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A media forum on the achievements of FC ‘Arkadag’ has opened in Ashgabat
09.02.2026On 9 February, the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football” opened at the International Broadcasting Centre in the Olympic Village. This was reported by IIC. Leading sports analysts, journalists and distinguished experts from Turkmenistan and abroad are participating in the event. The main topic of the forum was the rapid growth of the national champion and preparations for a landmark event — the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match against Saudi club ‘Al-Nassr’, which will take place on 11 February in Ashgabat. The upcoming match has generated a lot of interest among fans: for the first time, Turkmenistan will be visited by a major Asian football team with world stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo. For the Saudi team, this match will be an important part of their continental campaign, but they will face a confident FC ‘Arkadag’, led by head coach Vladimir Bayramov, which has already established itself as the strongest club in Central Asia.
‘Arkadag’ fans will be able to attend the match against ‘Al-Nassr’ with digital tickets
09.02.2026The football match between ‘Arkadag’ and Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’ promises to be not only spectacular, but also technologically advanced. The organisers have announced that fans will no longer need to print out tickets — it will be enough to have them in digital form on their smartphones. This was reported by IIC. Electronic tickets allow fans to avoid queues and simplify access to the stands. All they need to do is open the QR code on their device screen and show it to the ticket inspector. To speed up the process, it is recommended that fans prepare their tickets in advance on their way to the stadium. After scanning, volunteers will help fans quickly find their seats. The introduction of digital tickets is part of a programme to create a comfortable, modern environment at sports venues in Turkmenistan. This allows fans to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the match without being distracted by formalities.
Before the match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’, fans can enjoy a musical programme
09.02.2026Before the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ football clubs, which will take place on 11 February in Ashgabat, a festive concert programme featuring Turkmen pop stars will be organised for fans. This announcement was published on the website of the Ashgabat Passenger Transport Company. The festivities will begin at 17:00. In this regard, spectators are advised to arrive at the Olympic Stadium in advance and pass through security checks in a timely manner. The organisers note that the event will be a colourful addition to the football match and will give fans the atmosphere of a real sporting celebration.
Turkmenistan strengthens cooperation with the UN within the framework of regional initiatives
09.02.2026On 9 February, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko and Ambassadors of Central Asian countries accredited in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the talks, priority areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations and its specialised agencies were discussed. The parties placed particular emphasis on the preparation and conduct of the second regional training course for young diplomats and civil servants from Central Asian countries, which is planned to take place in Ashgabat in the near future.
Turkmen athletes won 18 medals at a ju-jitsu tournament in Italy
09.02.2026The Turkmenistan national team won 18 medals at an International Ju-Jitsu Ranking Tournament held in Genoa, Italy. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the end of the competition, Turkmen athletes took third place in the overall medal standings, winning 7 gold, 6 silver and 5 bronze medals. More than 450 athletes from 30 countries participated in the tournament. The Turkmenistan national team consisted of 18 athletes from various educational institutions across the country. Gold medals in their respective categories were won by: Norjev Soltanmyrat (56 kg), Rahmanov Shyhberdi (62 kg), Ovezov Yslam (69 kg), Taganov Rahmet (77 kg), Gokbeyeva Suray (57 kg), Abdyeva Hurma (52 kg) and Yollyev Eziz (85 kg). Silver medals were awarded to: Rovshenov Bayram (56 kg), Kullyeva Aynur (48 kg), Nuryev Suleyman (62 kg), Amanmyradov Annagurt (77 kg), Dovvayev Seyran (85 kg) and Esenov Gudrat (69 kg). Bronze medalists were: Garajayev Abdyrahman (56 kg), Kuliyev Dayanch (77 kg), Rahmanov Parahat (62 kg) and Myradov Bagtyyar (85 kg). The Italian team topped the medal table, winning 50 medals: 17 gold, 14 silver and 19 bronze. Kazakhstan took second place with 25 medals (7 gold, 10 silver and 8 bronze).
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Thailand presented copies of his credentials
09.02.2026On 9 February, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Thailand (residence – Kuala Lumpur) M. Mashalov met with the Director of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Chakkrid Krachaiwong, during which copies of the credentials were presented. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Thai side congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment, wished him success and confirmed its readiness to support him in his diplomatic work. The parties discussed the importance of high-level negotiations for the development of inter-state dialogue and the possibility of organising visits by Heads of State. At the end of the meeting, it was decided to maintain regular contacts between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Thailand to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Media forum in Ashgabat highlights prospects for Chinese-Turkmen partnership
09.02.2026Independent journalist from China, expert on international relations and sports, commentator for CCTV-5 television channel Yang Sheng, spoke at the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football”. He noted the strategic partnership between China and Turkmenistan, linked to the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ and the Turkmen doctrine of ‘Revival of the Great Silk Road,’ reports IIC. Yang Sheng highlighted three areas of cooperation: strengthening energy ties, educational projects (including the Luban Workshop) and cooperation in the field of regional security in the ‘Central Asia-China’ and SCO formats. He stressed that the upcoming AFC Champions League match was an opportunity to bring together media professionals from around the world. In conclusion, Yang Sheng noted that the partnership between the two countries, based on mutual respect, opens up opportunities in the digital economy and ‘green’ energy, creating prospects for joint development.
Robert Frantsev noted the significance of FC ‘Arkadag’s successes for Turkmenistan
09.02.2026At a press conference held by the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football”, ahead of the historic match in Ashgabat, Robert Frantsev, a correspondent for the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, noted the successes of FC ‘Arkadag’ as important for Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. He emphasised that the club's rapid growth was the result of a state programme to develop sports infrastructure and promote a healthy lifestyle. The basis for this success is the material and technical base created for the 2017 Asian Games, which continues to be actively used for mass sports. Frantsev noted that the match is important not only as a sporting event, but also as an opportunity to present the culture, hospitality and natural wealth of Turkmenistan to an international audience. According to him, the game will give a powerful impetus to the younger generation, inspiring children across the country to take up sports and develop a will to win.
Moldovan expert praised the organisation of the match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’
09.02.2026At an international sports conference in Ashgabat, Natalia Donets, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Sport-Time.org and Representative of the Moldovan Football Federation, shared her impressions of the organisation of the AFC Champions League match between FC ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’. This was reported by IIC. For Donets, this was her first experience with Asian football. She noted the professional preparation for the match and the rapid progress of ‘Arkadag’, emphasising the club's focus on developing its own talent as a sign of a long-term sports strategy. The expert also highlighted the scale of the volunteer movement: more than 500 volunteers participated in the organisation of the game. According to her, such community involvement demonstrates the country's dedication to sport. Donets added that events of this level promote cultural exchange, reinforce the principles of fair play and inspire children in Turkmenistan to participate in sports.
The match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ will be broadcast in 168 countries around the world
09.02.2026At the media forum, Annasahet Kakayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, spoke about preparations for the broadcast of the FC ‘Arkadag’ vs ‘Al-Nassr’ match. This was reported by IIC. He noted that through cooperation with the Asian Football Confederation and Asia Football Group, viewers in 168 countries will be able to watch the game. Thirty-nine media systems have acquired the rights to broadcast the match, which will ensure wide audience coverage. The broadcast will be conducted in accordance with high international standards: filming at the stadium with 14 cameras and the work of more than 220 specialists. Two mobile satellite stations, ‘Türkmen Älemi’ and ‘Eutelsat’, will be used to transmit the signal. Professional commentary will be provided in Turkmen and English in three booths at the Olympic Stadium. Fan zones have been set up in the ‘Aşgabat’, ‘Berkarar’ and ‘Arkaç’ shopping centres in Ashgabat. Kakayev emphasised that comprehensive coverage of the event will showcase the country's sporting potential and the development of Turkmen television and media technologies.
Turkmenistan and the EU have confirmed their interest in developing energy ties
09.02.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, held a meeting with Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Director of the Energy Security and International Relations Unit of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation in the energy sector, as well as opportunities for its further expansion. During the negotiations, the interlocutors also exchanged views on energy security, sustainable infrastructure development and the implementation of the climate agenda. The parties expressed mutual interest in maintaining regular contacts, including high-level dialogue, emphasising the importance of continuing open and forward-looking cooperation, taking into account the priorities of both sides.
Russian Ambassador to Turkmenistan shared his work experience and diplomatic traditions
09.02.202610 February is Diplomatic Worker's Day in Russia. Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan, spoke about the significance of the holiday and the modern challenges of the profession in an interview with the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to him, the day symbolises the continuity of generations and provides an opportunity to exchange experiences with colleagues from Moscow and foreign missions. Although the holiday appeared in 2002, Russian diplomacy has deep historical roots: the first official representation of Rus at the court of the Byzantine emperor dates back to 838, and on 10 February 1549, the Ambassadorial Order, the first centralised structure in charge of foreign affairs, was mentioned. Volynkin noted that modern diplomats must preserve traditional qualities — professionalism, responsibility, foreign language skills — while adapting to new challenges: digital technologies, cybersecurity, and the climate agenda. ‘It is important to firmly defend the country's position while observing the culture of communication and a sense of proportion,’ he stressed. According to the Ambassador, Russian diplomacy is preserving its traditions: enlightened patriotism, professional culture and a deep understanding of national interests remain the basis of its work. On Diplomatic Worker's Day, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry holds a solemn meeting with the participation of Minister S. Lavrov, where distinguished employees are awarded and flowers are laid at the memorial plaques of colleagues who died in the line of duty. Similar events are held in all foreign missions, including the Embassy in Ashgabat. Ivan Volynkin has been working in Turkmenistan for more than 2.5 years. He noted the country's cultural heritage, unique traditions and the warm attitude of the local people. The Ambassador also congratulated his colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan on the upcoming Diplomatic Workers' Day, which is celebrated on 18 February, and wished them good health and new achievements.
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