The existence of the Turkestan long-eared bat has been confirmed in Turkmenistan for the first time since 1970; the dedicated expedition led by the Museum of Natural History of Berlin, Germany, visited possible bat habitats in the Karakum Desert

Elderly citizens and benefit recipients at the beginning of the year endure hours in line at social security offices to prove they are still alive; this biennial formality is felt as an ordeal, adding discontent to government’s refusal to adjust payments

Turkmenistan has taken over the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States CIS; President Berdimuhamedov has stated that the country intends to contribute to the full realization of the organization’s potential during its chairmanship

Turkmenistan and Spain have discussed closer cooperation to address desertification in Central Asia, including the possible creation of a regional center focused on land degradation; the talks took place in Ashgabat following UN hints to such initiative

Turkmenistan marks today the 30th anniversary of a UN decision granting Turkmenistan the status of permanent neutral country, pursuing the policy through respect, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries of the world