1. Twelve administrations in the etraps and cities of Turkmenistan were abolished by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who signed the relevant Decree in connection with the change in the administrative-territorial division of the velayats. The document prescribes to abolish the hyakimlik of the city of Tejen in the Ahal velayat, rename the hyakimlik of the Serdar etrap of the Balkan velayat into the hyakimlik of the Gyzylarbat etrap, and also abolish the administrations of the cities of Serdar, Gumdag, Hazar and Kenar of the city of Turkmenbashi. In addition, the Decree of the President prescribed to abolish some hyakimliks in Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary velayats.
2. Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrived on an official visit to the Republic of Korea. The program of the visit includes meetings with the President of the Republic of Korea, with the Speaker of the National Assembly and a number of other meetings. During the visit, it is planned to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Halk Maslahaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan and the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, as well as a number of documents with the participation of members of the delegations of both countries.
3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan expressed deep condolences in connection with the untimely death of the head of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, Vladimir Vladimirovich Makei. “Vladimir Vladimirovich made a significant contribution to the development of the diplomatic service of Belarus, consistently, firmly and fundamentally implemented the foreign policy of his country, defended its position and interests in the international political arena”, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a press release.
4. During a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed to keep under constant control the issues of ensuring commodity abundance in domestic markets and affordability of prices. According to Deputy Prime Minister Batyr Atdayev, on the eve of the International Day of Neutrality and the New Year, the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations is carrying out appropriate work to supply the entire trade network with domestic and foreign food and other products in demand.
5. A Turkmen delegation headed by Deputy Chairperson of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Myahrijemal Mammedova paid a working visit to Paris. During the visit, the Turkmen delegation held meetings with UNESCO Deputy Director General for Culture Ernesto Ramirez, director of the National Museum of Asian Arts of France Guimet, and the leadership of the Louvre.
7. The first potato festival was held in the capital of Tajikistan. The best varieties of this crop were brought by farmers from all over Tajikistan. Varieties such as Cardinal, Durakhshon, Romantse, and Tajikistan are cultivated here. One of the most popular is potatoes from the mountainous region of Rasht. Potato in Tajikistan is one of the points of the national food security program, so the area under its cultivation is increasing every year.
8. The Chinese company Xiaomi has released a heated smart scarf. The accessory is equipped with a built-in heating element, as well as a temperature sensor and controller, and a system against overheating and short circuit. In addition, if any breakdown occurs in the device of the gadget, it will automatically turn off and will not harm the owner. The scarf is even washable.
9. The owner of the Russian football club “Sochi” Boris Rotenberg confirmed the appointment of Kurban Berdyev to the post of head coach of the team. The contract with the 70 years old Turkmen specialist was signed for 2,5 years. “Today Kurban Bekievich was introduced to the team. He has great football experience. And I am sure that he will help “Sochi” at this stage of the club's development. As for plans, he will hold a fruitful winter training camp. I don't doubt it. And in the spring the team will become stronger, more powerful. At this stage of development, Kurban Berdyev is what the club needs. His experience will help the team develop properly”.
10. The football player of Leverkusen “Bayer” and the national team of Iran Serdar Azmoun admitted that he always felt sympathy for the Turkish club “Fenerbahce”. “I am Turkmen. I love Turks very much. Long live the Turks. I love “Fenerbahce” very much. I had an offer from them. I used to score against them, I apologize to “Fenerbahce”. I hope someday in the future I will play for “Fenerbahce”. In the 2018/19 season, as part of “Zenit”, Azmoun scored 2 goals against “Fenerbahce” in the Europa League.
