Digest of the main news of Turkmenistan on February 1

The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the Galkynyş group on their victory at the festival in Monte Carlo, a new payment system "Galkynyş" is being introduced in Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected the second stage of construction of the city of Arkadag and other news

Turkmenistan

1. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group on their triumphant victory at the International Circus Arts Festival in Monte Carlo. The head of state noted that large-scale activities are currently underway in the country to expand the sphere of circus arts, as well as to develop international cooperation.

2. The State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan has begun developing a new payment system, "Galkynyş". This system is aimed at expanding the range of remote banking services for organizations and individuals.

3. On February 19-20, Turkmenistan will host the eighth meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Turkish Commission on Economic Cooperation, during which issues of bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres will be discussed.

4. National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected the projects of the second stage of development of the city of Arkadag, where he paid special attention to the quality of construction and compliance of the facilities with modern requirements. During the visit, he met with representatives of international construction companies and made adjustments to the submitted projects.

5. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with representatives of the South Korean company Koreуa Meditech and the Japanese Sumitomo to discuss the construction and equipping of medical cluster facilities in the city of Arkadag. During the talks, the prospects for cooperation within the framework of the implementation of the Saglyk State Program were discussed. Particular attention was paid to an integrated approach to equipping medical facilities using the latest scientific achievements and innovative technologies.

6. During his visit to the city of Arkadag, the National Leader of the Turkmen people expressed dissatisfaction with the level of organization of events held recently in the city of Arkadag, noting that the measures taken to maintain law and order are not being implemented properly, and control over the activities of the military and law enforcement officers has been weakened.

7. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also visited the Gorogly State Circus, where he rode a horse named Hanbeg around the arena. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted the growing international fame of Ahal-Teke horses and praised the achievements of the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group, especially noting their success at the International Circus Arts Festival in Monte Carlo.

World

8. The Turkish tourism sector has seen unprecedented growth in 2024, setting new records in both visitor numbers and revenue. The country welcomed over 62,2 million international visitors, exceeding not only the previous year’s figures by 9,8%, but also the pre-pandemic 2019 level by an impressive 20,3%. Tourism revenues reached 61,1 billion USD, showing an 8,3% increase compared to the previous year.

9. A row is brewing in France over plans to renovate the city's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. The group Sites & Monuments has launched a lawsuit in the Paris administrative court, arguing against the replacement of six historic stained glass windows with modern works, despite the originals being undamaged by a fire in 2019. The standoff arose after President Emmanuel Macron proposed leaving a “modern mark” on the restored cathedral by commissioning new stained glass windows to French artist Claire Tabouret. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2026. However, the decision has sparked strong resistance from cultural heritage advocates.

Sport

10. The Turkmenistan national hockey team has left for the Asian Games, which will be held from February 7 to 14 in Harbin. Following the draw, the Turkmen team was placed in group “C”, where it will play against India, Hong Kong and Macau. The Turkmenistan national team to Harbin includes 22 athletes, two coaches and a doctor.