Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system to consider a number of documents and discuss topical issues of the state policy.

Proceeding to the agenda, the President of Turkmenistan gave the floor to Chairperson of the Mejlis G. Mammedova, who informed on the current legislative activities of the national parliament, the measures taken to strengthen and develop the legal framework for the socio-economic transformations ongoing in the country.

She also reported on preparations for the upcoming elections of Mejlis deputies, and the velayat, etrap and city Halk Maslahaty and Gengesh members.

At present, draft laws are worked out to introduce amendments and addenda to the current legislation arising from the Constitutional Laws “On the introduction of amendments and addenda” to the Constitution of Turkmenistan”, “On the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan”, and those regulating public relations in various fields.

In accordance with the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan, high level festive events were held on the occasion of International Women’s Day, including the ceremony of conferring the “Ene mähri” distinction on mothers of many children and presenting them keys to comfortable apartments.

Preparations for the elections of deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, and the velayat, etrap and city Halk Maslahaty and Gengesh members is conducted on a planned basis jointly with the Central Election Commission.

Candidates are given equal rights and opportunities to hold meetings with voters and appear in the media.

Polling stations have been created, the areas of electoral districts have been determined, and this information has been spread among the population through the media.

National election observers from political parties, public organizations and groups of citizens have been registered. Articles explaining the electoral legislation are published in the media, and seminars have been held with members of election commissions.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the work under way to further improve the performance of the Main State Service “Turkmenstandartlary” to meet the realities of the time. In particular, information was provided on the introduction of a digital system and advanced technologies into the structural divisions of the State Etalon Center.

Having heard the report, the head of state pointed out that the activities of the State Etalon Center are aimed at providing a unified system of measurements used in all sectors of the economy, further enhancing the quality and safety control of products and goods, works and services. Based on this, it is critical to upgrade the material and technical resources of this institution, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized, instructing the deputy prime minister to take the necessary measures to achieve the goals set.

The reported also covered the outcomes of Turkmen delegation’s participation in the UN Conference held in the city of Doha, the State of Qatar on March 5-8.

As was reported, during the plenary sessions, presentations were made on the domestic economic course and creative foreign policy strategy of the President of Turkmenistan, as well as on issues of international trade and regional cooperation. The forum participants were introduced to the large-scale work under way in our country to support the least developed states of the region, in particular, the construction of social facilities, partnership in the transport sector, ongoing projects of the transit gas pipeline and power transmission lines, and mutually beneficial relations with reputable organizations.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that deep partnership relations have been established between Turkmenistan and the UN, which are designed to make the world socially and economically safe. Our country is committed to a multi-vector system, promoting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and making a significant contribution to dealing with the problems on the global agenda. Highlighting the importance of the ongoing activities in this area, the head of state gave the deputy prime minister a number of specific instructions.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers A. Begliev reported on the preparations for the visiting International Forum on Attracting Foreign Investments in the Oil and Gas Industry of Turkmenistan to be held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates on April 26-27 this year.

As was reported, the purpose of this event is to expand the opportunities for attracting direct foreign investment in the domestic fuel and energy complex.

The agenda of the upcoming conference includes important topics such as the efficient use of enormous natural resources, the development of energy markets, attraction of investments in projects for the development of offshore blocks in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, new mechanisms for joint activities to increase the production capacity at the “Galkynyş” field, the introduction of environmentally friendly industries, adopting innovative technologies and know-how for the industry, etc.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of the forthcoming visiting International Forum on Attracting Foreign Investments in the Oil and Gas Industry of Turkmenistan in Dubai (UAE) in actively promoting the energy diplomacy of our country and attracting foreign capital, as well as in the exchange of fruitful experience in the implementation of advanced technologies and developments.

In this regard, the head of state instructed the deputy prime minister to ensure the high level of holding the International Forum.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers A. Yazmyradov reported on the large-scale work being carried out as part of the state policy to maintain environmental wellbeing in the country, in particular, the preparations for the spring tree planting campaign.

In this regard, the deputy prime minister submitted to the President of Turkmenistan a draft Decree “On holding a nationwide tree planting campaign in Turkmenistan”.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that in order to turn the country into a blooming garden, enhance the beauty of its nature, as well as implement the National Forest Program for 2021-2025, this year 3 million seedlings of various trees and grapes are to be planted throughout the country. Of these, 1.5 million will be planted during the spring campaign.

Having signed the presented document, the head of state sent it to the deputy prime minister by a digital system and instructed to ensure a high level of conducting the nationwide tree planting campaign.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on the measures taken to create additional energy capacities due to the growing economic power of our country, the increase in electricity consumption and the steadily growing demand for Turkmen electricity in foreign markets. In this regard, a proposal was made to build a combined cycle gas and steam power plant with a capacity of 1574 megawatts in the Balkan Velayat.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of the priority objectives set before the industry to maintain uninterrupted power supply to domestic consumers, as well as a steady expansion in the production and export routes of Turkmen electric power.

Having approved the proposal to build a new modern power plant, provided for by the Investment Program for 2023, the head of state instructed the deputy prime minister to continue work to strengthen the material and technical resources of the key sector of the national economy and steadily increase its production capacity.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Atdaev reported on the preparations for the events timed to coincide with to the 15th anniversary of establishing the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the country.

In this regard, it was reported that an exhibition is scheduled for March 17 to 23, where more than 200 members of the UIET specializing in various fields will present their products and advances.

The conference will discuss the new challenges facing domestic entrepreneurs, in particular, those related to the implementation of measures to develop the private sector, indicated in the Program for Socio-Economic Development of the Country in 2022-2028.

Having heard the report and highlighting the great importance of the regular show and conference outlined in the List of Exhibitions, Fairs, Conferences and Festivals for 2023, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov ordered to provide a high level of holding them.

Further, the deputy prime minister reported on the progress of preparations for the Turkmen-Tatarstan Business Forum in Ashgabat, scheduled for March 15.

It is expected that the event will be attended by representatives of state institutions that are part of the joint Turkmen-Tatarstan Working Group for trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation, as well as sectoral departments, and the managements of a number of domestic and Tatarstan companies operating in various industries.

Summing up the information presented, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov specified that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to strengthening traditional cooperation with the Russian Federation and its subjects, including the Republic of Tatarstan.

Productive trade and economic relations, implementation of large-scale reform programs and infrastructure projects are also an indicator of a high level of partnership, the head of state said, having given the deputy prime minister instructions on the fulfillment of the outlined plans for bilateral cooperation.

Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova reported on the organization of the International Conference “Basic areas and potential of tourism development in Turkmenistan” to take place in our country on March 20-22 this year.

The report included information that representatives of the World Tourism Cities Federation, the Organization of World Heritage Cities, and representatives of tourist enterprises from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Belarus, Croatia, Bulgaria, the Russian Federation, the USA, Iran and Türkiye are expected to take participation in the forum.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of the State Program for 2022-2028 for the careful preservation of objects of the national historical and cultural heritage, their protection and study, attracting tourists to them for the development of the domestic tourism industry, and popularization of the national historical and cultural heritage and the recreational potential of our country, having instructed the deputy prime minister and relevant leaders to provide a high level of holding the forum

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Amannepesov reported on the work on enhancing human resources by training personnel with professional secondary and higher education, as well as on further improvement of legislation in the field of education management.

Information also covered the ongoing measures to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with international specialized agencies.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov specified the need for continuous improvement of the national education system and bringing it into strict compliance with current international standards. Focusing on the importance of the professional training of highly qualified personnel in demanded specialties, the head of state instructed to intensify activities in this area.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the work being carried out to strengthen constructive cooperation with foreign partners in the field of security, and in the legal sphere.

One of the priorities of the foreign policy course of neutral Turkmenistan is the development of ide-ranging cooperation with international organizations. In the above areas, our country is actively cooperating with large agencies such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union’s Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA).

In this regard, proposals were made on continuing the established effective partnership. Thus, UNODC proposes to implement action plans this year in a number of topical areas of cooperation, providing for shaping an appropriate legal and educational framework, advanced training of professionals, improvement of the performance of specialized services, exchange of experience and the strengthening of regional cooperation.

UNODC also confirms its readiness to provide technical and advisory assistance to Turkmenistan in the development of the National Action Plan for 2023-2025 to combat human trafficking. In this regard, it is proposed to set up an appropriate working commission.

The report also covered the proposal of the EU BOMCA Programme on the fulfillment of the action plan for cooperation for the first half of this year.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov confirmed our country’s commitment to fruitful multi-vector cooperation with the UN, the EU and other reputable international organizations, including in important areas such as strengthening global peace and security, combating the threats and challenges of our time, and ensuring a prosperous life of people.

Highlighting that neutral Turkmenistan will continue to take an active and initiative-based participation in the efforts of the world community to develop solutions to key issues on the regional and global agenda, the head of state instructed the deputy prime minister, the foreign minister to take further comprehensive steps to develop constructive cooperation with foreign partners in this area.

Then, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reported on the outcomes of a working visit of the delegation of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan, undertaken on the instruction of the head of state.

As part of its stay in Dushanbe, the delegation of our country was received by President Emomali Rahmon. During the meeting, the prospects for further development of traditionally friendly Turkmen-Tajik relations covering a wide range of areas were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan planned for the current year and the events to take place as part of it. The topic of holding the 5th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Summit of the Heads of the States-founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) in Dushanbe in September this year was also touched upon.

In addition, during the bilateral consultations between the Foreign Ministries held in the capital of Tajikistan, a wide range of issues of interstate cooperation of a strategic nature was considered.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that one of the main lines of the foreign policy of Turkmenistan is the strengthening and expansion of fruitful relations with neighboring countries in the region, with the peoples of which the Turkmen people are connected by historically established ties of friendship and brotherhood.

As for cooperation with the Republic of Tajikistan, it is successfully developing both on a bilateral and multilateral basis, within the regional and international organizations and agencies. Our states are constructively collaborating in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields.

Based on many years of experience, today the Turkmen-Tajik partnership has wide opportunities and solid potential, the optimal implementation of which is designed to enrich the content of the traditional interstate dialogue, bringing it to a qualitatively new level. Speaking of this, the President of Turkmenistan gave the vice-premier, the foreign minister a number of relevant instructions.

Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakyev reported on the issue of holding a meeting of representatives of the Parties to the Agreement on International Transit Tariff (ITT) of the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OSJD) in Ashgabat in May this year.

The agenda of the events that OSJD plans to hold in our country for the first time includes issues related to stepping up transit in international traffic, the improvement of the Agreement on International Railway Freight Communications (SMGS), and ensuring the competitiveness of transit freight traffic by rail.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that our country is an important link in major international transit corridors with the developed railway infrastructure, and that mutually beneficial cooperation has been established with foreign countries and international organizations in the transport sector, including the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OSJD). In this regard, instructions were given to provide a high level of holding the forthcoming meeting.

The Agency Director General also reported on the measures taken to create international transport corridors.

Having heard the information, and pointing out the increasingly strengthening position of Turkmenistan as a key link in the system of transport communications, the head of state ordered to keep strict control over the work being carried out in this area.

Summing up the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized that today a number of topical issues have been considered, and documents aimed at further development of sectors of the national economy were adopted.

Concluding the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished its participants sound health, family wellbeing and great success in their work for the further prosperity of our sovereign Homeland.