The past week was marked by a number of events of both international and domestic political significance, affecting various vectors of the socio-economic and spiritual development of our state. They convincingly testify to the effectiveness of the large-scale reforms carried out under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov aimed at the prosperity of the Motherland, creating a solid foundation for further improving the well-being of the people.

On February 13, the head of state held a working meeting on the digital system, at which the progress of seasonal agricultural campaigns in the regions was considered.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov ordered to speed up the pace of work in the fields, including the cultivation of areas for cotton and preparation for planting early potatoes and other crops for sowing, to keep the issues of compliance with the requirements of agricultural technology in the care of wheat crops in the center of unremitting attention, as well as to provide farmers with high-yielding varieties of seeds .

Separate instructions related to control over the quality of construction of social and industrial facilities in the region, provided for by the Program for the country's socio-economic development in 2022–2028 and the National Rural Program.

The heads of regional administrations were also instructed to pay special attention to the functioning of heating systems in residential buildings, schools and kindergartens, uninterrupted supply of electricity, water and natural gas to the population.

On February 15, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Alexei Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee.

During the meeting, it was noted that at present, thanks to mutual efforts, interstate interaction is being filled with new content across its entire spectrum. In this context, an important place is given to cooperation in the fuel and energy sector, where a lot of experience has been accumulated and there is a solid potential.

It was emphasized that our country, having vast reserves of natural resources, is aimed at the progressive development of long-term relations with all interested foreign partners. The key vectors here are the modernization of oil and gas enterprises, increasing the efficiency of the mining and processing sectors, diversifying energy exports, and implementing joint projects.

Topical issues of state life were put on the agenda of the next meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held on February 17 via the digital system.

In particular, reports were given on the current activities of the Parliament to further improve the legal framework of the state, to prepare for the elections of deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, members of the velayat, etrap, city halk maslahaty and Gengeshes in March of this year based on democratic principles, in strict accordance with national legislation and generally accepted the rules of international law.

Information was provided on the results of the analysis carried out by the Ministry of Finance and Economy together with ministries, sectoral departments, khyakimliks regarding the denationalization and privatization of state property.

As the head of state noted, in the future this will contribute to the realization of the solid potential of the private sector in the manufacturing segment and the service sector, will serve to diversify the national economy and increase its competitiveness.

Among the issues considered at the meeting of the Government are the modernization of the activities of the fuel and energy complex, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted power supply, expanding the volume of import substitution and increasing the country's export potential, introducing modern technologies into the communication system, the progress of seasonal field work, strengthening cooperation with the United Nations on education, science and culture (UNESCO).

At the same time, information was given about the preparation of cultural events on the occasion of International Women's Day. Thus, within the framework of a wonderful spring holiday, the results of the “Ýylyň zenany” (“Woman of the Year”) show and the beauty contest among university students of the country “Talyp gözeli-2023” will be summed up, a relay race will be held among large families “Sagdyn maşgala - sagdyn nesil” (“Healthy family is a healthy generation”), ceremonies of awarding the honorary title of Turkmenistan “Ene mähri” to mothers of many children, a concert of art masters and a song and musical performance “Arkadag Serdarly bagtyýar zenanlar” will be held.

The head of state was also informed about the results of the participation of the delegation of Turkmenistan in the World Government Summit held on February 13 in Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

As reported, the participants of the large-scale forum were familiarized with the ongoing work in Turkmenistan to achieve the SDGs. The speech of the Turkmen side covered in detail the fulfillment of obligations arising from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and targeted measures taken in this direction at the national level.

The steps taken to implement the “Roadmap for the development of international cooperation of Turkmenistan in the field of hydrogen energy for 2022-2023” were outlined, along with the initiatives of the head of state regarding energy security.

In addition, the initiatives of Turkmenistan on the implementation of large national and regional projects for the formation of a multimodal transport, transit and logistics infrastructure were outlined.

The need to consolidate the efforts of the world community to reduce the risk of natural disasters was also noted. At the same time, the importance of implementing the decisions adopted at the UN World Conference held in the Japanese city of Sendai and the provisions of the relevant Framework Program for 2015-2030 was stated.

On the sidelines of the Summit, there was also a meeting with the Director General of the WTO, during which a wide range of issues of bilateral partnership was discussed. The status of an acceding country (“active observer”) to the WTO, granted to Turkmenistan, allows to intensify activities within this organization and in the future become its full member.

In order to fulfill the instructions of the head of state and further successful integration of the Fatherland into the modern system of world economic relations, a number of proposals have been prepared, including the development of a Work Plan for systemic cooperation with the WTO, stepping up steps to sign a basic document for joining this organization as its full member. It is also proposed to create an appropriate special structural unit, to study the issue of appointing a special representative of Turkmenistan to the WTO, to send a delegation of our country to Geneva (Swiss Confederation) next month, where the headquarters of this organization is located, to discuss cooperation issues.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that Turkmenistan is consistently strengthening multi-vector cooperation with authoritative international organizations. At the same time, special attention is paid to the development of relations with the UN and its specialized agencies to achieve the SDGs, where our country demonstrates a responsible and comprehensive approach.

Great importance is also attached to cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, where one of the key vectors is the intensification of partnership with the World Trade Organization.

At the meeting, the head of state signed Resolutions on the establishment of the Ahal Velayat Pedagogical Secondary Professional School named after Berdimuhamed Annaev and the Akhal Velayat Medical Secondary Professional School named after Sachly Dursunova.

On the same day, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk. The Head of Turkmenistan and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation exchanged views on priority issues of interstate cooperation, focusing on the practical implementation of the agreements reached in various fields.

The constructive nature of the Turkmen-Russian political dialogue, both at the bilateral and multilateral levels, was noted. Inter-parliamentary contacts are also being actively pursued.

An important area of Turkmen-Russian cooperation is trade and economic sphere. For many years, Russia has been one of the leading trading partners of Turkmenistan. Relations are successfully developing in the oil and gas sector, the transport sector, industry and other sectors.

In this regard, the need was emphasized for the optimal implementation of the existing potential of cooperation, its diversification and entry into new relevant areas for a systematic increase in the volume of mutual trade and investment, and the implementation of joint projects. Turkmenistan, for its part, is ready to consider the specific proposals of the Russian partners.

An integral and important component of interstate relations are traditional contacts in the areas of education, science and culture, healthcare, and digital technologies.

Perspective directions for further development of bilateral cooperation were discussed during the meeting of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk.

On February 19, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Minister for the Office of the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who, upon arrival in the Turkmen capital, was met by the head of state at the International Airport.

Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that the UAE attaches great importance to the development of interstate relations with Turkmenistan, strengthening trade and economic cooperation on an equal and long-term basis.

During the meeting, it was noted that the favorable geographical location of Turkmenistan and the creation of a favorable investment climate in the country attract representatives of foreign business, including those from the Middle East. In this context, bilateral ties are being built up in the trade, economic and fuel and energy sectors, the construction of social facilities, etc.

Among the main areas of partnership is the implementation of joint projects that can become the driving force behind economic cooperation and open up new opportunities for attracting investment, creating mixed industries, creating a modern infrastructure system, and building up cooperation in the banking and financial sector.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated the expediency of making full use of the existing potential to intensify cooperation, including in the cultural and humanitarian field.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Minister of Presidential Affairs Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan confirmed the interest of representatives of the UAE business circles in building up a productive partnership with Turkmenistan.

Continuing the review of international events, we note that last week, on the instructions of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis G. Mammedova received credentials from the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Turkmenistan: the Czech Republic - Vaclav Yilek, Australia - Greim Leslie Meehan, the Republic of Cuba - Carlos Enrique Valdes de la Concepción, the Kingdom of Sweden - Thomas Danestad, the Kingdom of the Netherlands - Andre Carstens, Mongolia - Dorjiin Bayarhuu.

On behalf of the leader of Turkmenistan, the head of the national Parliament congratulated each of the foreign diplomats on their appointment to a responsible position, wishing them success in strengthening the ties of friendship and interstate dialogue.

During the meetings, an exchange of views took place on issues of productive interaction, built from the standpoint of equality and mutual benefit.

Last week Ashgabat hosted the Specialized Economic Exhibition of the Islamic Republic of Iran, organized with the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of our country.

Representatives of about 70 Iranian companies and firms took part in the review. Among them are both long-term partners of Turkmenistan with many years of experience in productive cooperation in various fields, and companies for which this exhibition is a launching pad for demonstrating their products, exploring opportunities for joint activities with Turkmen colleagues.

The basis of the large-scale multifaceted exposition was the stands of Iranian industrial enterprises, which use the latest scientific and technological achievements in the construction, oil and gas, electric power and road transport sectors, the automotive industry, the chemical industry, water and agriculture, the medical field, food and textile industries in production technology.

Stands at the exhibition were also deployed by the representative office of Saderat-Iran Bank in Turkmenistan, which makes a significant contribution to creating conditions for establishing close contacts between the business circles of the two countries.

The exciting atmosphere of the holiday, imbued with the spirit of national culture and centuries-old traditions, reigned last week in the etrap museum of Magtymguly Fragi. Celebrations were held here on the occasion of the presentation of a high well-deserved award - a cash prize in the amount of 1 million US dollars - to the Magtymguly etrap of the Balkan velayat, which became the best etrap of the country in 2022.

The signing ceremony of the Agreements with the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture on the establishment of UNESCO Chairs was held at the Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly “Cultural Heritage: from the Past to the Future” and at the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute named after Seyitnazar Seydi “Environmental Education for sustainable development”.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, on behalf of the President of the country, made a working trip to the city of Arkadag, Ahal Velayat, during which he got acquainted with the projects and layouts of the objects of the second phase of the construction of a new center of the region.

As part of the second stage, it is planned to build five secondary schools for 720 places each, nine kindergartens for 320 places, a Health House, and a building for the Fire Safety Service. The administrative buildings of the khyakimlik of the city of Arkadag, a museum, a square, a shopping center and a household house in one building, 36 five-story houses with 30 apartments each, 36 five-story houses with 40 apartments each, twenty-four 42-apartment seven-story houses, 14 nine storey buildings with 54 apartments each. A railway station, a car park and a dispatch center, a bus station in Akhal velayat will also be built.

As Arkadag emphasized, great attention should be paid to the quality of construction work in the city, the use of the latest technologies and best practices, as well as environmental issues. Objects for various purposes erected here must meet the requirements of modern architecture.

The same issues were discussed in detail during a working meeting held by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the participation of relevant leaders.

The scientific conference “Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace”, held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country, was timed to coincide with the Day of Diplomatic Workers of Turkmenistan, celebrated on February 18.

In the speeches of the forum participants, it was noted that the proposal of the President of Turkmenistan to promote the global peacekeeping initiative - declaring 2023 the "International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace" in accordance with Resolution 77/32 of the United Nations General Assembly - is aimed at uniting the efforts of all countries in strengthening the traditions of peaceful coexistence of peoples, the formation of a culture of peace and trust in relationships.

On the same day, in accordance with the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, in a solemn atmosphere, the employees of the diplomatic service were awarded the insignia “Türkmenistanyň ussat diplomacy” and relevant certificates for their personal contribution to the implementation of the peace-loving constructive foreign policy of Turkmenistan, strengthening relations with foreign countries in various fields, expanding effective dialogue with authoritative international organizations and for other services to the Fatherland.

Thus, the events of the past week have become another evidence of the success of the policy of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at the systematic and comprehensive development of Turkmenistan, broad international cooperation with all interested states of the world.