Oriented on making people closer

Wellington, New Zealand | 16 July | ORIENT. A formal credentials ceremony took place today at Government House in Wellington, where the Governor-General of New Zealand, Dame Cindy Kiro, received the letters of credence from the first-ever Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to New Zealand – Mr Atadurdy Bayramov.

This landmark event marks a significant milestone in the development of bilateral relations, opening new horizons for cooperation between Turkmenistan and New Zealand. The Ambassador’s appointment forms part of Turkmenistan’s broader strategy to expand its diplomatic presence and strengthen its international partnerships.

The corresponding Decree was signed by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on 27 April 2025. Under the terms of this decree, Mr Atadurdy Bayramov – Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Japan (based in Tokyo) – was concurrently appointed as Ambassador to New Zealand.

Together with the Federated States of Micronesia, Turkmenistan has now joined the ranks of countries presenting their credentials to this Pacific nation for the first time. On the same day, Dame Cindy Kiro also received the letters of credence from the High Commissioner of the Solomon Islands, the Ambassadors of Poland and Türkiye, and the High Commissioner of the Maldives.

The ceremony featured not only elements of diplomatic protocol but also aspects of New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage. Among these was the traditional Māori greeting, the hongi, a symbolic ritual involving the touching of noses and foreheads to represent the exchange of the breath of life.

The participation of indigenous representatives in the ceremony stood as a vivid testament to New Zealand’s deep respect for its cultural traditions and their integration into official state events. Ambassador Atadurdy Bayramov, along with the other newly appointed heads of mission, took part in this cultural protocol element, underscoring mutual respect for tradition and cultural diversity.

Photo: govt.nz