Today, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the General Secretary of the Commonwealth of Independent States Sergey Lebedev.

Warmly welcoming the guest, Hero-Arkadag thanked for the invitation accepted by the CIS Observation Mission to participate in monitoring the elections of deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and members of local representative authorities, which will be held on the 26^th of the March.

As Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized, this important public and political campaign on a truly democratic basis, with strict observance of national legislation and international law, is of particular importance in our country. The active participation of our people in the electoral process clearly confirms the commitment of the Turkmen society to the principles of true democracy.

Expressing sincere gratitude for the warm welcome, for inviting the Mission of Observers from the Commonwealth of Independent States and creating all the conditions for its effective work, the head of this Mission, the CIS General Secretary, emphasized the high organizational level of preparation for the elections ensured in Turkmenistan. At the same time, it was noted that all stages of the election campaign are carried out in an open, constructive environment, in accordance with national legislation and generally recognized legal norms. The guest also expressed confidence that the upcoming elections would be held successfully, in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and unity inherent in all important events in the life of the Turkmen state and society.

In continuation of the meeting, an interested exchange of views took place on the prospects for cooperation within the CIS, deepening fruitful ties based on the historically established traditions of friendship and good neighbourliness, the principles of mutual understanding and respect.

In this context, it was noted that, being an associate member of the Commonwealth, neutral Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the development of effective partnership with the CIS states, both in bilateral and multilateral formats. Being aimed at further close cooperation based on the optimal balance of national and common interests, our country is making a significant contribution to strengthening the positions of the CIS as an authoritative international organization.

During the conversation, it was stated that there are ample opportunities for productive cooperation in the Commonwealth space in such topical areas as the trade and economic sphere, transport and communications, energy, agro-industrial complex, advanced technologies, contacts through business structures, as well as for strengthening traditional ties in cultural - humanitarian area. In this context, active and proactive participation of Turkmenistan in resolving issues of practical implementation of the existing solid potential of mutually beneficial partnership was noted.

One of the topics of discussion was the prospects for cooperation on the CIS platform at the level of parliaments. The importance of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation, held in Ashgabat in May 2022, was highly appreciated by all its participants. In this regard, confidence was expressed that the Mejlis of Turkmenistan would continue the tradition of active cooperation between the Commonwealth countries in this direction, including within the framework of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly.

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the detailed, confidential conversation, the guest emphasized the great merits of the Hero-Arkadag in strengthening the constructive partnership in the CIS and, in general, in implementing the constructive foreign policy strategy of Turkmenistan, increasing its international authority.

At the end of the meeting, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and General Secretary of the Commonwealth of Independent States Sergey Lebedev wished each other health and success, expressing confidence in the further dynamic development of multi-aspect cooperation in the CIS format, which meets the goals of common well-being.