Picture: Meeting of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with Nicklaus Companies President John Riese in the United States

The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, concluded a series of strategic business meetings in Florida this week, signaling a major expansion of the country's sports and tourism infrastructure.

A central focus of the visit was a high-level meeting with John Riese, President of Nicklaus Companies, and the firm’s management team. The discussions centered on the successful precedent set by the Ashgabat Golf Club and the future of the sport in Turkmenistan.

Developing New World-Class Courses

The two parties reviewed detailed proposals for the construction of modern golf facilities in two of Turkmenistan's most prominent development zones:

• Arkadag City: The nation's first "smart city," where the natural landscape is deemed ideal for championship-level courses.
• Avaza National Tourist Zone: A luxury resort hub on the Caspian Sea coast, where the new facilities are expected to include both competition and training grounds.

During the presentation, Riese showcased global projects developed by Nicklaus Companies, reinforcing the firm's role as a leader in golf infrastructure.

"The construction of golf courses in Arkadag and Avaza will complement the wide range of social facilities being built across the country," Berdimuhamedov stated, expressing confidence that the partnership would elevate Turkmenistan's standing in the international sporting community.

Strengthening Economic Ties

Following the talks with Nicklaus Companies, the National Leader met with Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the Turkmenistan–U.S. Business Council. Stewart highlighted the "high interest" of American business circles in the Turkmen market, citing the country's vast economic potential and stable investment climate.

The dialogue touched upon the long-standing contributions of major U.S. entities in Turkmenistan, including Boeing, General Electric, and John Deere.

Field Inspections and "Made in Turkmenistan"

To further examine international best practices, Berdimuhamedov toured the Panther National Golf Club. During the tour, he inspected the course's landscaping and technical specifications.

The visit also featured a cultural exchange at the Sandhill Crane Golf Club training center, which hosted an exhibition of Turkmen textile products. American business representatives reportedly showed keen interest in the high-quality goods labeled "Made in Turkmenistan," ranging from sports uniforms to traditional fabrics.

The visit marks a significant step in Turkmenistan’s broader strategy to integrate innovative environmental solutions into its urban planning, as the government views golf courses not only as athletic venues but as vital "green zones" that enhance the local microclimate.