Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko, who arrived in Turkmenistan at the head of her country's delegation to participate in the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the States of Central Asia and Russia and in the plenary session of the Women's Dialogue.

Noting the great contribution of Valentina Matvienko to the strengthening of interstate ties, the development of political, economic, cultural and humanitarian Turkmen-Russian cooperation, the head of Turkmenistan congratulated the guest on being awarded the Medal "For Contribution to the Development of Cooperation" and wished her good health, happiness and new successes in responsible state and social activities.

Taking the opportunity, the Speaker of the Federation Council congratulated the head of state on awarding the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, Hero of Turkmenistan, Honorary Elder of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the anniversary medal of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States “IPA CIS. 30 years”, Gold medals “Honorary aksakal” and “Ulu türk”, as well as with the National Prize “For the sake of peace on earth” of the Republic of Azerbaijan. These awards testify to the high appreciation of the outstanding contribution of the Hero-Arkadag to the strengthening of the traditionally friendly interstate dialogue, as well as to the strengthening of global peace, constructive regional and international cooperation.

During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, including in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields. Particular emphasis was placed on the significance of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which is being celebrated this year. This event marked a new stage in the history of Turkmen-Russian relations, largely ensuring their constructive, respectful and equal nature.

Noting the high level of interstate dialogue achieved in recent years, the huge potential and opportunities for further intensification of partnership in a wide range of areas, the head of state and the guest placed special emphasis on the positive role of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Russian Commission on Economic Cooperation in strengthening mutually beneficial ties.

The subject of a thorough discussion was the issues of optimizing inter-parliamentary contacts and expanding partnerships in the humanitarian and educational sphere.

Speaking about the importance of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the States of Central Asia and the Russian Federation and the Women's Dialogue held in Ashgabat, the interlocutors expressed their conviction that the current meetings, designed to strengthen the traditionally fruitful cooperation between parliamentarians in various fields, will create new political and legal foundations for expanding fruitful interstate contacts.

At the end of the meeting, once again exchanging good wishes, Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko expressed their firm confidence that the high level of mutual understanding and trust between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation would continue to serve as a solid foundation for building up bilateral partnership, which meets the long-term interests of both peoples, united by a common age-old historical and cultural ties.