The President of Turkmenistan held an extended meeting of the State Security Council on the results of 2023, an art exhibition dedicated to the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly opened in Ashgabat, “Ahal” changed its logo before the start of the new season of the Turkmenistan football championship and other news
Turkmenistan
1. The results of the activities of military and law enforcement agencies for 2023 were discussed at an expanded off-site meeting of the State Security Council, chaired by the President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country, Army General Serdar Berdimuhamedov. During the meeting, the head of state heard reports from the heads of military and law enforcement agencies on the work done and gave them specific instructions to ensure security and tranquility in the country, strengthen the material and technical base of law enforcement agencies and further improve their activities.
2. During the meeting, a number of organizational issues were discussed. By the corresponding Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, with the consent of the Mejlis, Serdar Myalikgulyev was relieved of his position as the Prosecutor General of Turkmenistan “for failure to properly fulfill his official duties and the low level of organization of the work of the prosecutor’s office”. Begmurat Muhamedov has been appointed the new Prosecutor General of Turkmenistan.
4. Ambassador of Turkmenistan Batyr Rejepov discussed with the Deputy Mayor of Astana the issue of installing a monument to Magtymguly Fragi in Kazakhstan in accordance with previously reached high-level agreements. In 2024, the 300th anniversary of the outstanding Turkmen poet and thinker is celebrated in Turkmenistan and throughout the world. The Turkmen side noted the symbolism of the installation of the Magtymguly monument in Astana in the anniversary year, which will become another link in strengthening friendly relations between the two countries.
5. The Ministry of Industry and Construction Production of Turkmenistan has announced an open international tender for the development of a feasibility study for a project to build a plant for the production of ferroalloys in the country. It is expected that the new plant will produce such popular materials as ferrosilicon, silicon carbide and technical silicon, which play an important role in the development of science, technology and industry.
6. Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov expressed gratitude to the Ambassador of India in Ashgabat Vidhu Peethambaran Nair, who is completing his mission in Turkmenistan, for his personal contribution to the development of relations. During the meeting, the parties touched upon issues related to bilateral political, economic and energy cooperation. Along with this, attention was paid to interaction in the cultural and humanitarian sphere.
World
7. British fashion house Vivienne Westwood has reduced its employees' working week to two days. This decision was made as part of a strategy to reduce the company's negative impact on the environment. Currently, employees at the brand's London office only work in the office two days a week, with the remaining days working from home.
8. The world's first virtual school will open in Japan, which will issue real high school diplomas. The educational institution will be located in the metaverse and will be accessible to students from anywhere in the world. Lessons will be conducted according to a program approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
Sport
9. The Turkmen football club “Ahal” from the city of Anau has officially changed the team logo ahead of the start of the new season of the 2024 Turkmenistan Football Championship. The updated logo uses a minimal number of colors. In the center of the logo is the sign of the Main Directorate of “Turkmennebitonumleri”, the main sponsor of the team, and also indicates the year the club was founded - 1989. “The new logo symbolizes the beginning of a new era in the history of the team”, - the club’s press service said in a statement.
10. The FIFA Best Awards ceremony was held in London. The main prize for the best football player of the year went to Argentinean Lionel Messi. 36-year-old Messi was ahead of Norwegian Erling Haaland and Frenchman Kylian Mbappe. “Manchester City” coach Pep Guardiola was named the best coach. “Manchester City” goalkeeper Ederson received the award for best goalkeeper of the year. The author of the most beautiful goal is the Brazilian Guilherme Madruga.
11. Former world № 1 Rafael Nadal has entered into a long-term agreement with the Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation to become the country's new tennis ambassador. The purpose of the appointment is to help develop the sport and inspire the next generation of Saudi athletes. In addition to encouraging the growth of the sport in general, there are also plans to create a new Nadal Academy, according to the Federation. It will serve as a center of excellence to help aspiring players realize their tennis dreams.
