Three football referees from Turkmenistan have been included in the list of officials who will oversee the matches of Group "A" in the AFC Challenge League. Resul Mammedov has been appointed as the main referee, while Palvan Palvanov and Ahmet Begnazarov will serve as assistants, according to the Football Federation of Turkmenistan.

The Group "A" matches will take place in Bhutan from October 23 to November 2. Four teams will participate in the tournament: "East Bengal" from India, Lebanon's "Nejmeh", "Bashundhara Kings" from Bangladesh, and the local club "Paro" from Bhutan.

In addition to the Turkmen specialists, referees from Bahrain, China, Jordan, and Thailand have been invited to officiate the matches of this group.

The Iranian national team defeated the Qatar team with a score of 4:1 in a home match of the 4th round of the World Cup qualifying tournament.

The winners' goals were scored by Serdar Azmoun (42nd and 48th minutes) and Mohammad Mohebi (65, 90+8). Almoez Ali (17) scored for the Qatari team.

In other matches of the game day, the Uzbekistan national team defeated the UAE team (1:0), and the Kyrgyzstan national team beat the DPRK (1:0).

The national teams of Iran and Uzbekistan continue to lead the group A standings, having scored 10 points each in 4 matches. The UAE and Qatar share 3rd and 4th places, with four points each, followed by the teams of Kyrgyzstan (3) and the DPRK (2).

In the next match, the Iranians will play the DPRK team on November 14, the Uzbekistan team will meet Qatar, and Kyrgyzstan will face the UAE team.

The 2026 World Cup will be held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Six teams will directly advance to the finals from the Asian qualifying tournament.

On October 14, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting with the participation of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahalliyev, who oversees the agro-industrial complex, and the hakims of the velayats. The agenda included issues of implementing the National Rural Program and the progress of seasonal agricultural campaigns in the country.

The first to speak was the head of the administration of the Ahal velayat, S. Soltanmyradov, who reported on the state of affairs in the fields of the region.

As noted, necessary measures are currently being taken to increase the pace of cotton harvesting without losses, including the effective use of agricultural machinery, uninterrupted operation of reception points, and cotton processing enterprises.

In addition, wheat sowing continues in accordance with agrotechnical terms. Vegetative irrigation is carried out on the sown areas where uniform shoots have been obtained. Agricultural machinery and equipment are fully utilized.

Care is being taken for potato, vegetable, and other crop plantings, and the harvested crop is being collected.

In the livestock farms of the velayat, work is being carried out to arrange wintering places and prepare the necessary amount of feed for the winter period.

The hakim also reported on the state of construction of social and industrial facilities planned for commissioning this year as part of the National Rural Program.

After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of harvesting cotton without losses and sowing wheat according to agrotechnical terms, giving the hakim a number of specific instructions.

In addition, the head of state ordered to keep the construction of facilities planned for commissioning this year under control in accordance with the National Rural Program and ensure high-quality work.

Then the hakim of the Balkan velayat, H. Ashyrmyradov, reported on the state of affairs in the region.

As noted, efforts are currently being made to increase the pace of harvesting the grown cotton crop without losses, uninterrupted reception of raw materials, and their proper storage.

In addition, necessary measures are being taken to carry out wheat sowing at a high level and in agrotechnical terms, to fully utilize agricultural machinery and equipment, and to timely irrigate the sown areas.

In the velayat, the harvesting of potatoes, vegetables, and other agricultural crops continues.

In the livestock farms of the region, work is being carried out to prepare the necessary amount of feed and bring the wintering places for livestock into proper condition.

It was also reported on the pace of construction of various facilities planned for commissioning this year as part of the National Rural Program and the Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country for 2022–2028.

After hearing the report, the head of state noted the importance of seasonal field campaigns, as well as the proper conduct of wheat sowing in the region and the harvesting of cotton without losses, giving the hakim a number of instructions.

In addition, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov ordered to ensure high-quality construction of social and industrial facilities planned for commissioning this year as part of the National Rural Program.

Then the working meeting continued with the report of the hakim of the Dashoguz velayat, D. Babayev, on the progress of seasonal agricultural work.

As noted, necessary measures are being taken to harvest the grown cotton crop without losses. Special attention is paid to the full utilization of agricultural machinery.

In the velayat, wheat sowing continues, good shoots are appearing on the sown fields, and agricultural machinery and equipment are fully utilized.

It was also reported on the pace of construction of social, cultural, and industrial facilities planned for commissioning this year as part of the National Rural Program.

After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the requirement of the day is the organized and timely conduct of seasonal agricultural work, and in this regard, gave the hakim a number of instructions.

The head of state also instructed the hakim to keep the quality and timing of the construction of various facilities planned for opening this year under control as part of the Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country.

Then the hakim of the Lebap velayat, M. Annanepesov, reported on the progress of work in the fields of the region.

As reported, guided by the tasks set by the President of the country to obtain rich harvests of agricultural crops, the cotton harvest continues without losses these days, and it is being delivered to the state granary. Necessary measures are being taken to ensure the uninterrupted operation of agricultural machinery, the delivery of the harvested raw materials to reception points, and cotton processing enterprises.

Wheat sowing is also being carried out, with agricultural machinery and equipment fully utilized. Vegetative irrigation is carried out on the sown fields in a timely manner.

In the region, care for winter potatoes, vegetables, and other crops, as well as the harvesting of the grown crop, continues in an organized manner.

In addition, efforts are being made in the velayat to harvest the rice crop in the shortest possible time and deliver it to the granaries of the Motherland.

Work is also being carried out to increase the livestock population and optimize the conditions for its maintenance.

Information was provided on the progress of construction of social, cultural, and industrial facilities being built as part of the Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country for 2022–2028 and the National Rural Program, planned for commissioning this year.

After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of the ongoing seasonal agricultural activities these days, instructing the hakim to carry out these works at a high organizational level and in agrotechnical terms.

The head of state ordered to pay special attention to the quality of construction of various facilities being built as part of the National Rural Program, planned for opening this year.

Then the hakim of the Mary velayat, B. Orazov, reported on the progress of seasonal field work.

As reported, the state provides farmers with all the opportunities and does everything necessary to complete the cotton harvesting campaign as soon as possible and without losses. Necessary measures are being taken at the relevant points and enterprises to ensure the uninterrupted reception and storage of raw materials.

At the same time, wheat sowing continues, efforts are being made to complete it according to the agrotechnical calendar, and vegetative irrigation is carried out on the sown areas to obtain uniform shoots.

In the fields where winter potatoes, vegetables, and other crops are ripening, care and harvesting of the ripe crop continue. Preparations are underway for the harvesting of sugar beets.

In the livestock farms, efforts are being made to increase the livestock population and the products obtained, to prepare feed, and to prepare wintering places.

The head of the regional administration informed about the pace of construction of facilities planned for opening this year according to the National Rural Program.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of the successful implementation of programs for the socio-economic development of the country and improving the living standards of the population. In this context, the hakim was instructed to keep the quality and timely execution of targeted work under control.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahalliyev reported on the progress of seasonal activities in the agricultural sector of the country.

As reported, all efforts are being made today to complete the cotton harvest in optimal terms, ensure the uninterrupted reception of raw materials by the relevant points and enterprises, and the operation of agricultural machinery.

Special attention is also paid to measures for the full utilization of machinery and equipment during wheat sowing, which will allow the campaign to be completed in agrotechnical terms. Vegetative irrigation is carried out on the sown areas.

Guided by the instructions of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to supply the domestic market with sufficient agricultural products, the harvesting of winter potatoes, vegetables, and fruits is being carried out. In the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats, the rice harvest continues, and in the Mary region, preparations are underway for the harvesting of sugar beets.

In the livestock farms, preparations for winter are underway: feed is being stocked, and corresponding work is being carried out.

After hearing the report, the head of state ordered to ensure a high level of organization of seasonal campaigns in the agricultural sector.

Addressing the participants of the working meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov focused on the responsible agricultural season – the cotton harvest. It was instructed to take appropriate measures to increase the pace of the campaign to complete it optimally and on time, as well as to do everything necessary to ensure the full operation of combines and other machinery, reception points, and relevant enterprises. All this will allow the harvested crop, grown with great effort, to be collected without losses and successfully implement sectoral reforms.

Emphasizing the wheat sowing campaign, the head of state noted that obtaining a high yield, which will strengthen food security and the well-being of the population, largely depends on its timely and proper completion. In this context, it was instructed to keep the wheat sowing, moisture-charging, and vegetative irrigation in accordance with agrotechnical standards and terms under constant control, as well as the effective use of the technical arsenal.

The Turkmenistan national futsal team has been placed in the second basket ahead of the draw for the 2025 Women's Asian Cup qualification tournament. The draw will be held on October 17 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The qualifying tournament will feature 19 teams divided into pots based on the results of the 2018 Asian Cup. The qualifying matches will be held from January 11 to 19, with the nine teams that finished first and second in their groups, as well as the best third-placed team, advancing to the final round.

The final tournament will be held in China in May 2025, where the qualified teams will be joined by China, Iran and Japan. The top three teams from the final tournament will qualify for the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup in the Philippines in November-December 2025.

The composition of the pots before the draw:

Pot 1: Vietnam;
Pot 2: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Turkmenistan;
Pot 3: Bahrain, Macau;
Pot 4: Australia, India, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines;
Hosts' pot: Thailand, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Myanmar.

Legendary chess player Nigel Short, known for his 1993 World Championship match against Garry Kasparov, spent a week in Ashgabat, participating in several significant events from October 9 to 12. The highlight of his visit was the blitz tournament for the Turkmenistan Chess Federation Cup, held on October 10. Short, with a FIDE blitz rating of 2571, won the tournament, scoring 7.5 points out of 9 possible.

According to the press service of the TCF, the tournament also featured international grandmaster from Ashgabat Maksat Atabayev and candidate master Amanmuhammet Khommadov, who also scored 7.5 points but took second and third places respectively based on additional criteria. Atabayev drew with Short, while Khommadov even defeated the renowned grandmaster but lost points in other games.

The closing ceremony of the tournament was attended by the British Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon, who personally awarded the gold medal to his compatriot. More than 300 chess players participated in the Turkmenistan Chess Federation Cup, and 45 winners in various categories received cups, medals, certificates, and cash prizes.

Foreign guests, including Nigel Short and the British Ambassador, were dressed in national Turkmen costumes and visited the chess museum at the Ashgabat Specialized Chess and Checkers School. A large chessboard with pieces, on which the guests played a game with the 'English Opening,' attracted special interest.

As part of his visit, Short also held a simultaneous exhibition with 10 young chess players, which lasted more than two hours and ended with his victory in all games. The young athletes gained valuable experience and a lot of positive emotions.

Additionally, at the request of the country's coaches and leading chess players, Short held a separate meeting to discuss the development of chess skills and coaching activities. He noted the high level of chess infrastructure in Ashgabat and the talent of young Turkmen chess players, expressing confidence in Turkmenistan's readiness to host international tournaments of the highest level.

On Saturday, at the 'Nisa' stadium in Ashgabat, the football club 'Arkadag' defeated the experimental squad of the Turkmenistan national team in a friendly match with a score of 2:0. The goals were scored by Resul Hodjaev in the 28th minute and Begench Akmammedov in the 82nd minute, despite the team playing with ten men from the 74th minute after Abdy Byashimov was sent off.

The head coach of the national team, Mergen Orazov, used this game to test the team's immediate reserves, not calling up the leaders for the match. Despite having a numerical advantage at the end of the game, the Turkmenistan national team could not change the course of the match. Moreover, in the 76th minute, 'Arkadag' goalkeeper Kakageldy Berdyev saved a penalty taken by Ilyas Charyev.

For the team from the 'smart' city, this match was an important preparation ahead of the upcoming group stage of the AFC Challenge League, which will be held in Kuwait. 'Arkadag' will face FC 'Maziya' on October 26, 'Abdysh-Ata' on October 29, and 'Al-Arabi' on November 1

Football club “Altyn Asyr” of the “Turkmenaragatnashyk” Agency won against “Ashgabat” with a score of 3:1 in the postponed match of the 24th round of the Turkmenistan Premier League. The game took place in the Buzmeyin etrap of Ashgabat at the “Sport toplumy” stadium, FFT reports.

The match remained goalless for a long time until Murad Annayev opened the scoring with a penalty in the 78th minute. Vakhyt Orazsahedov increased “Altyn Asyr's” advantage in the 85th minute, and just a few minutes later Annayev scored a double, also converting a penalty. “Ashgabat” managed to score a consolation goal in the final minutes of the match thanks to the efforts of Shamurad Mammedov.

This victory permitted “Altyn Asyr” to return to second place in the championship. The team has 52 points, the same number as third-placed “Ahal”. “Ashgabat” remains in seventh place with 18 points after 24 matches.

The tournament leader, “Arkadag”, as previously reported, beat “Nebitchi” in the postponed match of the 28th round 5:1 and became the champion of Turkmenistan ahead of schedule.

In the next round, “Ashgabat” will host “Shagadam” on October 16, and the match between “Altyn Asyr” and “Arkadag” has been postponed to a reserve date due to the teams' participation in international Asian club tournaments.

Today in Ashgabat, at the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, the International Conference 'Interconnection of Times and Civilizations - the Basis of Peace and Development' began its work. This conference is organized as part of a large program celebrating the 300th anniversary of the great Turkmen poet and philosopher Magtymguly Pyragy.

The high-level forum, with the participation of many heads of state, is chaired by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Participants in the conference include: President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Among the guests are: the Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey, the head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the General Conference of UNESCO, leaders of international organizations, members of foreign governments, renowned scholars, cultural figures, and diplomats.

The main goals of the international conference are to popularize the classical heritage of Magtymguly Pyragy, study the interconnection of languages and literatures of Eastern peoples, his role in the development of national statehood, and the contribution of the humanist poet to the treasury of universal spiritual values, reports TDH.

In Ashgabat, following negotiations between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a substantial package of 20 documents was signed, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, reports TDH.

In the presence of the heads of state, memorandums and agreements were signed covering a wide range of areas of cooperation, including media, education, transport, energy, culture, and sports.

Among the signed documents:

•  Memorandum of Understanding between the State News Agency of Turkmenistan "TDH" and the RGP on the PHV "Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan" of the Office of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan;

•  Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan;

•  Cooperation Plan between the Hyakimlik of the Balkan Velayat of Turkmenistan and the Akimat of the Mangistau Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan in trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural fields for 2025;

•  Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of maritime transport between the Closed Joint-Stock Company "Marine Merchant Fleet" and the Joint-Stock Company "NC "Aktau Sea Commercial Port";

•  Agreement between the Postal Service Company "Türkmenpoçta" and the Joint-Stock Company "Kazpost" on the delivery of international postal items;

•  Memorandum of Cooperation between the State Concern "Türkmennebit" and the Joint-Stock Company "National Company "KazMunayGas";

•  Agreement on the development of cooperation in the gas industry between the State Concern "Türkmengaz" and the Joint-Stock Company "National Company "QazaqGaz";

•  Agreement between the Main Archive Department under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan on cooperation in the field of archiving;

•  Memorandum of Understanding between the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sports and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan on cooperation in the field of sports;

•  Agreement between the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan on cooperation in the field of tourism;

•  Agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan on cooperation in the field of plant quarantine and protection;

•  Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market;

•  Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on cooperation in combating crime;

•  Memorandum of Understanding between the Agency "Türkmenhowaýollary" of the Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan;

•  Memorandum of Understanding between the Agency "Türkmenaragatnaşyk" of the Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan on further development of cooperation in the field of digitalization and information technologies;

•  Memorandum of Understanding between the Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan;

•  Protocol on amendments and additions to the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on international road transport of passengers and goods dated February 27, 1997;

•  Agreement on strategic cooperation in the field of transport, logistics, and transit between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan;

•  Comprehensive Program for Strengthening Friendship and Deepening Multifaceted Strategic Partnership between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2025-2027;

•  Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on mutual promotion and protection of investments.

Additionally, to the applause of those present, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the Declaration on Strengthening Friendship and Deepening Multifaceted Strategic Partnership between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The international exhibition and scientific conference entitled Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Era of Revival of a New Era of a Powerful State opens in Ashgabat. On this occasion President Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the participants of the forum with a welcoming message.

Dear participants of the international exhibition and scientific forum!

I sincerely congratulate you on the opening of the International Exhibition and Scientific Conference Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Era of Revival of a New Era of a Powerful State, dedicated to the Day of Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers!

Today the national system of healthcare, education and sports, where significant progress is being made, has significantly strengthened its foundation, which is largely due to the measures taken to implement fundamental reforms and introduce best practices. Targeted work in this area is carried out in cooperation with the world leading specialized centers.

Great successes in domestic healthcare have been achieved on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag: many specialized institutions have been opened, the creation of a Medical Cluster in the city of Arkadag has been launched, the products of which will not only meet domestic needs but will also increase the country's export potential.

This year, the motto of which is The Treasure of Makhtumkuli Fragi’s Mind, a number of new facilities were built: the International Scientific and Clinical Center of Physiology and the International Health and Rehabilitation Center in Ashgabat, a glycyrrhizic acid production facility in Turkmenabat and the administrative building of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Service in Mary. I am confident that in the future together with the institutions being built – the International Scientific and Clinical Center of Oncology, international pediatric and dental centers – they will play a huge role in strengthening the health of the population.

The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care is also doing a great deal of work in the field of youth health protection. This year the Foundation donated new ambulances and hemodialysis machines made in Germany to medical and preventive institutions.

We are also effectively implementing the State Program Health and at the same time expanding targeted international partnerships, achieving success in enriching the practice developed in this area. And here great importance is attached to the activation of scientific and medical cooperation for the exchange of experience through telemedicine, in particular, remote consultations and the use of advanced methodological developments in applied medicine. By promoting new areas of interaction in medical and scientific diplomacy we are significantly expanding ties with the United Nations and its specialized agencies, especially with the World Health Organization, as well as with leading specialized and research centers of the world. All this work testifies to the radical reform and entry into a qualitatively new level of the healthcare system of our state - independent neutral Turkmenistan!

Dear friends!

In the era of the Revival of a new era of a powerful state we are also consistently in accordance with international standards, improving the education system as a key factor in the sustainable development of the country. This process is carried out based on the concepts of transition to twelve-year general secondary education, development of a digital education system, improvement of foreign language teaching and improvement of the quality of teaching natural and exact sciences. There is also a scaling up of the implementation of the latest scientific developments and innovative teaching methods, which is dictated by the desire to optimize the work of education system employees and assist them in pedagogical activities in accordance with international standards. We are also successfully implementing joint projects to train qualified personnel and expand educational opportunities: modern conditions and significant prospects contribute to the comprehensive development of young people and allow us to train high-level professionals. In this regard the Concept of Improving Teaching Methods for General Education Programs in Turkmenistan until 2028 was approved.

Today kindergartens and schools are being built throughout the country, which are equipped with the latest computer, interactive and multimedia technologies. Effective measures are also being taken to improve the national education system in accordance with international standards and to strengthen its material, technical and legal base. In general, proper work is being done to prepare educated and erudite young people who are well versed in advanced technologies.

Dear friends!

We attach great importance to the development of physical education and sports, as they are a source of health, have enormous power, consolidating society and the state. This is fully confirmed by the modern specialized facilities operating in the country, including stadiums, sports and equestrian complexes, accumulated experience in the field of targeted international cooperation, orientation of sports potential in the interests of peace, friendship and brotherhood.

Special attention is paid to the creation of broad opportunities for activating the physical education, health and sports movement in the city of Arkadag, built on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people. Guided by this, a multidisciplinary sports complex and center, a stadium for 10 thousand seats were built there. The necessary amenities for people with disabilities are also provided.

Dear friends!

In recent years our country has hosted a few major sports tournaments that were held at a high level. In November of last year Ashgabat hosted the World Kurash Wrestling Championship and in April of this year the International Hockey Competition. The latter was attended by teams from many countries, including the CIS member states. Considering that Turkmenistan is a member of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, we will continue to strengthen its authority as a sports power, as well as popularize sports in the world, recognized as an ambassador of peace.

Dear participants of the international review and scientific forum!

Once again, I sincerely congratulate you on the opening of the International Exhibition and Scientific Conference Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Era of the Revival of a New Era of a Powerful State! I wish you good health, a prosperous and happy life and great success in your work!

President of Turkmenistan

Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

A student of the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Education and Sports and candidate for master of sports Amanmuhammet Hommadov won the main tournament of the Turkmenistan Chess Federation Cup, which was held from October 3 to 8 at the Ashgabat Specialized Chess and Checkers School.

Having scored 9.5 points out of a possible 11, Hommadov also increased his Elo rating to 2290 points, approaching the title of FIDE master. In September 2024, Hommadov won category “B” gold medals as part of the national team at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Hungary.

Second place went to Candidate Master of Sports Ahmet Gubatayev, who was half a point behind the winner and increased his Elo rating by 92 points. Third place went to FIDE Master Mergen Kakabayev, who scored 8.5 points.

Among the girls, the best result was shown by 14-year-old Jahan Rejepova from Lebap velayat, who scored 6.5 points. Second and third places were taken by Myahri Agamuradova and Meryem Agajanova, who also scored 6.5 points, but lost on additional indicators.

In addition to the main medals, the tournament also awarded tickets to the 2025 Turkmenistan Premier League. Ahmet Gubatayev and Mahri Agamuradova received these tickets, since Hommadova and Rejepova already had the right to participate in the next Premier League.

In parallel with the main tournament, a tournament was held among players with a rating below 1700. The winner was Yunus Jorayev, who scored 9.5 points out of a possible 11. Didar Baltaev and Burhan Egenkuliev took second and third places.

Among the girls, the best result was shown by Nurana Jumaniyazova and Aiya Bayramova, who scored 8.5 points each. Aysha Ashirova, who scored 8 points, closed the top three.

On October 8, the rapid tournament started, and on October 10, the blitz tournament will take place, where the arrival of the legendary chess player from England, a contender for the world crown in the match against Garry Kasparov in 1993, international grandmaster Nigel Short is also expected.

On October 8, in Moscow, under the chairmanship of President of Russia Vladimir Putin, a regular meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS was held.

The meeting was attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev.

According to TDH, during the Summit, the CIS Heads of State Council's Decision on the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2025 was signed, which will pass to the Republic of Tajikistan. The co-chairmanship during this period will be carried out by the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan.

Speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States

Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,

Dear Heads of State!

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the Russian Federation for the hospitality, warm welcome, and excellent conditions created for work.

And before moving on to the topic of our meeting, let me once again congratulate dear Vladimir Vladimirovich on his birthday, wish him good health and new successes in his service to the Russian people and state!

Vladimir Vladimirovich enjoys great respect and authority in Turkmenistan and is one of the architects of the relations of friendship, good neighborliness, and cooperation between our countries.

Dear participants!

This year for the Commonwealth of Independent States is marked by the implementation of the main priorities and tasks. This includes strengthening security and stability, deepening economic partnership, and expanding humanitarian ties.

I believe that in the upcoming period, the Commonwealth faces the goals of maximizing our potential to fulfill the agreements reached and new goals dictated by current changes and trends in world political and economic life.

I am convinced that our main defining task as responsible states is to continue joint work to ensure lasting peace and stability within the Commonwealth. This can be achieved by pursuing a coordinated line to further strengthen the mechanisms of political and diplomatic interaction within the CIS, defending positions in favor of peace and security on the global stage, in international organizations.

Today, the issue of countering new challenges and threats is particularly acute. I mean, first of all, such serious risks as biological danger, cybercrime, and the illegal use of information platforms. I believe that our countries need to move to more active, coordinated, and structured approaches to these phenomena, develop mechanisms to protect against attempts to exert destructive influence on state institutions and public life, and purposefully suppress attempts to introduce elements of radicalism, sow enmity and intolerance.

To do this, we need to use the political-diplomatic, organizational, scientific-technical, and other resources at our disposal. Peace, stability, and security within the Commonwealth must be inviolable and reliably guaranteed.

On the external contour, we face no less significant tasks. The ongoing session of the UN General Assembly has shown the presence of considerable and largely conceptual differences in approaches to solving a number of acute problems of modern geopolitics. Nevertheless, despite all their seriousness, Turkmenistan believes that stabilizing the situation in the world is possible, and it lies in the political-diplomatic, negotiation plane. The most important factor in this context is the use of the UN as the only organization with universal legitimacy in maintaining global security and stability.

Next year will mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. This is a major milestone.

It is obvious that the CIS, as a partner of the UN, needs to carry out significant work aimed at strengthening the global organization, supporting and uniting member states around the UN Charter, and countering attempts to discredit and undermine its functions.

An important part of our joint activities in this regard, Turkmenistan considers the holding of events next year within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust, in accordance with the resolution of the General Assembly adopted at the initiative of our country. Of course, as the author of this proposal, Turkmenistan will play a proactive role in the upcoming work, and we would like to attract CIS partners to it as much as possible, enlisting your active support. I am convinced that in the current difficulties, solid, substantial work within the framework of the Year of Peace and Trust can become a significant constructive contribution to improving the situation in the world, giving political and moral impulses to all healthy forces advocating normalization, de-escalation, and a transition to respectful, predictable dialogue and communication. The Commonwealth of Independent States is called upon and should play a noticeable role in this.

Dear participants!

At the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government held in Ashgabat in May this year, agreements were reached and specific tasks were set for further deepening economic partnership. Priorities include transport, energy, industrial cooperation, and a number of other areas. Turkmenistan fully supports this approach. Advocating for the full implementation of the provisions of the CIS Economic Cooperation Strategy until 2030, we proceed from the need for phased and consistent implementation of the document, adhering to the schedules of the agreements reached in one direction or another.

In general, we are convinced that the CIS in its economic activities should focus on the major, defining trends of global geo-economics to ensure its strategic involvement in their course and structural direction. The essence of these trends today is the shift of the vector of economic development to the south and southeast. The CIS is a natural space in this irreversible movement.

One of the effective ways here is the participation of the CIS in international and regional projects in the southern and southeastern directions from the borders of the Commonwealth. Moreover, opportunities for this are opening up. Recently, in mid-September, Turkmenistan began the practical implementation of a new stage in the construction of large infrastructure facilities. The laying of the Afghan section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline has begun. The Afghan section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan power transmission line has been launched. The construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan railway branch on the territory of the neighboring state has started.

The participation of CIS countries in these and other similar projects that will appear is a sure and reliable way to a strategic perspective, and we must fully utilize our collective resource and potential.

This fully applies to the issue of transport connectivity, primarily in the context of implementing the Action Plan for optimizing infrastructure and developing international corridors passing through the territories of the CIS member states until 2030.

Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to cooperation among CIS countries in the North-South transport corridor project along the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea with further access to Iran and then to the seaports of the Indian Ocean. In this regard, we propose to start a substantive discussion and agreement on unified tariff, customs, visa, and other preferences for the participating countries of the project.

We believe that similar work needs to be carried out in the context of plans to create transport corridors through the territory of Central Asian and Caspian region countries along the East-West line.

I propose to consider in specific terms the modalities of this work - with an indication of deadlines, agenda, etc., and give instructions to the relevant departments of our countries.

In the energy sector, Turkmenistan advocates for expanding the volumes and geography of energy supplies through the territory of the CIS and beyond. This concerns both raw material supplies and electricity.

We consider the creation of conditions for the functioning of a "green" economy, the formation of economic and production clusters based on low-carbon energy, to be a very important direction of our cooperation. This is a promising task, but we need to approach its implementation now, using the serious scientific and technological potential available in our countries, creating conditions for joint research and practical cooperation.

Dear heads of delegations!

Against the backdrop of complex processes observed in different parts of the world today, our task, responsibility, and purpose are to preserve what is of particular importance to the peoples of the CIS - the traditions of good neighborliness, mutual understanding, and respect based on the historical ties and fundamental values we share.

An effective way to preserve and develop them is broad and multifaceted cultural cooperation, the participation of CIS countries in major events held in our countries for significant reasons.

Turkmenistan highly appreciates the participation of high delegations from CIS countries in the upcoming International Forum in Ashgabat, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtumguly Pragy, which will take place in just two days. We express our most sincere gratitude for this.

Dear heads of delegations!

Turkmenistan reaffirms its firm commitment to further developing and strengthening cooperation within the CIS, openness to discussing and implementing joint plans, and solving urgent tasks on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and consideration of interests, as has been customary in our long-term joint work.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to the Russian Federation for its effective chairmanship in the Commonwealth.

I also extend my gratitude to the CIS Secretary General Sergey Nikolayevich Lebedev for coordinating our interaction and contributing to the preparation and successful conduct of this meeting.