Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the President of Turkmenistan congratulated the Emperor of Japan on his birthday, the 300th anniversary of the poet Magtymguly was celebrated in Kazakhstan and other news

Turkmenistan

1. In Ashgabat, under the chairmanship of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, a meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty, the highest body of people's power in the country, was held. At the meeting, priority tasks for the implementation of the country's socio-economic development program for the current year were discussed. Also on the agenda was a discussion of the Work Plan of the supreme body of people's power of Turkmenistan for 2024.

2. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in a congratulatory letter to Emperor Naruhito of Japan on the occasion of his birthday, noted the personal contribution of the monarch to the strengthening and development of friendly relations between the two countries. “I would like to especially note your personal contribution to the strengthening and development of friendly relations between our countries. I express great confidence that these relations will continue to be systematically improved”, - the congratulations read. Emperor Naruhito of Japan turns 64 today.

3. During the 86th session of the EU Inland Transport Committee in Geneva, Chairman of the “Turkmendenizderyayollary” Agency Annadurdy Kosayev spoke about the progress of Turkmenistan in the field of digitalization of maritime transport. As the speaker noted, the country is actively implementing the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy and the State Program for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2021-2025. In particular, an automated system for electronic data exchange has been introduced at the Turkmenbashy International Seaport. An online service for selling tickets and accepting applications from customers has also been established.

4. A solemn event dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the classic of Turkmen literature Magtymguly Fragi was held at the National Center for Manuscripts and Rare Books of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The speakers noted the importance of holding this event in the year of the 300th anniversary of the outstanding poet and thinker, who glorified the unity and independence of his people.

5. An interdepartmental round table was held in Ashgabat with the participation of a delegation of the International Labor Organization led by regional director Beata Andres. The purpose of the event was to discuss the prospects for cooperation between the ILO and Turkmenistan. During the dialogue, participants shared their views on ways to address decent work issues in various sectors of the economy of Turkmenistan.

World

6. The French “Repair Bonus” program, which partially compensates for the cost of repairing household appliances, has already saved 178 000 devices from landfills in just one year. Launched in 2022, the program subsidizes 25% of the cost of repairs, up to a maximum of 60 euros. During this time, the French most often repaired smartphones, washing machines and dishwashers. 39% of respondents said that the subsidy was the decisive factor in favor of repair rather than purchasing a new device.

7. On June 5, new English pounds with a portrait of King Charles III will be released into circulation. New banknotes will be printed gradually, replacing worn-out ones and satisfying the growing demand for cash. The design of the 5, 10, 20 and 50 pounds notes will remain the same, with the exception of the image of the monarch. A portrait of King Charles III will appear on the front side, and images of famous personalities on the back, as on existing banknotes.

Sport

8. International master of sports in combat sambo from Turkmenistan Abdulla Babayev faced an unexpected replacement of his opponent on the eve of his debut fight at the Fight Nights 123 tournament in Moscow. Instead of the previously announced Russian Artem Atakulov, his opponent was the representative of Tajikistan Abdulaziz Yuldashev, who accepted the fight on short notice. Atakulov withdrew from the tournament due to injury. The fight will take place on February 23 in Moscow. Its live broadcast can be watched on the “Udar” TV channel, starting at 21:00 Ashgabat time.

9. The final competitions of the XIII Spartakiad will be held in Ashgabat in March-April. The organizers of the sports event are the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sports. The program includes competitions in 8 types: volleyball, basketball, swimming, athletics, table tennis, goresh, chess. The winners will be awarded on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan with valuable gifts, medals and cups.