Last week, key events took place in Turkmenistan in the political, economic and social spheres, according to the news website Asmannews.

On 30 September, the Mejlis accepted the credentials of Irish Ambassador Clare Brosnan, and the parties confirmed their intention to develop cooperation with the EU through international organisations.

On 1 October, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired a meeting of the State Security Council, discussing the work of law enforcement agencies, the digitalisation of the army, conscription, law enforcement, crime prevention, road safety and fire safety measures.

On the same day, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the city of Arkadag and familiarised himself with ‘smart’ city projects, including medical and educational facilities, infrastructure and landscaping.

On 2 October, the President of Turkmenistan inspected new medical facilities in Ashgabat and instructed preparations for an international exhibition and conference on healthcare, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the ‘Saglyk’ programme.

On 3 October, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the results of the first nine months were summarised: GDP grew by 6.3%, industry by 1.8%, construction by 7%, transport by 10.8%, trade by 9.6%, agriculture by 5% and services by 8.4%.

Retail trade turnover increased by 13.2%, foreign trade by 8.5%. The tasks of developing the economy, the oil and gas and agro-industrial complexes, infrastructure, science, education and healthcare were discussed. The Head of State noted the importance of international cooperation and stable socio-economic development.