dean of the Graduate Medical University of Japan, Director of the Institute of Medical Research, M.Takashi, Professor of the University of Tokyo, Honorary Professor of the Tokyo Institute of Science and Technology, Chairman of the Turkmen-Japanese Association for Scientific and Technical Cooperation, H.Koinuma, as well as university lecturers.

The participants discussed the significance of the 2026 motto, Turkmenistan’s achievements and the cultural value of Ahal-Teke horses. The country’s work on studying and promoting them on the international stage was highlighted.

In his address, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan outlined the priorities of foreign policy, the state’s youth policy, the initiatives of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as preparations for the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence.

The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in medicine, healthcare and information technology. The Ambassador invited the university’s leadership to visit Turkmenistan and take part in the medical cluster project in Arkadag.

Following the round table, the participants visited the Research Institute of Disaster Medicine and the Inohana Campus, where they were briefed on their activities.