On September 5, 2023, during the meeting of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the President of the University of Tsukuba Kyosuke Nagata, the prospects for deepening the traditional Turkmen-Japanese cooperation were discussed.

At the beginning of the meeting, the guest conveyed to Arkadag the words of greeting from the Emperor and the Prime Minister of Japan, who highly appreciate the great personal contribution of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to the strengthening of interstate relations.

Conveying his best wishes to the Emperor and the Prime Minister of Japan, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty expressed confidence that this visit, as well as the meetings held within its framework, would give impetus to the further development of relations between the University of Tsukuba and higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan, would become a valuable contribution to the enrichment of the Turkmen-Japanese scientific - educational cooperation.

As is known, in March 2015, Arkadag, who was in Japan on a working visit at that time, was awarded the academic title "Honorary Doctor" of the University of Tsukuba for assistance in the international curriculum for mutual exchange in the field of education and research.

During the current meeting of two prominent scientists and professors, who made a huge personal contribution to the development of science, it was stated that the legal framework of relations between higher educational institutions of the two countries is being consistently strengthened.

Speaking about the opening up broad prospects for further joint work, the interlocutors discussed the opportunities for exchanging experience, training experienced teachers to teach the Japanese language in Turkmenistan and the Turkmen language in Japan.

According to the general opinion, this work is of great importance in the formation of a generation with a broad outlook, the rapprochement of two friendly peoples and the mutual enrichment of cultures.

Such cooperation is very relevant in connection with the expansion of science-intensive industries in our country and the interest of large Japanese businesses in establishing a close investment and technological partnership with Turkmenistan.

It was noted that Turkmenistan, which has huge hydrocarbon reserves, is interested in further building up cooperation with Japanese companies that have extensive experience and modern technologies in the oil and gas and gas chemical industries. Other promising areas are hydrogen production, high technology, ecology and environmental safety, e-sports and others.

During the meeting, attention was also paid to the development of inter-parliamentary relations.

On September 5, 2023, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the President of the Japanese University of Tsukuba Kyosuke Nagata.

At the beginning of the meeting, the guest conveyed warm greetings from the Emperor and the Prime Minister of Japan, who expressed the deep interest of the Japanese side in building up the traditional partnership with Turkmenistan.

The President of Turkmenistan, in turn, addressed his best wishes in response to the leadership of Japan.

As was especially emphasized, the interstate dialogue will continue to be traditionally based on many years of friendship, trust and mutual understanding. Strengthening the multifaceted and long-term strategic partnership with Japan remains one of the priorities of Turkmenistan's foreign policy.

In this regard, the head of state noted with satisfaction the high level of relations between the two countries and the productivity of established cooperation in political, trade, economic, humanitarian, etc.

The main topic of discussion was the wide prospects for deepening traditional Turkmen-Japanese ties in the field of science and education.

The President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the use of international experience and achievements in improving the education system, highlighting the effective nature of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan in this direction. This is confirmed by the education of Turkmen youth in Japan, the teaching of the Japanese language in a number of secondary and higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan, and the established relations between representatives of science and education.

Noting the established fruitful cooperation between the University of Tsukuba and the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after D.Azadi and the Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan named after Oguz Han, the head of state expressed confidence that this partnership plays an important role in the formation of a modern, well-developed and innovative young generation will continue to develop successfully.

Thanking the head of Turkmenistan for the comprehensive assistance to the development of a multifaceted dialogue between the two countries, the President of the University of Tsukuba, in turn, stressed that the long-term fruitful cooperation was laid by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In this context, it was noted that Arkadag is an Honorary Doctor of the University of Tsukuba and, along with large-scale state activities, has always paid and continues to pay great attention to research work, makes a great personal contribution to the development of Turkmen-Japanese relations.

On September 5, 2023, an official meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Catherine Colonna took place.

During the meeting, issues of intensifying bilateral political and diplomatic relations were discussed. In this context, the possibilities of organizing visits at the state level were also considered.

The Foreign ministries of the two countries exchanged views on the most pressing issues of international and regional politics.

As a result of the meeting R.Meredov and C.Colonna have signed:

• Memorandum of cooperation in the field of education;
• Cooperation program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France for 2024-2026.

Along with this, during the visit of the Turkmen delegation to France the following documents were signed:

• Declaration of friendly agreement on twinning between the cities of Arkadag and Maisons-Laffite;
•  Cooperation agreement between the State bank for foreign economic affairs of Turkmenistan and the Union de Banques Arabes et Françaises – U.B.A.F.

As is known, the delegation of Turkmenistan was on an official visit to Paris at the invitation of the French side.

On September 5, 2023, in frames of the official visit to Paris, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Secretary General of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes.

During the meeting, the Turkmen side noted the integrated approach used in Turkmenistan in the development of priority areas, including in the field of exhibition activities. In this context, the head of BIE was informed about the plans for the implementation of the Concept for the development of international exhibition activities of Turkmenistan for 2024-2025, which was approved by the President of Turkmenistan in August 2023.

The parties stressed the importance of exhibition activities in the development of trade and foreign economic relations, as well as strengthening the economic potential of the country and exchanged views on the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the BIE.

It was highlighted that our country is currently preparing for the participation of the Turkmen side in the International Exhibition "Expo-2023 Doha" in Qatar in 2024, as well as in the World Exhibition "Expo-2025 Osaka" in Japan in 2025.

The BIE Secretary General highly appreciated the relations between Turkmenistan and the International Bureau of Expositions, and also expressed readiness to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in international exhibition activities.

On September 5, 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Deputy Director-General of UNESCO Xing Qu held negotiations, during which they discussed current issues of interaction between Turkmenistan and UNESCO, and also exchanged views on the upcoming cooperation agenda.

It was stated that over the years of effective cooperation, the sides have implemented joint activities aimed at popularizing the rich spiritual heritage of the Turkmen people, and actively interacted in the fields of education, science, ecology and nature conservation.

The parties outlined plans to hold a number of joint events on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s accession to UNESCO, as well as the celebration of the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi.

The Memorandum on Cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and UNESCO for 2021-2023, signed in 2021, as well as the Framework Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and UNESCO of 2015 on the creation of a trust fund, for the implementation of which was agreed to develop a joint action plan, were also highlighted.

Expressing their commitment to further expand interaction between Turkmenistan and UNESCO, the parties emphasized that the development of scientific and educational partnership, the continuation of activities to popularize national cultural heritage are key mechanisms of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Dozens of business meetings between representatives of the Turkmen delegation and French companies were held in Paris as part of the official visit of the delegation of Turkmenistan on September 4-5 this year.

During the negotiations with representatives of the French business community, in particular, the “France-Turkmenistan” Chamber of Commerce, the “French Healthcare Association”, financial institutions “Coface”, “UBAF” Union de Banques Arabes et Françaises, “Société Générale CIB” and “Credit Agricole”, “IB2C France” federation, “CIFAL International Services”, “Thales”, “Thales Alenia Spaсe”, “Airbus”, “TOTALENERGIES”, “MBDA”, “Bouygues Groupe”, “VINCI Construction Grands Projets”, “BAUDIN CHATEAUNEUF”, "CARPI Tech", "Rothschild & Co" and other companies was discussed a wide range of issues of interaction, as well as promising areas for further cooperation were identified.

Turkmenistan, due to its geographical location, occupies an important place in the global supply chain. The country intends to use this advantage and create economically profitable transport corridors that contribute to the development of international trade, attract large investments in transport infrastructure to increase transit attractiveness. This was stated by the Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakyyev.

Speaking at the conference "International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnectedness and Development - 2023", he noted that the high interest of participants in this event shows the relevance of a dialogue of this format, which gives grounds to make these meetings a tradition.

Mammethan Chakyyev briefly presented the main aspects of the Program for the development of Transport Diplomacy of Turkmenistan for 2022-2025, which provides for strategically important measures for the comprehensive modernization of the material and technical base of all types of transport, the formation of modern profile infrastructure, further strengthening the country's position as a regional center of international transport and transit corridors.

Turkmenistan cooperates with other countries of the region to develop agreed mechanisms and infrastructure conditions for trade facilitation and e-commerce, strengthening economic ties and increasing trade with partners in the region.

In less than a year after the first forum "International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnectedness and development", significant events took place in the country. Among them is the Conference of Ministers of Transport of Landlocked Developing Countries, Turkmenistan's accession to the e-CMR Protocol, a request has been submitted to join the TRACECA and North-South international corridors. New automobile terminals in regional centers, railway bridges were also put into operation, many passenger cars, railway rolling stock were purchased, Airbus cargo planes were purchased, the geography of cargo and passenger routes of the national air carrier, covering Europe and Asia, expanded.

Today's challenges and changes in the global economy require from us not only modernization, but also innovative solutions. Therefore, the creation of new transport corridors and infrastructures based on digital technologies and environmentally friendly solutions can become a driver of economic growth in our country and the entire region. Said Chakyyev.

The transport conference, which opened on Wednesday, is attended by high-ranking representatives of the Government of Turkmenistan, heads of national and international transport companies, industrial zones, companies in the field of e-commerce, management of logistics organizations and major international financial institutions.

Speakers and moderators at the forum sessions are authoritative figures, well-known diplomats and experts from all over the world. They speak out on the most relevant topics related to the transport and logistics sector, its digitalization, noting the role of public-private partnership, science and education in the development of digital trade and logistics.

Many participants brought with them concrete investment proposals and promising partnership projects, which were discussed during separate bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the forum, which was distinguished by high business activity.

The President of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, spoke about the expediency of creating a FIFA training and methodological center in the city of state significance Arkadag.

This became known during the visit of the head of the Federation to Ashgabat, where he met with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, TDH reports.

"Today, in the modern conditions of intensive industrial development, the role of sport in strengthening human health has increased more than ever, and all conditions have been created in your country for this," Infantino said in an interview with the head of state.

In turn, Serdar Berdimuhamedov said that Turkmenistan is ready to support FIFA's initiatives and proposals related to the development of world football. In addition, a proposal was made to use the sports infrastructure of Turkmenistan for various international football tournaments.

During the meeting, the FIFA President presented Serdar Berdimuhamedov with a gift — a personalized T-shirt, an official ball and a FIFA pennant, noting Turkmenistan's high contribution to the development of football and compliance of sports infrastructure with international standards.

Then the guest held talks with Deputy Prime Minister Nurmuhammet Amannepesov, with whom issues of further cooperation and development of the football movement in the country were discussed.

Also, members of the FIFA delegation met with young Turkmen football players and took a photo for memory. Then Gianni Infantino got acquainted with the megaproject of the "smart" city of Arkadag and visited the International Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex, where he attended the performance by the equestrian sports group "Galkynysh".

On May 4, 2023, at the Olympic Stadium, located in the capital's Olympic Village, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with President of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) Gianni Infantino.

Greeting the guest on the ancient and hospitable Turkmen land, the head of state first of all congratulated him on his re-election as the President of the International Federation of Football Associations and wished him new success in the development of football around the world.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that he keeps the warmest memories of their meeting last December in Doha (State of Qatar), where one of the matches of the World Cup was held, at which an invitation to visit Turkmenistan was accepted.

Expressing gratitude for the invitation to visit Turkmenistan and the time allotted for a personal meeting, the head of FIFA sincerely thanked President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the warm welcome and the opportunity to see the achievements of modern Turkmenistan with his own eyes.

Speaking about the main milestones in the development of domestic football, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the Football Federation of Turkmenistan was established in 1992. In the same year, games of the National Major League of Turkmenistan and tournaments for the Cup of Turkmenistan begin to be held. In 1994, the Football Federation of Turkmenistan became a member of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.

As noted, the Football Federation of Turkmenistan pays great attention to the development of children's football. As a result, since 2000, with the active participation of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan and UNICEF, together with FIFA, Grassroots football festivals have been held on a regular basis from March to November, in which football players of various ages take part.

Every year, the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, together with FIFA, holds international seminars in our country to improve the skills of football and mini-football referees, as a result of which referees who have successfully passed the tests receive the status of an international class referee.

During the meeting, the guest presented the head of Turkmenistan with a symbolic gift - a personalized T-shirt, an official ball and a FIFA pennant.

Thanking the Turkmen side for the willingness and desire to further intensify cooperation in the field of sports, the President of the International Federation of Football Associations highly appreciated the large-scale work carried out in the country to popularize the mass physical culture and health improvement movement and elite sports.

Туркменистан, благодаря своему географическому положению, занимает важное место в глобальной цепочке поставок. Страна намерена задействовать это преимущество и создавать экономически выгодные транспортные коридоры, которые способствуют развитию международной торговли, привлечь крупные инвестиции в транспортную инфраструктуру для повышения транзитной привлекательности. Об этом заявил генеральный директор Агентства транспорта и коммуникаций при Кабинете министров Туркменистана Мамметхан Чакыев.

Выступая на конференции «Международные транспортно-транзитные коридоры: взаимосвязанность и развитие - 2023», он отметил, что высокий интерес участников к данному мероприятию показывает востребованность диалога такого формата, что дает основание сделать эти встречи традицией.

Мамметхан Чакыев кратко представил основные аспекты Программы развития транспортной дипломатии Туркменистана на 2022-2025 годы, которой предусмотрены стратегически важные меры по комплексной модернизации материально-технической базы всех видов транспорта, формирование современной профильной инфраструктуры, дальнейшее укрепление позиций страны в качестве регионального центра международных транспортно-транзитных коридоров.

Туркменистан сотрудничает с другими странами региона для выработки согласованных механизмов и инфраструктурных условий упрощения торговли и электронной коммерции, укрепления экономических связей и увеличения товарообмена с партнерами в регионе.

Менее, чем за год после первого форума «Международные транспортно-транзитные коридоры: взаимосвязанность и развитие», в стране произошли знаменательные события. В их числе - Конференция министров транспорта развивающихся стран, не имеющих выхода к морю, присоединение Туркменистана к Протоколу о e-CMR, подан запрос о присоединении к международным коридорам TRACECA и Север-Юг. Также были введены в эксплуатацию новые автомобильные терминалы в областных центрах, железнодорожные мосты, закуплены партии легковых автомобилей, железнодорожные подвижные составы, приобретены грузовые самолеты Airbus, расширилась география грузовых и пассажирских маршрутов национального авиаперевозчика, охватывающая Европу и Азию.

Сегодняшние вызовы и изменения в мировой экономике требуют от нас не только модернизации, но и инновационных решений. Поэтому создание новых транспортных коридоров и инфраструктур, основанных на цифровых технологиях и экологически чистых решениях, может стать драйвером экономического роста нашей страны и всего региона. сказал Чакыев.

В работе открывшейся в среду транспортной конференции принимают участие высокопоставленные представители правительства Туркменистана, руководители национальных и международных транспортных компаний, промышленных зон, компаний в сфере электронной коммерции, руководство логистических организаций и крупных международных финансовых институтов.

Спикерами и модераторами на сессиях форума выступают авторитетные деятели, известные дипломаты и эксперты со всего мира. Они высказываются по самым актуальным темам, связанным с транспортной и логистической сферой, ее цифровизацией, отмечая роль государственно-частного партнерства, науки и образования в развитии цифровой торговли и логистики.

Многие участники привезли с собой конкретные инвестиционные предложения и перспективные партнерские проекты, которые получили обсуждения во время отдельных двусторонних встреч на полях форума, отличившегося высокой деловой активностью.