n December 6, 2000, the University of Bridgeport honored His Excellency Saparmurat Niyazov, president of the Republic of Turkmenistan. The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Ambassador Aksoltan Ataeva, accepted the honorary degree on behalf of the president of Turkmenistan at a convocation luncheon at Waldemere Hall. University President Neil Salonen and his wife, Rebecca, hosted the event. Among the guests that attended the luncheon were Dr. Stoyan Ganev, president of the New England Center for International and Regional Studies; Chris Corcoran, director of public affairs; and James Garland, associate vice president for university relations.

  The event marked the start of new educational cooperation and cultural exchange between the University and the Republic of Turkmenistan. Upon bestowing the degree, President Salonen said that UB is proud to be one of the most culturally diverse universities in the U.S., and that he would be proud to welcome students from Turkmenistan as well. The visit was followed up by Dr. Ganev’s exchange visit to Turkmenistan, where he participated in a United Nations conference and signed an agreement on cooperation between the State University of Turkmenistan and UB. The agreement outlines the general framework for exchange of students and faculty between the two institutions. Dr. Ganev commented, however, that concrete steps are yet to be planned.

  Known as "the Kuwait of Asia," Turkmenistan is the world’s fourth-largest producer of natural gas, and the most influential Caspian Sea country. A peaceful policy of neutrality and non-intervention in a region torn by political and religious conflicts has established Turkmenistan as a regional bridge-builder between Russia and the Caspian countries. "We are the only nation who has formal diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, and whose neutrality has been recognized by a UN resolution," commented Ambassador Ataeva.

  Upon receipt of the honorary degree, Ambassador Ataeva said that it has been a great honor for her to receive recognition from the University of Bridgeport, whose broad international outlook has provided her with valuable experience and knowledge.