Construction of a new Trade Center to begin in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan open new infrastructure facilities, head of the International Gymnastics Federation to visit Turkmenistan and other news

Turkmenistan

1. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a decree authorizing the Central Bank of Turkmenistan to enter into a contract with the Turkish company Rönesans for the design and construction of a new Trade Center in Ashgabat. Construction work will begin in October 2024, and the project is scheduled to be completed in October 2027. The project also includes the improvement of the adjacent territory.

2. Today, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as Acting Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Afghanistan Molla Mohammad Hassan Akhund took part in the opening and start of construction ceremonies of new infrastructure facilities, including the opening of the 177-meter railway bridge of the Serhetabat-Turgundi steel highway, the laying of the foundation of the “Şatlyk-1” gas compressor station in the Mary velayat. An important stage was also the start of work on laying the Serhetabat-Herat fiber-optic communication line. In addition, work has begun on the construction of a warehouse complex in the “dry port” of the Turgundi railway station and the Turgundi-Sanabar section of the first stage of the Turgundi-Herat railway. At the end of the events, the “Nur al-Jahad” power plant was put into operation in the Afghan province of Herat.

3. The strategic partnership between Russia and Turkmenistan has reached a new level, especially due to active cooperation with the Republic of Tatarstan. Regina Shafikova, Director of the “Garant” Trading House, said this in an interview with Turkmenportal on the sidelines of the Investment Forum in Ashgabat. The key areas of cooperation with Turkmenistan are mechanical engineering, oil and gas, energy, aviation and shipbuilding. There is still significant potential for expanding bilateral cooperation in the areas of new technologies, education and sports. Tatarstan is open to cooperation and is ready to share its experience and work together to equip the city of Arkadag with the latest technologies and digital solutions. Last year, an Agreement on twinning the cities of Kazan and Arkadag was signed, which opens up new opportunities for cooperation.

4. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hassan. During the meeting, the guest conveyed cordial greetings from Supreme Ruler of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim bin Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of the visit for the further development of partnership between Turkmenistan and Malaysia. He expressed confidence in the success of the upcoming meetings and negotiations, emphasizing the friendly relations between the two countries based on the principles of equality and mutual respect. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the oil and gas sector, where “PETRONAS” is actively involved in projects to extract hydrocarbon resources and train specialists.

5. The volume of mutual trade between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation for January - June 2024 increased by 73,5% in monetary terms compared to the same period last year. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Dmitry Volvach at the Investment Forum in Ashgabat. Volvach noted that last year, trade turnover between the two countries in physical terms increased by 13%, and this year significant growth is observed in monetary terms, which indicates an increase in both exports and imports.

World

6. Beyonce made an unexpected decision that surprised many of her fans. The artist refused to create music videos for songs from her recent albums, explaining this by her principled creative position. In an interview with GQ magazine, Beyonce revealed the reasons for her decision. According to the singer, known for her outstanding vocal skills, she wants listeners to focus on the sound component of her work.

Sport

7. On September 13, the Chairman of the International Gymnastics Federation and member of the International Olympic Committee Morinari Watanabe will arrive in Turkmenistan. The visit is aimed at strengthening cooperation and exchanging experience in the field of gymnastics.