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An Akhal-Teke Horse Presented to Xi Jinping on Behalf of the President of Turkmenistan
19 Mar. 08:37During the friendly visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the People's Republic of China, several events took place that illustrated the profound bond between the two nations. A significant highlight was the informal walk between the Hero-Arkadag and President Xi Jinping, which served as a clear demonstration of the high-level trust and mutual understanding that define the relationship between Ashgabat and Beijing.
Following the walk, a formal gift exchange ceremony was held, during which an exquisite Akhal-Teke horse named Gadyrly was presented to President Xi Jinping on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. According to TDH, the gifting of a "heavenly horse," the pride of the Turkmen people, is a symbol of the highest respect and enduring friendship. This traditional gesture marks a milestone in the diplomatic history of the two countries, reinforcing their comprehensive strategic partnership.
President Xi Jinping accepted the magnificent gift with sincere gratitude, noting that Akhal-Teke horses are held in high esteem in China and have been revered as "heavenly steeds" since ancient times. He emphasized that Turkmenistan is the legendary homeland of these horses and fondly recalled receiving another Akhal-Teke horse named Gahryman 12 years ago. The Chinese leader praised the unique beauty and endurance of the breed, which reflects the strength of the ties between China and Turkmenistan.
Citing Turkmen proverbs such as "A horse is the fulfillment of a goal," President Xi Jinping stated that receiving Gadyrly is a great honor not only for him personally but for the entire Chinese nation. He expressed his belief that such cultural exchanges deepen the soul of the diplomatic relationship. The presentation of the horse symbolizes the dynamic and fast-paced progress of Turkmen-Chinese cooperation, moving toward a bright future with the speed and grace of the legendary Akhal-Teke.
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Ecological Shift: Golden Jackals Pro Projected to Inhabit 75% of the European Continent
Today in 06:53Once restricted mainly to the Balkans and the Black Sea coastal regions, golden jackals are rapidly expanding their footprint across Europe. According to a landmark study by an international research team published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, these adaptable predators could eventually inhabit up to 75% of the European continent—nearly a sixfold expansion from their historical range. Scientists arrived at these conclusions after monitoring nearly 9,000 sampling sites across multiple European nations.
Recent sightings and acoustic tracking confirm that jackals have established populations in the Czech Republic, the Baltic region, and even Scandinavia. The species thrives in areas with mild winters, mixed agricultural landscapes, and proximity to water sources. Regional climate warming has transformed previously uninhabitable northern areas into suitable habitats, while farming landscapes offer abundant food sources and coverage.
Biologists attribute this unprecedented expansion primarily to the historical decline of wolf populations, which naturally suppress jackal numbers and limit their movement. Smaller than wolves but slightly larger than foxes, jackals feed on small rodents, carrion, plants, and fruits. Their high ecological adaptability allows them to settle efficiently into newly colonized territories without human interference.
However, their entry into Western and Southern Europe, including countries like France and Spain, poses potential ecological consequences. Environmentalists warn that the arrival of jackals could disrupt local ecosystems and threaten endangered ground-nesting steppe birds and smaller wildlife across the Iberian Peninsula.
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