Turkmenistan is ready to supply energy resources to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Türkiye, participants of the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the OTS in Ashgabat signed a joint communiqué, Oleg Kononenko took command of the International Space Station and other news
Turkmenistan
1. Turkmenistan has good opportunities to export natural gas and electricity to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Türkiye. National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated this during the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States. According to the head of the Halk Maslahaty, Turkmenistan is ready to make cooperation within the framework of the OTS consistent and long-term, paying special attention to promising areas.
2. On March 11–12, the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States was held in Ashgabat. The elders exchanged views on the most important issues of mutual interest in a frank, friendly, constructive atmosphere. The elders paid special attention to further popularization of the history of the Turkic world through the development of scientific cooperation, academic research and joint international conferences. Following the meeting, a corresponding Communiqué was adopted.
3. Hero of Turkmenistan, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko took command of the International Space Station. The Danish cosmonaut handed his colleague a symbolic key to the station. The crew then rang the ship's bell in the traditional manner. Kononenko will command the space station until the end of September this year. By this time, he will bring his world record for total stay in space to 1 110 days.
4. An international scientific and methodological conference dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Fragi was held at Yerevan State University. The conference brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Armenia, teachers and students of Yerevan State University, literary scholars, cultural and artistic figures of Armenia. The participants heard reports from the head of the Department of Turkology at Yerevan State University, Alexander Safaryan, and the head of the Department of Turkmen Language at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University Gulruh Gurbanova and ex-Ambassador of Armenia to Turkmenistan Aram Grigoryan.
5. The volume of transit cargo transportation through the territory of Turkmenistan in 2023 showed a serious increase - by 17% compared to 2022. This was facilitated by the country’s convenient geographical location and the development of its transit potential. The positive dynamics continue this year - in the first two months of 2024, cargo transit increased by another 5% compared to the same period last year.
World
6. The US National Aerospace Agency has revealed the design of a metal plaque that will be mounted on board the Europa Clipper spacecraft heading to Jupiter's moon. The size of the plate is 18 by 28 centimeters. On its outside are engraved sound waves that convey the pronunciation of the word “water” in 103 earthly languages. The inside of the tablet contains the Drake Equation, a formula for calculating the number of extraterrestrial civilizations. Europa Clipper is scheduled to launch on October 10, 2024. The device will cover 2,6 billion kilometers and reach its goal in 2030. The purpose of the mission is to search for the hidden ocean and study the satellite's ability to support life.
7. The French passion for frog legs is putting entire species in Asia at risk, animal activists say. A group of scientists and veterinarians is sounding the alarm and calling on the French authorities to take decisive action. More than 500 experts from various organizations have written to President Emmanuel Macron, calling for an “end to the overexploitation of frogs” and to ensure strong protection for the most sought-after species. Frogs play an important role in ecosystems and on farms. Tadpoles clean water in ponds, frogs help farmers reduce their use of pesticides, and even fight infections by eating mosquitoes.
Sport
8. The first victory was won by the hockey players of the Turkmenistan national team at the World Championships in Bishkek in the third division of group “A”. In the second round of the competition, head coach Bayram Allayarov’s team beat the South African team with a score of 4:3. The best players of the match were recognized as: in the Turkmenistan team - goalkeeper Karimli Charyev, and in the South African team - forward Jean-Michel van Doesburg.
9. “Ashgabat” won a home victory over “Merv” in the match of the 3rd round of the Turkmenistan football championship. The meeting was held in the Babarap gengeshlik of the Geokdepe etrap of the Ahal velayat and ended with a score of 1:0. The only goal for “Ashgabat” was scored by Shatlyk Gurbanov in the 47th minute of the first half. Thanks to this victory over the opponent, “Ashgabat” scored 7 points and took second place in the Major League standings. “Ahal” is still in the lead with 9 points. “Merv”, having 3 points in its baggage, fell back to 6th position. The 4th round matches will be held on March 29-30.
10. Six medals - 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze - were won by representatives of Turkmenistan at the Para Powerlifting World Cup that ended in Dubai. The competition in the UAE brought together 173 athletes with disabilities from 32 countries. Para powerlifting is a Paralympic sport for persons with musculoskeletal disabilities. During the exercise, the athlete demonstrates upper body strength.
