Upon completion of the meeting with the heads of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the ABU Certificate, award and memorial sign were presented to the President of Turkmenistan for his contribution to the development of mass media in the region. The Chairperson of the Mejlis, high-ranking officials, the heads of military and law-enforcement agencies attended the awarding ceremony. ABU Secretary General Dr. Javad Mottaghi congratulated the President of Turkmenistan and all those present on opening of the 55th session of the ABU General Assembly in Ashgabat. The ABU Secretary General expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for the great interest in and support provided to the organization of the forum and creation the most favourable conditions and hospitality. It was noted that the organization of the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union - an authoritative structure in the international media sphere in the Turkmen capital was stipulated, first of all, by the peace-loving policy pursued by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the active support provided to the international media. One cannot help but admire Ashgabat - the pearl of Asia, where the forum participants have witnessed the formation of the exemplary systems of the modern information and news technologies. This proves that Turkmenistan will continue successfully developing and improving in this area, integrating into the global media space. According to Dr. Javad Mottaghi, it is a great honor for him to present the Certificate of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the outstanding achievements in the development of mass media in the region. Thanking for the ABU Certificate, award and memorial sign in recognition of our country's contribution to the development of mass media, the President noted that this award vividly proved the international recognition of the country's efforts in the field of broadcasting. These awards stand as a symbol of confidence in the Turkmen state and the recognition of Turkmenistan’s achievements. Currently, much attention is paid to the development of this area in the country. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the material and technical base of the industry had been consistently updated, and the special programmes on the advanced training of mass media specialists had been implemented in the country. In addition, the first national communication satellite TürkmenÄlem 52 ° E was launched that provided an opportunity to expand the broadcasting coverage. Moreover, cooperation with other countries, world news agencies and international organizations has actively developed. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov underlined that Turkmenistan had become the venue for international conferences and various seminars that promote the mutual exchange of experience, serve as a platform for analyzing ideas with regard to joint creative projects. Noting that these days Ashgabat hosts the 55th session of the ABU General Assembly, the President of Turkmenistan expressed belief that the successful organization of the forum would vividly demonstrate that our neutral state is ready and open for the efficient international cooperation. Once again thanking for the recognition and support of Turkmenistan’s activities in the field of mass media, the President of Turkmenistan wished everyone good health and success in their responsible work.