Turkmenistan is witnessing significant strides in its political and economic landscapes, marked by enhanced international relations and modernization efforts across various sectors. Recently, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov engaged with Ambassador of Belarus Vyacheslav Beskosty to commemorate the latter's completion of his diplomatic mission. The meeting, held at Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the long-standing friendly ties between the two nations. Both diplomats found common ground on the importance of maintaining constructive interactions within regional frameworks.
During their discussions, Gurbanov expressed recognition for Beskosty's personal contributions toward fostering Turkmen-Belarusian relations, reflecting both countries' commitment to cooperation. These diplomatic efforts are part of Turkmenistan's broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with international allies, enhancing economic ties and mutual growth.
Turning to economic developments, the Garabogazkarbamid plant, situated in the Balkan velayat of Turkmenistan, reported exceptional production figures for 2024. From January to November, the plant produced approximately 994,000 tons of urea, surpassing its projected output by 1.2%. Out of this volume, around 75,000 tons were allocated to the domestic market, with exports reaching over one million tons. This significant achievement underlines the impact of large-scale investment initiatives aimed at optimizing the use of the nation's hydrocarbon resources.
Notably, the advanced technology embedded within the plant, sourced from Denmark, Italy, Germany, and the United States, showcases Turkmenistan's commitment to modern industry practices. Such advancements not only bolster the country's agricultural productivity through urea sales but also strengthen its reputation as a reliable partner on the global stage.
Financial modernization is also taking center stage, as Turkmenistan experiences impressive growth in non-cash payments. Reports from the State News Agency indicate the volume of non-cash transactions exceeded 18.3 billion manat from January to November 2024, marking a 17% increase compared to the previous year. This surge is credited to the expansion of digital banking services, which have significantly bolstered payment systems across the country.
Among the initiatives contributing to this growth is the Menzilara-bank remote banking system, utilized by more than 24,100 clients for international payment card transactions. The presence of international payment networks like VISA and MasterCard, combined with advancements in contactless payment technologies, allows citizens to partake more seamlessly in the global economy.
Infrastructure improvements continue, as evidenced by the recent launch of a new water treatment facility in Mary velayat. Capable of producing 25,000 cubic meters of drinking water daily, this complex addresses local water needs significantly, ensuring community health and sustainability. Built by the economic society “Baku çynar,” the facility is part of Turkmenistan's wider commitment to modernizing public utilities and enhancing the standard of living for its citizens.
Turkmenistan's cultural engagements also reflect its vibrant diplomatic relations. Recently, the Indian Embassy organized the Indian Film Festival 2024 to honor legendary actor Raj Kapoor's centenary. The festival, held in the city of Turkmenbashi, showcased the rich legacy of Indian cinema, with participation from local dignitaries, including the Deputy Hyakim of the city and the Indian Ambassador.
On the sports front, Turkmenistan's athletes have brought pride to the nation, achieving remarkable successes at international events. Weightlifter Shahzadbek Matyakubov captured gold at the Asian Junior Championships, setting world records along the way. His victory, alongside achievements from fellow competitors, exemplifies the country's growing prominence on the sports stage and encourages youth engagement and national pride.
All these developments highlight Turkmenistan's multifaceted approach to international relations and national growth, positioning itself as not only a central player in Central Asia but also as a burgeoning nation actively integrating with the world economy.
