Online meeting of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with President of International Cycling Union (UCI) David Lappartient and Head of ARETI International Group of Company, Member of the UCI Board Committee Igor Makarov was held on the threshold of the World Cycling Day. Greeting the Head of the State, the Head of International Cycling Union highlighted that this is big honour for him to have an opportunity to share the opinions with Turkmen leader under the celebration of the World Cycling Day. Mr Lappartient noted that last year, he had a chance to take part in public events including in cycling race together with the President of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat. It was highlighted that the United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted the Resolution of declaration of June 3 as the World Cycling Day by initiative of Turkmen leader in 2018. On behalf of International Cycling Union, the Head of UCI expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for this international initiative, which is very important for development of the world cycling sport. By the outcomes of the session of the UCI Board Committee, it was unanimously decided to confer highest award of this organization, which is awarded to distinguished people, as a recognition of merits and large-scale activity of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in popularization of cycling sport in the country and bringing of it to international level. Having informed about it, Mr Lappartient made special mention that nobody was conferred with this award since 2007. The Head of International Cycling Union said that he would like to present this award personally but unfortunately it is impossible at present due to complicated epidemiological situation, David Lappartient highlighted that Turkmenistan has become an example for the whole world community in counteracting against this dangerous infection. The Head of UCI expressed deep gratitude to Turkmen leader for support provided to International Cycling Union, in particular for the opportunity to conduct the World Track Cycling Championship in Ashgabat in 2021. At the same time, it was noted that excellent indoor cycling track, which is a part of the capital Olympic village, meets all modern requirements for similar facilities. Having expressed the gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for his restless support activity for development and support of cycling in the country and the world, the President of UCI noted that he would look forward for the next meeting. Mr Lappartient has demonstrated the highest UCI award and relative certificate to Turkmen leader on video. In his turn, addressing the President, the Head of ARETI International Group highlighted that he is sincerely glad to hear the decision of International Cycling Union to confer Turkmen leader with high award. Igor Makarov noted that since he was born in Ashgabat and being professional cyclist who performed in the past for national team of Turkmenistan and as a members of the UCI Board Committee, he is proud of this decision. - I think that this decision is absolutely fair as I know the persistence you promoted initiative for adoption of the Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on declaration of June 3 as the World Cycling Day, how many power and efforts you put to development cycling movement in Turkmenistan, popularization of cycling in the country as the most eco-friendly transport, - Igor Makarov said. In this regard, it was noted that UCI award of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is undoubtedly important decision as sign of recognition of his undisputable merits for the world cycling community. The Head of ARETI International Group of Companies expressed confidence that the World track Cycling Championship, which is to be held in Ashgabat, would be organized under patronage of Turkmen leader on highest level and would be a bright and unforgettable event in the world cycling, true gift to professional racers and numerous multi-million audience of cycling lovers. Igor Makarov has also expressed confidence that the Head of Turkmenistan would continue providing active support to development and promotion of this excellent sport in the world. Addressing the President of International Cycling Union and the Head of ARETI International Group of Companies, member of the UCI Board Committee, the President of Turkmenistan noted that he is glad to see them during current online meeting on the threshold of the World Bicycle Day. Taking the opportunity, the Head of the State cordially congratulated David Lappartient and Igor Makarov on this remarkable day and addressed them his best wishes. The President noted that our country pays special attention to development of cycling. Public races have become a good tradition. Together with development of national sport movement, it stimulates our citizens to go in for sport. In the last years, Turkmenistan has turned into the centre of not only big international forums but also sport tournaments of different level, the Leader of the Nation continued. Giving the right to host the World Tracking Cycling Championship in Ashgabat in 2021 by International Cycling Union is another evidence to this. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed gratitude to the UCI for high trust given to our country. The Head of the State expressed confidence that next year competitions would be a wonderful event and would make significant contribution to development of cycling in regional and international scale. Turkmenistan would take all necessary measures for successful organization of these prestige competitions on high level, the Head of the State highlighted. Turkmen leader expressed separate gratitude to UCI President David Lappartient for high award of this competent organization. We accept it as a sign of respect and international recognition of the state policy for development of physical training and sports, the Head of the State said. Having expressed gratitude to the management of International Cycling Union and ARETI Group for significant input to development of cooperation between our country and UCI, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished them strong health, prosperity and success in responsible activity.