The President of Turkmenistan ordered to pay wages to workers by December 20, Turkmenistan and Turkey discussed cooperation in the gas industry, Ashgabat celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia and other news

Turkmenistan

1. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has ordered to keep under strict control the financing of wages for employees of all enterprises and institutions, regardless of ownership, until December 20. The order was given during a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers.

2. A meeting of the heads of the State Concern “Turkmengaz” with a delegation of the Turkish company “BOTAŞ” was held in Ashgabat. During the meeting, issues of cooperation in the gas industry were discussed, including increasing the export potential of Turkmenistan. The parties expressed confidence in the further development of mutually beneficial partnership in the interests of both peoples.

3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a regular meeting of the “Turkmenistan-UN” Strategic Advisory Council, where the prospects for bilateral cooperation in priority areas were discussed. UN representatives thanked the Turkmen side for its constructive approach and expressed confidence in the successful implementation of new joint projects and programs aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

4. The delegation of Turkmenistan, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Mahri Bashimova, took part in the 31st meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council. In her speech, Bashimova emphasized the importance of Turkmenistan's partnership with the OSCE in strengthening regional stability, promoting dialogue and sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan's initiatives in the political, economic, environmental and humanitarian dimensions.

5. The President of Turkmenistan signed an order to send a delegation headed by the Chairman of the State Construction Committee of the city of Arkadag to Vienna, the Republic of Austria. The delegation will take part in the festivities on the occasion of the presentation of the prestigious quality award from the European Society for Quality Research to the city of Arkadag. The events will be held from December 8 to 10.

6. A Regional Meeting of International Experts dedicated to the inclusion of the Caspian Corridor of the Great Silk Road in the UNESCO World Heritage List was held in Ashgabat. The event was attended by government representatives, national coordinators and experts. Particular attention was paid to the development of a Roadmap for the nomination process of the Caspian-Volga Corridor and the integration of modern technologies in research and management of heritage sites.

7. The President of Turkmenistan signed a law on amendments and additions to the Law "On currency regulation and currency control in foreign economic relations." The new law introduces monitoring of currency transactions, which will be carried out by the Central Bank of Turkmenistan.

World

8. A large-scale installation dedicated to the birth of two pandas at the local zoo took place at the Hong Kong airport. 2500 panda sculptures made of rubber were installed on the runway. This event became part of the PANDA GO! FEST festival. As part of the festival, the installation will move around various locations in the city, introducing Hong Kong residents and visitors to the world of pandas.

9. The name Muhammad is rapidly gaining popularity and now ranks first in the ranking of the most popular names for boys in England and Wales. According to the UK Office for National Statistics, more than 4600 newborn boys were named Muhammad in 2023. Among girls, Olivia remains the leader, holding the top spot for the eighth year in a row. She is followed by Amelia and Isla.

Sport

10. “Al-Nasr” lost to “Al-Ittihad” away in the match of the 13th round of the Saudi Arabian Football Championship. The match took place in Jeddah and ended with a score of 2:1. “Al-Ittihad” put Karim Benzema ahead. “Al-Nasr” came back thanks to a goal by Cristiano Ronaldo. The hosts won thanks to a precise strike by Steven Bergwijn. Ronaldo and Benzema scored their tenth goals in the current season of the Saudi Arabian Championship. In the scorers' table, only “Al-Hilal's” Aleksandar Mitrovic is ahead of them.

11. Turkmenistan hosted the rally-raid championship, organized by the Automobile Sports Federation and the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sports. Teams from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan, the “Turkmenawtoulaglary” Agency, and the Automobile Sports Federation of Turkmenistan took part in the competition. The 161 km route ran through the Karakum Desert, covering the territories of the Ahal and Balkan velayats. Merdan Toylyev from the “Turkmenawtoulaglary” Agency won in the SUV class in a Nissan Patrol. Charyar Charyev in a Toyota Hilux finished first in the open class.