The President of Turkmenistan held a regular meeting of the State Security Council, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan took part in the summit "One Water", "Arkadag" won the Super Cup of Turkmenistan in football and other news

Turkmenistan

1. The President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country, General of the Army Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the State Security Council, where the results of the activities of the military and law enforcement agencies for January-November of this year were summed up. The head of state noted that, in accordance with the Military Doctrine, which is purely defensive in nature, Turkmenistan is consistently taking measures aimed at ensuring high-level security and integrity of its country, strengthening its defense capability, as well as improving the social and living conditions of the defenders of the Fatherland and their families.

2. National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the One Water Summit held in Riyadh. During his speech, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that today interaction on water issues is the most important component of global processes that largely determine the prospects for ensuring sustainable stability, development and well-being on the planet. And in this context, the guarantee of equal and fair access to water and, in a broader sense, to water resources, is a decisive condition not only for the political and legal, but also for the moral order, a matter of responsibility to the present and future generations.

3. During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov made a pilgrimage to Mecca. "Following the age-old traditions and customs of our people, Haji Arkadag began his visit with a pilgrimage to the sacred Kaaba, visiting the city of Mecca. This became a vivid expression of the continuity of the principles of the Turkmen people in the successful accomplishment of noble deeds," the State News Agency of Turkmenistan said in a statement.

4. During his working visit to Saudi Arabia, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held talks with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. During the conversation, the parties discussed strengthening bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in international organizations such as the UN. They also touched upon the issues of expanding trade and economic ties and cooperation in the energy, transport and communications sectors.

5. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat, who arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the Turkish Republic Export Goods Exhibition. During the meeting, the head noted the importance of the exhibition for enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, and also emphasized that Türkiye is a strategic partner of Turkmenistan.

6. Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat told reporters that Turkey and Turkmenistan have set a goal of doubling trade volume between the countries in the coming years. “We will increase our cooperation in many areas in line with the vision of the leaders of our brotherly countries. 2,5 billion USD in annual trade is not enough for us. We aim to increase it to 5 billion USD per year in the medium term. The 8th meeting of the intergovernmental commission is planned to be held in Ankara in February-March next year, where a new roadmap for trade and economic cooperation will be adopted,” the minister noted.

World

7. In a bid to combat the growing problem of childhood obesity, the UK government has decided to ban junk food adverts from being shown on TV. The UK Department of Health says that adverts for foods high in fat, sugar and salt will only be allowed after 9pm. The ban includes not only fast food and crisps, but also sugary fizzy drinks, breakfast cereals, confectionery, snacks and various processed foods. The measures are expected to come into force in October 2025.

8. An asteroid comparable in brightness to several full moons fell in Yakutia in the area between the cities of Olekminsk and Lensk. Scientists have confirmed that the diameter of the cosmic body was about one meter, and the speed of its entry into the atmosphere reached 16 kilometers per second. The asteroid was discovered by astronomers at the Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona just a few hours before falling to Earth. This event occurred just 900 kilometers from the epicenter of the famous Tunguska meteorite of 1908.

Sport

9. Football club "Arkadag" defeated "Ahal" in the match for the Turkmenistan Football Super Cup. The meeting took place in Balkanabat and ended with a score of 3:1 in favor of the representatives of the "smart" city. It should be noted that "Arkadag" under the leadership of coach Vladimir Bayramov won the Turkmenistan Super Cup for the first time in its history. Bayramov has been coaching the team since December 2023. During this time, "Arkadag" twice became the champion of Turkmenistan, won the Cup and Super Cup of the country. In the fall of this year, "Arkadag" debuted in the international arena, taking first place in group "B" in the group stage of the AFC Challenge League. In the quarterfinals, the team will meet the Indian club "East Bengal". The matches will be held on March 5 and 12, 2025 in the "home and away" format.