Digest of the main news of Turkmenistan for March 12

Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the holy month of Oraza, entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan were invited to visit Armenia, a meeting was held in Turkmenistan within the framework of the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the OTS and other news

Turkmenistan

1. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received a congratulatory letter from the Head of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The President of Uzbekistan expressed his most sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Turkmen leader and the friendly people of Turkmenistan on the occasion of the upcoming holy month of Oraza.

2. A meeting was held in Ashgabat within the framework of the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) under the chairmanship of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The agenda of the 15th meeting included current issues related to the activities of the Council of Elders of the OTS, further joint work, coordination of actions of the Organization’s member countries, as well as the implementation of recommendations adopted at the meeting held last year in Samarkand.

3. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave an interview to the Turkish news channel TRT Haber. During the conversation, National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov spoke about the importance of cooperation between the Turkic states, the prospects for the development of the Organization of Turkic States and its goals. He touched upon the current stage of Turkmenistan’s internal development, achievements in the socio-economic sphere, the country’s initiatives in the international arena, as well as the role of neutrality in foreign policy. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the close fraternal relations with Türkiye, active cooperation between the two countries in various fields, contribution to strengthening regional processes and the importance for strengthening ties between the Turkic peoples.

4. The “Astana” Diplomatic Club invites entrepreneurs from Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries to make a business trip to Armenia on March 26–29 to explore the country’s investment potential and establish mutually beneficial cooperation with local businesses. During the four-day visit, meetings are planned with representatives of the Ministries of Economy and High-Technology Industry, the Enterprise Armenia Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Yerevan City Hall. Businessmen will be able to obtain information about investment opportunities in key sectors of the country's economy.

5. A delegation of youth representatives from Turkmenistan is participating in an extensive cultural program taking place in India. Its goal is to support and strengthen dialogue between the youth of Asian regions. About 100 young people from Central Asian countries take part in the forum. Participants get acquainted with the culture, history and national characteristics of India.

6. The progress of agricultural work in the regions of the country, preparations for the landscaping campaign, as well as for the spring sowing campaign were discussed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov during a working meeting on the digital system, which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Atahallyev, who oversees the agro-industrial complex, and the hyakims of the velayats.

World

7. An unusual accessory was spotted at Paris Fashion Week. The fashion house Balenciaga presented the Gaffer Bangle bracelet, reminiscent of scotch tape. The bracelet features a repeating Balenciaga logo but is otherwise indistinguishable from a stationery item. The reaction of social media users is mixed: from jokes and bewilderment to admiration for the irony of the brand.

8. On March 11, Orthodox Christians celebrated Maslenitsa, the last week before Lent. At this time, meat is excluded from the diet, but cheese, eggs and milk are allowed. The meaning of Maslenitsa is a gradual transition to abstinence from food, preparation for the spiritual path.

Sport

9. 34 years old Turkmen mixed martial arts fighter Dovletjan Yagshimuradov will hold his debut fight in the regular season of the PFL league. His opponent will be Slovenian Jakob Nedoh. The light heavyweight fight between Yagshimuradov and Nedoh will be held on April 12 in Las Vegas.

10. The press service of the Turkmenistan national football team has published a list of players to participate in the March training camp and qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup against Iran. The list includes 24 football players, including three foreign players: Teymur Charyev from the Kyrgyz “Abdysh-Ata”, Vepa Jumayev from the Belarusian “Vitebsk” and Ruslan Mingazov from the Hong Kong “Kitchee”. “Ahal” captain Elman Tagayev and “Arkadag” midfielder Ilya Tamurkin, who took part in the qualifying matches with Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, will not be able to help the team in the upcoming matches due to injuries. In March, head coach Mergen Orazov's team will have three meetings: March 14 - a control game with Kazakhstan in Dubai, March 21 - with Iran in Tehran, March 26 with Iran in Ashgabat.