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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.
Turkmen robotics engineers to represent their country at FTC in Astana
09.02.2026Ten schoolchildren from Turkmenistan will represent their country at the regional stage of the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) international robotics championship, which will be held in Astana from 10 to 13 February 2026. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Astana regional stage will feature 60 of the strongest teams selected from more than 400 applicants from across the region. Turkmenistan will be represented at the competition by two teams, whose goal is to finish in the top three and earn the right to compete in the world finals in Houston (USA). The ‘Oguzrobot’ team includes Aynagozel Keymirova, Orazniyaz Rejepov, Nepesaly Tachmyradov and Nuraly Kerimov, students of Specialised School No. 97 in Ashgabat, as well as Nazar Jumamyradov from School No. 86. The ‘Erjeller’ team will be represented by Durdane Kurbanova, Arslan Babajiyev and Pirnazar Atayev from School No. 97, as well as Orazmuhammet Merdanov and Meylis Bayryev from School No. 86. Last year, Turkmen schoolchildren competed in the tournament in Astana for the first time and were awarded the ‘International Success’ prize. This year, the participation of two teams confirms the growing interest of the country's youth in engineering and digital technologies. FTC is one of the world's largest robotics competitions, organised by the international organisation First Global. Every year, more than 70,000 schoolchildren from over 100 countries take part. Teams create and program autonomous robots to perform complex technical tasks.
Young athletes from Turkmenistan visited the Olympic Village
09.02.2026Students from the capital's School for Young Olympic Athletes visited the Olympic Village in Ashgabat. The trip was organised with the support of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, according to the state news agency TDH. The schoolchildren visited the sports complex, which was the main venue for the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017. They visited the village museum, where they were told about the history of the Games and competitions in 21 sports. Special attention was paid to the symbols of the Asian Games and information about preparations for international tournaments held at the complex's facilities. The students then visited the Olympic Stadium, which can seat 45,000 spectators, where they watched the ‘Arkadag’ football club train. The team is preparing for the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match against ‘Al-Nassr’ from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The ‘Arkadag’ FC players talked with the school students and presented them with commemorative gifts. The young athletes noted that learning about the conditions for training and holding international competitions was an important experience for them.
Erk-Kala: The historical gem of Turkmenistan
09.02.2026Erk-Kala, the oldest citadel of the legendary Merv, occupies a special place in the history of Turkmenistan. Founded in the 6th century BC during the Achaemenid era, Erk-Kala became the ‘foundation’ of the great metropolis known as the ‘Mother of Cities,’ according to the news website InfoAbad. The 20-hectare citadel preserves traces of various eras, from the Achaemenid to the Hellenistic, when the city was called Antioch of Margiana. The 30-metre-high mud-brick walls and archaeological finds — seals with images of mythical creatures, bronze arrows, luxury items — confirm the fortress's role as an administrative centre and an important outpost on the Great Silk Road. Archaeologists also note unique objects: thin-walled Achaemenid-type ceramic bowls, the complex layout of neighbourhoods and palace complexes with a well-thought-out water supply system, as well as the absence of traces of mass destruction, which indicates a tradition of diplomacy and the search for balance. Today, as part of government programmes, work is underway to conserve Erk-Kala in the Ancient Merv Reserve, ensuring the preservation of this UNESCO site for future generations.
Turkmenistan and the UN discussed the results of the sustainable development programme
09.02.2026A meeting of the National Management and Coordination Group, established within the framework of the ‘Framework Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development between Turkmenistan and the UN for 2021-2025’, was held at the office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The meeting took place on 3 February at the UN building in Ashgabat. It was attended by representatives of the country's state bodies, international and national experts, as well as employees of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed the results of the programme's implementation and familiarised themselves with advanced international experience in this field. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed their confidence in further fruitful cooperation and wished each other success in the implementation of important initiatives in the field of sustainable development.
The main melodies of Turkmen cinema will be presented in Ashgabat
09.02.2026The State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan invites residents and guests of Ashgabat to a festive concert entitled ‘Golden Melodies of Turkmen Cinema.’ This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The evening's programme features music that has become symbolic of an entire era: beloved compositions from famous films that evoke the warmest memories. Artistic director and chief conductor, Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan Rasul Klychev, will personally present the concert. The audience can look forward to an unforgettable evening of live music, the magic of cinema and sincere emotions. The concert will take place on 21 February at 7 p.m. at the ‘Mukam’ Palace of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan.
Young wrestlers from Turkmenistan won medals at the ‘RWL-VI Riada Wrestling Liga’
09.02.2026Turkmen freestyle wrestlers showed impressive results at the international tournament ‘RWL-VI Riada Wrestling Liga’, which took place from 7 to 8 February in Grozny. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Athletes born between 2006 and 2008 participated in the competition, and Turkmen athletes won medals in five weight categories. Suleyman Musagulyev achieved the greatest success, becoming the winner in the heaviest category — up to 125 kg. Azatberdi Asyrgulyev won silver in the 65 kg category. Three bronze medals were won by Azimberdi Asyrgulyev (57 kg), Dagan Guvanchmyradov (61 kg) and Batyr Begenjov (74 kg). The results of the young athletes confirm the effectiveness of the reserve training system and the high level of work of the coaching staff. The successful performance in Grozny was further proof of the growing competitiveness of the Turkmen freestyle wrestling school.
Turkmenistan masters network protection technologies in transition to ‘green’ energy
09.02.2026The regional online presentation of the European Union's EU RECA project, implemented by GIZ, focused on the integration of solar and wind energy without compromising the stability of energy systems. Experts from Turkmenistan and other countries in the region were introduced to ‘smart’ GFM inverter technology, which can maintain frequency and voltage in the grid during failures and overloads, according to the news agency Orient. Against the backdrop of plans to develop renewable energy in Turkmenistan, such solutions are becoming critically important: variable solar and wind generation requires new approaches to grid management. GFM inverters do not shut down during instability, but imitate the operation of traditional power plants, ensuring the stability of the power system. The presentation was based on the experience of the GIZ training course previously held in Kazakhstan at the KEGOC system operator. The project will result in a technical report — a practical guide for Central Asian energy companies on the safe implementation of renewable energy sources.
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