Arrival at Incheon Airport the Night Before Amid Special Attention
"Meaning of 'Eternal Friendship' Between the Two Countries"
On the 19th, the Alabai, the national dog of Turkmenistan, was handed over to our government. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the former President of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the People's Council as well as the country's supreme leader, gifted two Alabai dogs to President Yoon and his wife during their state visit on the 11th.
The two Alabai puppies, about 40 days old upon arrival in Korea, are named after their breed and local names: "Alabai" (female) and "Garabashy" (male).
[Image source=Yonhap News]
Two Alabai dogs, the national dog breed of Turkmenistan, gifted to President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife during their Central Asia tour, have arrived in South Korea.
The Presidential Office announced on the 19th that the two Alabai dogs, a female and a male, gifted by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the Supreme Leader of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the People's Council, and his wife during President Yoon's recent Central Asia tour, arrived at Incheon Airport around 9 p.m. the previous night.
The Alabai breed was presented by President Berdimuhamedow during President Yoon's state visit, expressing that he was impressed by the Yoon couple's love for animals. The Presidential Office stated that the breed symbolizes the friendship between the two countries.
Female and Male Dogs Arrive with Local Professional Breeder
The two approximately 40-day-old Alabai puppies that arrived in Korea are named after their breed: the female is called ‘Alabai’ and the male ‘Garabash.’ ‘Alabai’ means ‘mixed colors,’ and ‘Garabash’ means ‘black head.’
The Alabai dogs arrived at Incheon Airport on the night of the 18th aboard a Turkmenistan cargo plane, accompanied by a professional breeder from Turkmenistan. Thanks to the Turkmenistan government's consideration, the local breeder will stay in Seoul for about a week to share knowledge about the Alabai’s habits and breeding methods with Korean breeders.
After arriving at Incheon Airport, quarantine officers and veterinarians from the Quarantine Headquarters conducted document inspections, clinical examinations, and implanted microchips with registration numbers for the puppies. The Quarantine Headquarters paid close attention to the health of the young Alabai dogs, who had undergone a long-distance flight, preparing emergency response measures if necessary.
On the 18th, the Alabai, the national dog of Turkmenistan, arrived at Incheon International Airport and underwent quarantine procedures. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the former president of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the People's Council as well as the country's supreme leader, gifted two Alabai dogs to President Yoon and his spouse during their state visit on the 11th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]
That afternoon, the Alabai dogs were officially handed over to Korean government officials at the Turkmen Embassy in Korea and then moved to the presidential residence. The Alabai will live at the presidential residence alongside the existing 11 pets (6 dogs and 5 cats).
However, following suggestions from the local breeder and others, the Alabai will spend a certain period separated from other animals and will adapt to life at the residence under the care of the assigned breeder and veterinarian. A Presidential Office official said, "The Alabai arrived in Korea under the special attention of both governments. Since President Yoon and First Lady Kim Geon-hee have consistently conveyed messages about animal life and love for animals, we will do our best to ensure the Alabai live healthy and happy lives."
A Breed Cherished by Turkmenistan’s Supreme Leader
President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee are enjoying holding an Alabai, the national dog of Turkmenistan, after a friendly luncheon with former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the country's Supreme Leader and Chairman of the People's Council, and his spouse at a hotel in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on the 11th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]
The Alabai is a symbolic animal in Turkmenistan, where the last Sunday of October is designated as ‘Alabai Day’ every year. It is a special breed that has helped the Turkmen people, who lived a nomadic lifestyle for a long time, protect sheep and goats from wild animals such as wolves. It is especially known to be dearly cherished by Supreme Leader Berdimuhamedow.
Turkmenistan has also gifted Alabai dogs during diplomatic exchanges with Uzbekistan, T?rkiye, Russia, and others. The Presidential Office stated, "In Turkmenistan, Alabai dogs are only gifted to very trusted and close relatives or friends, which shows the highest favor and respect the Turkmen government has shown to Korea and President Yoon and his wife."
Moreover, the gift of the Alabai, a symbol of loyalty and devotion, signifies ‘eternal friendship’ between the two countries, according to the Turkmen side. The Turkmen Embassy also presented an album containing photos of President Yoon and his wife with the Turkmen Supreme Leader taken during the tour, along with the Alabai dogs.
On the 19th, a handover ceremony for the Turkmenistan national dog, Alabai, was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
According to local experts in Turkmenistan, the Alabai breed experiences ‘rapid growth,’ reaching a maximum weight of 90 to 100 kg and a height (measured from paw to shoulder when standing on all fours) of 70 to 80 cm by about eight months of age. When standing on its hind legs, it easily surpasses the height of an adult human. Therefore, indoor living is possible only until about five to six months of age, after which it is suitable to live in a spacious outdoor facility with sand flooring. Also, due to its strength, it is safer to separate it from other pets after six months of age.
The Alabai is also known for its tremendous activity level. Even as a puppy, it requires walks three to four times a day, ranging from a minimum of 15 minutes to a maximum of one hour. When fully grown, it needs an environment where it can roam continuously to prevent bone weakening. Accordingly, the Presidential Office plans to have the dogs live at the residence for a certain period and then provide a separate outdoor facility based on their growth. Currently, Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon is being strongly considered as the dedicated breeding institution for the Alabai.
A Presidential Office official said, "To ensure the health of the rapidly growing Alabai, it is inevitable to move them to an external institution with optimal conditions after several months. We will continue to pay close attention to the Alabai’s well-being and are also considering ways to make them accessible to the general public in the future."
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