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Turkmenistan and China Discussed Expansion of Strategic Partnership and Innovative Projects

24 Sep. 06:09

Source

On September 22, 2025, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Akhmet Gurbanov, met with the Deputy Secretary-General of the People's Government of Hangzhou, Xu Qingshan. During the talks, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of their comprehensive strategic partnership, highlighting the importance of regular high-level contacts in strengthening bilateral relations.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, special attention was given to the development of regional and cultural-humanitarian ties, as well as joint projects in the fields of innovation, artificial intelligence, and high technologies, including "smart city" initiatives and urban infrastructure modernization. The Turkmen side proposed to intensify scientific and educational cooperation, particularly by fostering collaboration between the Hangzhou Dianzi University and leading universities in Turkmenistan.

The city of Arkadag was separately recognized for receiving a Certificate of Excellence from the Hangzhou Dianzi University on March 13, 2025, as an outstanding green and environmentally friendly settlement. The prospects for sports exchanges, which would strengthen the friendship between the peoples of the two countries, were also discussed.

















Singapore Pledges Up to $55,000 Per Child to Boost Falling Birth Rates

24 Aug. 12:48

Source

Facing a record drop in fertility rates, Singapore is significantly expanding its family support framework. According to Bloomberg, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced increases in direct financial assistance alongside enhanced housing benefits for young families.

Under the updated policy, every Singaporean child up to the age of 17 will be eligible to receive up to 70,000 Singapore dollars (approximately $55,000 USD) in total support, which includes cash payouts, educational grants, and related benefits. The government is also expanding paid parental leave and capping monthly out-of-pocket costs for government-subsidized childcare at 150 Singapore dollars.

These interventions aim to reverse a severe demographic decline, marked by last year's fertility rate drop to 0.87 children per woman, while over 20% of the country's population is currently aged 65 or older.