Turkmenistan’s President Received the Head of the International Weightlifting Federation

The guest expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet and noted that visiting Turkmenistan, a country achieving significant progress in sports, was a great honor. He recalled his visits to Ashgabat in 2017 for the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and in 2018 for the World Weightlifting Championships, cherishing those experiences with fond memories. He highlighted that the unique beauty of "white-marble" Ashgabat leaves an unforgettable impression.The President warmly welcomed the head of the major sports organization to Turkmenistan’s hospitable land, expressing confidence that the visit would provide an opportunity to discuss key directions and future prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the IWF.During the meeting, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan places special importance on developing sports and physical education. Extensive efforts are underway to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage youth to engage in physical activities and sports. State-level initiatives support the advancement of sports and the expansion of international sports cooperation. Turkmenistan maintains relations with the International Olympic Committee, the Olympic Council of Asia, specialized federations, and other prestigious international organizations, clearly demonstrating the active role of sports diplomacy in the country.Turkmenistan is an active member of the IWF. The successful hosting of the 2018 World Weightlifting Championships in Ashgabat is a clear example, as it significantly advanced sports development in Turkmenistan and strengthened sports cooperation in the Asian region. The IWF head praised Turkmenistan’s modern sports infrastructure, which enables the hosting of world-class competitions and the training of high-level athletes. He expressed gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedow and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow for their consistent focus on sports development.The President noted that this meeting is a significant step toward elevating sports cooperation to a new level and contributing to the IWF’s development. He emphasized that the IWF’s work provides substantial impetus to global sports development and the promotion of Olympic values. The visit is expected to further strengthen cooperation, facilitate joint projects, and inspire new initiatives in the sports sector.In conclusion, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mohammed Jaloud for his significant personal contribution to advancing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the IWF, as well as for supporting Turkmenistan’s initiatives in this field. The President wished him success in his endeavors.