The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by events in the fields of international cooperation, environmental diplomacy, regional development and sport. This was reported by the news agency TDH.

On 12 August, events dedicated to Caspian Sea Day took place in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The main event was the scientific and practical conference ‘Preserving the Ecosystem of the Caspian Sea: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’.

The forum was attended by representatives of the Government, ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, scientific institutions, diplomatic missions, and international and regional organisations.

Participants discussed issues relating to the conservation of the Caspian Sea ecosystem, the protection of rare species of flora and fauna, the establishment of a Caspian scientific partnership, and the development of trade, economic and transport links between the Caspian states. Particular attention was paid to the role of young people in combating climate change and ensuring environmental security.

As part of the events, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, held meetings with representatives of the International Organisation for Migration, the European Union, the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The parties discussed the sustainable development of the Caspian region, environmental protection and environmental diplomacy.

Sports competitions were also held at ‘Awaza’, involving heads and representatives of diplomatic missions from foreign countries and international organisations.

Another significant event was the working visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Mary velayat and Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan, the Hero Arkadag held negotiations with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Cabinet of Ministers for Economic Affairs. The parties discussed the development of trade and economic ties, the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ gas pipeline project, transport and electricity infrastructure, as well as digital cooperation.

Particular attention was paid to the ‘Serhetabat–Herat’ gas pipeline, the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ fibre-optic communication line project and the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ international transport corridor.

The parties also discussed the training of specialists for the gas sector, increasing the number of Afghan students in Turkmenistan, the development of industrial infrastructure in Herat Province, and the strengthening of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation.

Following the meeting, the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and Afghanistan’s State Corporation ‘Afghan Gas’ signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The document provides for joint work to establish infrastructure in Herat Province to supply industrial enterprises, power stations and the population with Turkmen natural gas.

On 13 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan visited the city of Arkadag. He familiarised himself with the projects for the second phase of construction and held a working meeting with the heads of the relevant agencies.

D. Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, and G. Mammedova, the city’s Governor, presented plans for a specialised secondary school with an in-depth foreign language programme, a nursery school with capacity for 320 children, and a sports complex.

Issues relating to the development of football were considered separately. D. Orazov reported that the ‘Arkadag’ team had qualified for the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2. Hero Arkadag asked that the athletes be wished every success in their upcoming competitions.

During the meeting, the pace of construction of the second phase of the project, as well as the quality and timing of their commissioning, were also discussed. Particular attention was paid to the organisation of the specialised school’s operations, its curriculum, and the provision of digital updates to parents regarding pupils’ academic progress and discipline.

In addition, it was announced that the name of the 30,000-seat mosque currently under construction in the city – ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’ – had been registered. A proposal to grant the madrasah being built next to the mosque the status of a higher education institution was also considered.

On 14 August, a festive sadaqah was held in the town of Arkadag to mark the registration of the ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’ mosque. Those attending the event also visited the Gokdepe Mosque, where they performed Friday prayers.