School built by Turkmenistan opened in Astrakhan region
School named after Makhtumkuli Fragi for 190 pupils, built by Turkmenistan, was solemnly opened in the village of Funtovo, Privoljsky district, Astrakhan region. The Turkmen delegation led by Rashid Meredov, Vice-Premier and head of the MFA of Turkmenistan, took part in the solemn ceremony. Turkmen Foreign Minister underlined at the opening ceremony said that the decision to build the school was taken by President Berdimuhamedov with the goal of developing friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Russia, and, in particular, with the Astrakhan region. Meredov stressed that the Turkmen specialists made every effort to complete the work on time and now everyone sees the result of their work – a beautiful, modern school. About 2.3 thousand Turkmens live in the Astrakhan region, and the majority in the village of Funtovo. In 2010, the school in the village was reorganized due to its catastrophic condition. As a result, hundreds of children were in need to go to schools in other villages of the district. The construction of a new educational institution began in 2016 on the initiative of Turkmenistan. The best specialists came from Turkmenistan to Astrakhan for construction, and some construction materials were delivered by ferry via the Caspian Sea. Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the development of direct economic and cultural ties with the regions of the Russian Federation, and, in particular, with the Astrakhan region. In January-April 2018, foreign trade turnover of Turkmenistan and Astrakhan region increased by 33.6 percent as compared to the same period of the previous year. In the region, five enterprises with Turkmen capital operate. In 2013, the Turkmen Consulate was opened in Astrakhan. In addition, in the city, there is a monument to Makhtumkuli Fragi, the classic of Turkmen and world literature, which became a gift from the President of Turkmenistan to the residents of the region to the 450th anniversary of the city.
