The Turkmenistan national traditional karate team won 18 medals at the Asian Championships in Tashkent. The team won 9 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze medals, according to IIC. Gold medals were won by Azym Govshudov, Aylar Ilhanova, Amangozel Bekmyradova, Damir Allaberdiyev, Sylap Toylymyradov, Aysha Ilgeldiyeva, Meylis Charyev, Aylale Artykova and Oguljennet Mammetgylyjova. Silver medals went to Aysulu Rejepova, Rahman Shagulyev, Medine Gaylyeva, Daniyar Bagtiyarov, Yhlas Annagurbanov and Selim Myratdurdyev. Bronze medals were won by Gurbandurdy Byashimov, Rahym Akmyradov and Yhlas Jumanazarov. The team is already preparing for new international tournaments. It keeps on strengthening its positions in world competitions.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov concluded his state visit to Kazakhstan with a visit to the ‘Älem.AI’ International Artificial Intelligence Centre in Astana. This was reported by AsmanNews. The Head of State, together with representatives of the host party, familiarised himself with the work of the centre and its projects. ‘Älem.AI’ opened in October on the basis of the EXPO-2017 infrastructure. The centre was created as a platform for research, start-ups and international cooperation in the field of AI. The plan is to develop the export of Kazakhstani AI developments and strengthen the country's technology sector. The visit to the centre demonstrated Turkmenistan's interest in international technologies and projects that can help develop the national scientific and technical base.
On 25 November, following the conclusion of the Turkmen-Kazakh negotiations in Astana, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov was awarded the highest state order of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the ‘Altyn Qyran’ (‘The Order of the Golden Eagle’). The ceremony was attended by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, according to TerraNews. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the contribution of the President of Turkmenistan to the development of friendship, good neighbourliness and strategic partnership between the two countries. According to the Decree of the President of Kazakhstan, the award was given for strengthening inter-state relations and supporting cooperation between the peoples. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude for the high assessment and stressed that he perceives the Order as a sign of respect for the people of Turkmenistan and confirmation of the strong relations between the two states.
Today in Astana, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the ‘Akorda’ residence. After the official ceremony, the parties moved on to negotiations, according to IIC, citing the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The Heads of State discussed the development of Turkmen-Kazakh relations, the current state of cooperation and plans for the future. Regional and international issues were considered separately. The parties focused on political and diplomatic interaction, sustainable development issues and joint work in the energy, transport and environmental sectors. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the positive dynamics of trade and called for further growth in trade turnover. The Head of Turkmenistan also proposed strengthening cooperation in transport, energy, agriculture and water management. Humanitarian areas such as culture, education, science, sport and healthcare were discussed separately. The negotiations concluded with the signing of a number of bilateral documents.
Aysoltan Annamammedova, a fourth-year student at Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology in Turkmenistan, took part in training as part of the international educational initiative ‘Future Skills Sprint’, which took place in Istanbul from 20 to 22 November. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The initiative for young talents was organised by the MEXT Technology Centre, the UNDP Regional Centre in Istanbul, UNDP Turkey and Hepsiburada. The programme was aimed at developing professional competencies, expanding knowledge of digital technologies and supporting innovative thinking. A. Annamammedova earned the right to participate after successfully completing online training from the UNDP Regional Centre. The programme provided students with access to modern international practices and skills in the field of digital technologies. In Istanbul, participants attended a series of thematic sessions on artificial intelligence, the digital economy, the future of the labour market, and international cooperation. The intensive educational programme helped to strengthen professional skills, unlock the creative and scientific potential of students, and stimulate their interest in developing innovative projects. A. Annamammedova's active participation in the programme underscored the desire of Turkmen youth for continuous development and the acquisition of modern knowledge.
At the opening of the company's office in Ashgabat, Bassem Tadros, Head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Representative Office, emphasised that relations between Turkmenistan and the UAE are based on trust, respect and a shared vision of energy security. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Both countries are actively developing political, economic and investment ties, with energy playing a key role in the partnership. B. Tadros noted that Turkmenistan has significant natural gas reserves, a favourable geographical location and a long history in the energy sector. He also stressed that ADNOC's cooperation with Turkmenistan will enable the effective pooling of resources and technical expertise for global growth. The opening of the office is a step towards strengthening cooperation, developing local capacity and supporting the country's further energy development.
A round table discussion on the development of the legal aid system and the role of lawyers in protecting human rights was held in Ashgabat. The initiative was organised by the Presidium of the Ashgabat Bar Association and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the support of the British Embassy, according to the Orient news agency. The event was attended by representatives of the Mejlis, the Ministry of Justice of Turkmenistan, the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and other state structures. The results of a joint project aimed at expanding access to justice, especially for women and people with disabilities, were discussed. Key achievements include the development of a Roadmap for the creation of a National Professional Association of Lawyers, the launch of a modern website for the Bar Association, and an analysis of the Criminal Procedure Code with recommendations for strengthening the right to defence. UNDP Resident Representative Narine Sahakyan noted the importance of these steps in promoting the rule of law and creating an inclusive legal aid system. The round table also served as a platform for dialogue between lawyers and government agencies, laying the foundation for further cooperation and bringing the Turkmen legal aid system into line with international standards.
Turkmenistan has launched Central Asia's first research centre for training Olympic athletes. It began operating at the State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport, according to IIC. The centre is equipped with the same gear used by top sports schools in Germany, Japan, and the US. It has BOD POD and Cosmed systems, which are used at the Olympic centres in Salt Lake City and Tokyo. To test speed and reaction time, they use the SpeedCourt system, which is familiar from the ‘Bayern Munich’ and ‘Real Madrid’ academies. Höhenbalance technology has also been introduced, allowing high-altitude conditions to be simulated. The centre works in conjunction with the institute's departments. Students have access to real measurements and practical training in the fields of sports medicine and biomechanics. The aim of the project is to form a scientific basis for the training of national teams and qualified specialists.
An event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust was held in Brussels. The reception was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Kingdom of Belgium. Among the guests were representatives of EU institutions, the Belgian government, international organisations and the diplomatic corps, according to IIC. Turkmenistan's Ambassador Sapar Palvanov noted that the policy of neutrality remains the basis of the country's foreign policy. He recalled that Turkmenistan's neutrality status is recognised by a UN General Assembly resolution and enshrined in the Constitution. The Ambassador stressed that neutrality implies active work to strengthen dialogue and regional stability. Serge Stroobants, Director of the European and MENA Office of the Institute for Economics and Peace, noted the importance of economic projects for sustainable peace and highlighted the role of TAPI and TAP in strengthening regional cooperation. Barbara Dietrich, President of Diplomatic World, emphasised the importance of cultural ties and presented symbolic doves of peace. The finalists of the ‘Miss Belgium’ contest also spoke at the event. They presented traditional Turkmen costumes, noting their respect for the country's culture and the importance of the values of Peace and Trust. The evening brought together diplomatic, expert and cultural initiatives, highlighting Turkmenistan's support for dialogue and international cooperation.
On 21 November, a list of films approved for consideration by the expert council of the Open Eurasian Film Award ‘Diamond Butterfly’ was published. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the contenders are the feature film ‘The Composer,’ created in Turkmenistan, as well as the joint Turkmen-Uzbek film ‘Magtymguly’. A total of 34 works are presented in the competition programme from Russia, China, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Serbia, Venezuela, Cuba, Senegal, South Africa, Pakistan, Belarus, Indonesia, Vietnam, Iran and a number of other countries. The award ceremony will take place on 27 November at Masterskaya ‘12’ under the direction of Nikita Mihalkov. Twelve awards will be presented that evening, including a special prize for ‘Contribution to World Cinema.’ The winners will be determined by a vote of the expert council. The award covers a wide range of nominations: best film, directing, screenplay, cinematography, music, acting, supporting roles, production design, as well as a separate category for films from countries outside the Eurasian space. The main winner of the award will receive $1 million, while the other winners will receive $250,000 each.
The State Intellectual Property Service of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan has registered the copyright for the technology for developing a ‘Phytomineral therapeutic gel based on alunite, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)’. This was reported by ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Alunite, which has antimicrobial and astringent properties, helps to gently tighten inflamed areas of the skin, normalises water balance and prevents the spread of impurities. In the gel, it acts as a mineral stabiliser, affecting the processes of local skin regeneration. Dandelion, traditionally used in herbal medicine, reduces redness, soothes irritation and stimulates tissue regeneration. Rosemary is a natural antioxidant and stimulant: its extracts have a tonic and antimicrobial effect. The research was conducted by specialists from the biotechnology laboratory of the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, A. Rahmanova and D. Gadamov. According to Altyn Rahmanova, Head of the Biotechnology Laboratory, the formula demonstrates that a scientific approach allows the potential of natural components to be maximised: alunite forms the basis, dandelion provides a gentle effect, and rosemary gives the composition an energy balance.
During the holidays, shopping centres in Ashgabat and other regions of Turkmenistan will sell goods and souvenirs with symbols dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust. This was reported by Turkmenportal, citing TDH. At a meeting of the State Organising Committee, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of preparing for the sale of commemorative products. The meeting was attended by the leaders of the Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, representatives of the military and law enforcement agencies. Hero Arkadag stressed that participants in exhibitions and international events must be provided with services that take into account national traditions of hospitality. He added that during the celebrations, all aspects reflecting the country's peaceful policy must be taken into account. It was also noted that international events dedicated to the anniversary of neutrality should be held at a high level.