Turkmenistan takes an active participation in developing balanced solutions to key issues on the regional and global agenda related to strengthening peace, security and stability, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Specific initiatives put forward by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at the implementation of these important objectives, are designed to facilitate the optimization and further expansion of wide-ranging international cooperation, based on modern realities and long-term perspective.

On September 14–15, the President of Turkmenistan was on a working visit to the Republic of Tajikistan to participate in the fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, as well as in the meeting of the Council of the Heads of State - founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS).

Speaking at the Forum of the Heads of State of Central Asia, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined the expansion of interstate trade and economic relations and an increase in the volume of mutual trade turnover among the priorities facing the countries of the region.

In this regard, a proposal was made to consider the issue of establishing a Central Asian Chamber of Commerce in order to coordinate joint steps in the development of trade, to support the commercial interests of all potential economic entities in the Central Asian market, and attract investments for the implementation of large regional projects.

The head of Turkmen state also emphasized that another area where the interests and goals of the states of Central Asia must be reliably encouraged and realized is innovation and new technologies. To coordinate joint efforts in this area, it was proposed to establish a Council of Central Asian Countries on New Technologies.

Speaking about another key component of the economy in the Central Asian countries such as energy, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the advisability of creating a new form of five-sided collaboration - the Energy Dialogue of Central Asian Countries.

The President of Turkmenistan also proposed considering the possibility of launching a Central Asian transport and logistics platform. Its main goal could be to consider the issues of creating transport hubs in the region, forming new and increasing the efficiency of existing transit corridors, optimizing and harmonizing customs, migration and other procedures along international transport routes passing through the territories of our states.

The outcomes of the fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia were described in the adopted Joint Statement, as well as in a number of relevant documents.

At the end of the Consultative Meeting, a solemn ceremony was held to award the Medal of Honor of the Heads of State of Central Asia to National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who was in Dushanbe on a working visit at the invitation of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.

Associated events were also held as part of the Consultative Meeting with the participation of delegations from countries of the region. These included the consultation of Foreign Ministers, the first meeting of Transport Ministers, the Women’s Dialogue, the Economic Forum “Digital Economy, E-Commerce and Innovation”, etc.

Members of the delegation of Turkmenistan held bilateral meetings with Tajik colleagues, discussing prospects for cooperation in various fields.

On September 15, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the regular Summit of the Heads of State - Founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.

In his speech, the head of Turkmen state pointed out that our country always emphasizes at international forums that the Aral problem has gone far beyond the region and has truly become a global problem that requires the relevant global response.

Emphasizing that Turkmenistan will continue to speak in favor of implementing specific initiatives of the IFAS founding countries, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov made a proposal to step up activities to improve the contractual and legal framework of the Fund, and determine the goals and objectives for further activities.

A proposal was made to establish a specialized structure - the Regional Center for Technologies Related to Climate Change in Central Asia, as an important step in developing a strategic approach to environmental issues in the region, which would work substantively and systematically in cooperation with the UN across the entire range of issues on the region’s environmental agenda.

In addition, the issue of speeding up the process of the development and adoption by the countries of the region of international documents aimed at the conservation and rational use of water resources in Central Asia is relevant.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also spoke in favor of updating the Central Asian Water Strategy, which would reflect the basic principles and rules of cooperation on water issues in the region. The development of this document was initiated by Turkmenistan during its presidency of IFAS. At the same time, the opinion was expressed that the Central Asian Water Strategy could in the future become the basis for the development of the UN Global Water Strategy.

Another proposal of the President of Turkmenistan was about the issue of updating the Regional Action Plan for Environmental Preservation in Central Asia, adopted within IFAS, and including its basic provisions as an environmental component in the new Action Program to assist the countries of the Aral Sea basin.

The outcomes of a substantive discussion of a wide range of Aral issues were reflected in the adopted Dushanbe Statement by the Heads of State - Founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.

In addition, Resolutions of the Heads of State - Founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea were also signed on the results of presidency of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Fund, on activities to improve the organizational structure, contractual and legal framework of the Fund, and on the election of its President.

As for the chronology of events of the past week, it should be noted that on September 11, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting via a digital system, during which issues related to development of the agro-industrial complex, as well as the progress of agricultural work in the regions of the country were discussed.

Emphasizing the important role of agriculture in the national economy, the head of state ordered to keep under control the work in the fields sown to wheat, the supply of farmers with high-quality seeds, and the pace of the cotton harvesting campaign.

Along with this, the khyakims of velayats were instructed to ensure high quality of construction at facilities planned for commissioning this year.

On September 11, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Governor of St. Petersburg (Russian Federation) Alexander Beglov.

During the meeting, the successful cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation in the political and diplomatic areas, trade and economic sectors, cultural, humanitarian and other fields was emphasized.

As was pointed out, the proposals of St. Petersburg partners in new areas of cooperation, including digitalization and the construction of “smart” cities, as well as other relevant fields, are of great interest.

On September 16, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system, at which some issues of state activity were discussed.

These include the improvement of the national legislative system, preparation for the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the sacred independence of the Homeland and the meeting of the Halk Maslakhaty, the organization of a scientific and practical conference “Industrial-Innovative Model - the Main Strategic Course Of The Country”, and the exhibition of economic achievements of Turkmenistan.

The reports also covered the work in progress on the effective and rational use of the country’s rich hydrocarbon resources, the progress of seasonal agricultural work, upgrading the railway infrastructure, further development of the chemical industry and the expansion of the range of products manufactured by enterprises in this industry.

The reports included information on preparations for the “Arkadagyň säheri” film festival to be held in October this year in the city of Arkadag with the participation of Central Asian countries. The purpose of the event is to identify young talents, cultivate love for the Homeland in young people, introduce the world community to a unique “smart” city, and expand fruitful interaction with foreign partners.

At the same time, the following are planned for October: organizing an International Exhibition and Scientific Conference “Healthcare, education and sports in the period of the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State” and summing up the outcomes of the International Scientific Competition “High Technologies and Innovative Developments”.

A separate topic at the meeting was preparations for the working visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to New York, scheduled for September 17–20. As part of it, the participation of the head of Turkmen state in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, as well as in the first meeting in the format of multilateral cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the United States of America “C5+1” is planned. Along with this, the head of state will hold a number of bilateral meetings, including with the UN Secretary General.

President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree and Order on the transfer to the reserve from the Armed Forces, other troops and military bodies of the country of military personnel undergoing conscription service, and the next conscription of citizens for military service.

By еру Order of the head of state, the Mejlis delegation is sent to the city of Seoul from September 17 to 20, 2023 to participate in the inter-parliamentary forum of the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea.

On September 17, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov left for a working visit to the United States of America to participate in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, held in New York, during which new constructive initiatives of Turkmenistan will be announced, designed to help build up fruitful international cooperation.

Last week, as part of the visit of Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov to Turkmenistan, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at which current issues of bilateral partnership were discussed in a number of promising areas of mutual interest.

The Governor of St. Petersburg and members of the delegation accompanying him also visited the city of Arkadag.

During the meeting with the leadership of the administration of the new city, an exchange of views took place on the possibilities of establishing fruitful friendly contacts between the two cities.

Based on the outcomes the meeting, several documents were signed on cooperation in the trade, economic, scientific, technical and humanitarian areas for 2023–2027.

The prospects for interstate cooperation in a wide range of areas were also discussed at the meeting of National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov.

On September 17, the National Leader of the Turkmen people made a working trip to the city of Arkadag to watch the construction projects, as well as the course of work at building sites.

The Hajji Arkadag was shown the samples of materials for finishing the interior and exterior facade of the mosque and the museum being built nearby.

Particular attention during all construction works was paid to the environmental component, the effective use of innovative technologies, and the issues of landscaping in areas adjacent to the facilities. 

National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting, during which a report was made on the active use of the latest technologies and digital system in the construction of a new city. The report covered the work performed by students, the use of the best practices in this area, which they learned during their stay abroad, and are now applying locally.

A project for the central building of the National Football Federation was also presented, where, as the Hero Arkadag emphasized, all conditions must be created for holding international and regional conferences, bilateral and multilateral meetings, efficient work and comfortable rest for specialists.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people got acquainted with the project of a children’s park in the city of Arkadag. In accordance with the Decree signed by the President of Turkmenistan, the contract for its design and construction, including the improvement of adjacent areas, will be concluded by Gokdepe Etrap Khyakimlik, Akhal velayat with the Economic Society “Çyzgy”.

Among other events of the past week was the reception of credentials from Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Dang Minh Khoi at the Mejlis on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on issues of Turkmen-Vietnamese cooperation, which has been successfully built in both bilateral and multilateral manners. A separate topic of discussion was the prospects for increasing inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The final round of the creative show “Çalsana, bagşy!”, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the country among folk musicians and bakhshi aged 18 to 35, took place at the Mukam Palace of the State Cultural Center.

12 dutar musicians and the same number of bakhshi from Ashgabat and velayats reached the final round of the competition. There are 5 girls among the finalists.

The winners were awarded a special diploma and a gold chain from the President of Turkmenistan, and the laureates of the creative competition were presented with valuable gifts.

Last week, farmers from Dashoguz velayat joined the 2023 cotton harvest campaign.

Maintaining high rates of cotton harvesting is facilitated by the operation of an extensive fleet of specialized high-performance machines. Collection centers and cotton ginning plants are fully prepared. The quality of the delivered raw materials is checked in laboratories with advanced equipment by specialists of the Main State Service “Türkmenstandartlary”.

Thus, the events of the last week have once again become a striking illustration of the success of the domestic and foreign policies of Turkmenistan, systematically implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the period of the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State, the main goal of which is to ensure a happy life for the people, deepen a constructive dialogue with the world community, expand economic partnership and humanitarian ties in the interests of universal peace, prosperity and progress.