President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received Igor Makarov, the Head of AretiInternational Holding, the State news agency of Turkmenistan reports.

Having expressed the gratitude for spared time, the guest cordially congratulated the Head of the State on the World Bicycle Day, which was instituted by the UN General Assembly by the initiative of Turkmen leader. Having highlighted that he is glad to visit Ashgabat again and to take part in large-scale celebration event, Igor Makarov confirmed the interest of Areti in strengthening of beneficial partnership with our country. 

Having expressed the gratitude for congratulations and good words, PresidentGurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that development of physical training, health improving and sport movement, involvement of the population, especially the youth to regular sport training as well as stimulation of international cooperation in this field is one of the priorities of the government policy.

During the meeting, perspectives of development of fruitful cooperation in sport sphere, for which Turkmenistan has all necessary conditions including relative modern multiprofile infrastructure, was the subject of interested discussion. Igor Makarov mentioned that he is very encouraged that Turkmenistan leads bicycle movement in the world, confidently gaining the status of sport power. This is indicated by the decision of the ICU to award President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the Certificate of Recognition and the right to host the 2021 World track Cycling Competition in Ashgabat as well as by award of another Certificate of the Guinness World Record to our country. personal example of Turkmen leader, who, having started going in for cycling in young age, and now despite his tight schedule, always find time for training, serves as inspiring factor for his countrymen.

Continuing the conversation, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and his guest exchanged the opinions on organization of the 2021 World Track Cycling Championship and 2026 World Road Cycling Championship. It was mentioned that opening of special school under the UCI Aegis in our country would support the training of high-class Turkmen sportsmen, which would be able to represent the country deservingly in the world arena.

In this context, Igor Makarov proposed to make a team “Katyusha – Turkmenistan”, which would give actual impulse to bringing of Turkmen cycling to the world level.

The Head of ARETI also informed about the activity of the holding in our country, having confirmed the interest in implementation of new joint projects.

In the end of the meeting, the guest congratulated again President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the holiday and wished the Head of the State new outstanding success in his activity and prosperity to Turkmen people.