On February 9, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has held video conference session where the results of activities on the implementation of the foreign policy course of independent neutral Motherland in 2020 were reviewed and priority tasks for the current year were identified.

The meeting was attended by some Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of relevant structures and specialized universities.

What areas in the future should be paid attention to in order to consolidate the foreign policy successes of our sovereign state and to enhance its international prestige, what criteria should be used in the further development of political, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties with foreign countries?

What joint actions should be taken to maintain peace in the world, to develop friendly, fraternal relations between peoples and to combat the threats and dangerous challenges of our time?  How to build our relations with international organizations in a new way?  These topical issues are to be discussed today, the head of Turkmenistan said giving the floor to the meeting participants.

The first speaker of the Institute of State, Law and Democracy Ya. Nuryev has reported on the results of work for 2020 and plans for the current year.

The Institute carries out scientific and practical research in the context of studying the key aspects of the comprehensive development of the state and society, the principles of the doctrine of permanent neutrality.  A comparative legal analysis is also being carried out in order to improve the national legal system.

The work for improvement of national legislation and legal framework is continued in accordance with the provisions of the Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the social and economic development of the country for 2019-2025 and the State program for the development of social and humanitarian sciences in Turkmenistan.  Particular emphasis is placed on the training of highly qualified specialists.

The Institute has conducted comparative legal research, based on the results of which proposals and comments were made on 22 draft laws.  An analysis of 26 industry-specific regulations and documents was also undertaken.  Last year, two editions were published in the form of a scientific and practical explanation of the laws in force.  35 scientific videoconferences were also organized with the participation of the Institute.

The results of research work on large-scale reforms aimed at improving the legislative and legal system of Turkmenistan are also regularly published in various scientific and other publications.

The rector of the Institute of International Relations J. Gurbangeldiyev has reported on the work carried out in 2020 and the plans outlined for this anniversary year, which is marked by the slogan "Turkmenistan – Home of Peace and Trust".

The university trains highly qualified specialists in such directions as international relations and diplomacy, international law, international economic relations, international journalism.

Television programs, which support the study of the professional skills of future journalists of this profile, wide popularization of the domestic and foreign policy of our country in the local and international information space are being prepared in the training studio of the IMO.

Textbooks, manuals, thematic scientific monographs, dictionaries are periodically published as a result of ongoing planned research on the study of foreign policy strategy and diplomacy of Turkmenistan.

The structure of the university is being systematically modernized: the Training Center for the training of administrative and technical personnel for the national diplomatic service, the Scientific and Methodological Center for Sustainable Development Goals and the Training Center for topical areas of Turkmenistan’s diplomacy have been opened in recent years.

Online conferences and meetings with representatives of universities and diplomatic academies from 23 countries of the world have been held on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the neutrality of the Motherland.

Further, the floor for the report was given to the rector of the International University for the Humanitarian Studies and Development E. Aydogdiyev.

It was reported that in the university is carrying out consistent and targeted research activities, including on the international level, according to the state programs and digital technologies are being introduced.  Special attention is paid to the patriotic education of youth.

In 2020, the university carried out work to improve the qualification of teaching staff and to train young scientists as well as the work on inclusion of the International University for the Humanitarian Studies and Development in the list of prestigious higher educational institutions in the world.  Representatives of the university were awarded prizes at various scientific contests.

According to the objectives set by the President of Turkmenistan for the development of international scientific contacts, memorandums on cooperation were signed with 4 foreign educational institutions last year.  Thus, today there are 14 foreign educational institutions among the international partners of the university.

The university has held two plenary sessions of the International Conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.  In total, teachers and students of the university have taken part in more than 70 scientific and practical videoconferences, including international sessions, in 2020.

The students of the university have been awarded with 22 prizes of international and Internet contests as well as with 128 prizes of subject contests held in our country for the period under review.

Having listened to the reports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the exceptional importance of a detailed study and scientific analysis of the foundations of the development of the state and society, the domestic and foreign policy of neutral Turkmenistan, the popularization of historical and cultural values and traditions of the Turkmen people.

This work directly contributes to the harmonious development of modern society, the country's social and economic progress, and the growth of its authority in the international arena.

Addressing the director of the Institute of State, Law and Democracy Y. Nuriyev, the leader of the nation has instructed to intensify the activities of the Interdepartmental Commission to ensure the fulfillment of Turkmenistan's international obligations in the field of human rights and international humanitarian law for study and implementation generally recognized international standards into national legislation.

Having asked the rectors of universities about the ongoing scientific work, the head of state stressed that the heads of higher educational institutions should always be a worthy example for their students.

In this regard, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has noted the necessity of intensification of scientific and educational activities, development of thematic monographs, methodologies, teaching aids for the training of highly qualified specialists who can adequately represent the interests of the country, promote its achievements and grandiose successes of the era of might and happiness.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov has made a report on the results of the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2020.

For the period under review, the head of state has paid an official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, has taken part in a number of high-level meetings and forums held in video conference format and has also made a speech in online format at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has held a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who paid a working visit to our country, last September.

The leader of the nation had a telephone conversations with the UN Secretary General and the leaders of foreign states, during which priority issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation have been discussed.

During the indicated period, various meetings have held in video conference format.  Number of documents has been signed for strengthening of legal framework of international relations of our country.

Systematic measures have been taken last year for development of bilateral contacts between the foreign affairs agencies and diplomatic missions last year.  Systematic work has been also carried out to strengthen and build up mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation with foreign partners.  A number of meetings of bilateral Intergovernmental Commissions and other relevant structures have been held.  Joint business forums with the participation of representatives of foreign business circles have been also held.

Further, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs V. Hajiyev has reported on the work carried out for implementation of the foreign strategy of Turkmenistan, which is based on the principles of neutrality and aimed at provision of global peace and sustainable development, strengthening of the country's position in the system of international relations.

It was noted that the activities of national diplomatic service has received a fundamentally new character.  It was also reported on practical measures for development of bilateral and multilateral political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and other states of the region.

Further, Deputy Foreign Minister B. Myatiyev has reported on the special program of events and celebrations in the country and abroad in honor of the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Motherland, the 25th anniversary of the neutrality of Turkmenistan, as well as the announcement of this year as the Year "Turkmenistan - Home of Peace and Trust." developed by the Foreign Ministry together with ministries and departments Comprehensive work has been carried out to ensure a high organizational level of the implementation of this program since these days.

Summing up the reports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has emphasized that Turkmenistan would continue developing fruitful multifaceted cooperation at the interstate level, expanding constructive dialogue with competent international and regional organizations.  In this regard, the leader of the nation addressed specific instructions to the heads of the Foreign Ministry.

At the same time, the head of state reaffirmed the invariable adherence of our Motherland to the policy of positive neutrality, peacefulness, good neighborliness, "open doors" and beneficial partnership that meets the goals of universal well-being, prosperity and progress.

Further, the floor was given to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov, who reported on the steps taken to ensure the effective activity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and on fulfilment of the relevant instructions given by the head of state.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov pointed out the importance of a systematic analysis of financial issues of the country's diplomatic service in order to resolve them in a timely manner and ensure proper conditions for fruitful work of employees, where special attention should be paid to the widespread introduction of advanced technologies into practice.

Summing up the results of the working session, the leader of the nation has highlighted that it is necessary to intensify efforts to implement the foreign policy of our state, for which everyone has to work hard, in the year marked by the 30th anniversary of sacred independence and held under the slogan "Turkmenistan - Home of Peace and Trust",

Speaking of this, the head of Turkmenistan has stressed the importance of disclosing of the essence of the peaceful foreign policy of an independent neutral Motherland to the whole world, having addressed the participants of the meeting with specific instructions in this context.

Addressing the director of the Institute of State, Law and Democracy Y. Nuriyev, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov indicated that the work on further improvement of legal foundations, enrichment of original democratic traditions of the people and provision of their legitimate interests of the society should be properly continued following the principles of true people’s power.

The head of the Institute has been also instructed to prepare proposals for the implementation of generally accepted international legal norms into national legislation on a systematic basis and to strengthen the work of the Interdepartmental Commission for provision of the fulfillment of Turkmenistan's international obligations in human rights and international humanitarian law.

Along with this, the leader of the nation has given orders for further improvement of activities related to the publication of analytical articles on the main directions of the state policy and ongoing large-scale reforms, including those revealing the meaning and nature of democratic transformations in the country in the Democracy and Law magazine.

Addressing the rectors of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International University of Humanitarian Studies and Development J. Gurbangeldiyev and E. Aydogdiyev, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has outlined the training of highly qualified personnel for the national diplomatic service and young specialists in this field among the main objectives of these universities.

In this context, the head of state has instructed to analyze the possibilities of opening new specialties including in such areas as oriental studies, the countries of America and Europe, digital diplomacy, cybersecurity, analytics and strategic planning in the Institute of International Relations and International University of Humanitarian Studies and Development.

It is necessary to achieve high level of preparedness of the scientific and pedagogical structure widely using innovations and digital technologies in the educational process.  In this regard, it is necessary to pay special attention to the professionalism of teachers and to develop the exchange of practice with foreign educational institutions.  The participation of teachers in professional development courses should also be ensured, the leader of the nation said.

The head of Turkmenistan has instructed to organize online lectures in universities along with traditional classes, to ensure the participation of students in specialized scientific and educational competitions and contests, to invite famous foreign scientists and diplomats for giving lectures and to use Internet technologies for these purposes.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has stressed that if it is necessary curricula should be revised as well as to pay special attention to the language training of students, to use innovation and digital technologies where it is appropriate.

In order to develop and reveal the potential of transport, energy, water, scientific and sport diplomacy of Turkmenistan, the horizons of research work of professors, teachers and students in this area should be expanded.

Continuing on the subject, the head of state has given instructions on the opening of such new specialties as Internet journalism and political communication in universities, on preparation of proposals in other popular areas.  For students receiving education in international law, it is necessary to consider introducing new subjects and practical exercises into the educational process on resolving issues of international economic relations and international arbitration.

The leader of the nation has also emphasized that along with improvement of professional skills, it is necessary to educate young international specialists in such qualities as patriotism, adherence to high moral and humanistic values.

Coming over to the objectives of the Foreign Ministry, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has given an instruction concerning the broader implementation of the foreign strategy of Turkmenistan to Vice-premier, Foreign Minister R. Meredov and other relevant leaders.  This course should be pursued on the basis of the corresponding Concept for 2017-2023.  In this regard, the head of state has ordered to start developing a draft of a similar Concept for 2023-2029. 

The leader of the nation has also highlighted the importance of taking measures for further development of equal and beneficial partnership with foreign states and international organizations.  Following this, it is necessary to prepare a draft Plan of cooperation with international organizations for 2021-2023 by the end of the first quarter of this year.

At the same time, it was instructed to intensify the works for strengthening the role and authority of Turkmenistan in the world arena and for protection of its national interests in cooperation with other states.  President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has also pointed out the importance of ensuring a high level of events in the country and abroad in honor of the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Motherland and the proclamation of the slogan of the current year "Turkmenistan - Home of Peace and Trust".

In addition, the head of state has outlined intensification of cooperation with the United Nations and its specialized agencies, active participation in the preparation of Resolutions and other UN documents aimed at ensuring global peace, security and sustainable development, exploring new areas of partnership with such competent international structures like the CIS and the OSCE among the priority tasks.

Relevant instructions have been given for the development of foreign economic activity of Turkmenistan.  Systematic measures should be taken for strengthening of beneficial cooperation with foreign states and international organizations.

Having analyzed the state of the economy in the region, it is necessary to develop specific proposals relying on a new approach to further interaction with the Economic Cooperation Organization, the leader of the nation noted.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has also instructed the Foreign Minister and relevant state bodies to develop and submit proposals on opening trade missions of Turkmenistan in foreign countries.

The head of state has highlighted that it is necessary to achieve successful implementation of the initiatives of our neutral Motherland, which received the support of major international organizations, and decisions taken at the international level, including the decisions on the outcomes of the First Caspian Economic Forum.

Together with the countries of the region, it is necessary to accelerate the work aimed at specific goals, namely, to reduce the negative impact associated with the situation in the Aral Sea region.  At the same time, it is necessary to continue work together with the Caspian states on the development of the necessary legal framework and plans for use of the capabilities of the Caspian Sea, the leader of the nation emphasized.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has noted that in order to increase and strengthen the economic potential of Turkmenistan it is necessary to attract foreign investments to various sectors of the economy on favorable terms in cooperation with foreign partners.

It is also necessary to improve the activity of the established bilateral intergovernmental commissions including in such areas as economics, trade, investment, science, technology, education, culture and other spheres. Special attention has to be paid to expansion of business relations, introduction of new technologies and attraction of foreign capital investments in the activity of these structures.

The diplomatic missions of Turkmenistan abroad have to establish direct contacts with manufacturers when ministries and departments of our country purchase imported goods, equipment, special equipment in large volumes, assist them in purchasing these products at favorable prices and in exchanging the necessary information, the head of state said.

Summing up what was said above, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has given instructions on improvement of the activities of the country's foreign ministry and modernization of the relevant equipment and facility base as well as to take urgent measures to improve its financial and economic condition.

Addressing Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov, the head of Turkmenistan has instructed to keep under control the financial and economic situation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic missions and consular offices of Turkmenistan in foreign countries as well as timely and targeted use of funds allocated from the State Budget and other state funding sources.

Once again addressing the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister R. Meredov, the President of the country has focused on the drafts of a number of documents proposed for review.

It includes the Resolutions on international conferences, celebrations and events in honor of the 30th anniversary of independence of Turkmenistan and 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality as well as on the occasion of the announcement of the slogan of 2021 "Turkmenistan – Home of Peace and Trust";  on the approval of the Foreign Trade Strategy of Turkmenistan for 2021-2030;  on the foundation of an Interdepartmental Commission for coordination of the activity of the "Single Window" system for export-import operations.

Draft Resolution on the establishment of the “Türkmenistanyň ussat diplomaty” insignia has also been presented to leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for review. Informing about the decision to sign this Resolution, the head of state has noted that since the other documents are related to the work of industries, it would be relevant to review them at extended session of the Cabinet of Ministers on February 12.

Regarding the above-mentioned insignia, it will be awarded to employees of the diplomatic service for personal contribution to the implementation of the peaceful constructive foreign policy of Turkmenistan, strengthening of relations with foreign states in various fields, expansion of effective dialogue with competent international organizations and for other services to the Motherland.

Having signed the Resolution and congratulated all Turkmen diplomats in this regard, the leader of the nation sent it to the Vice-premier, the Foreign Minister by electronic document management system.

Expressing deep gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the establishment of the “Türkmenistanyň ussat diplomaty” insignia, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister R. Meredov has stressed that this decision of the head of state is a significant event for the country's diplomatic corps.

Expressing his sincere gratitude to the head of state for the meeting and valuable recommendations for solving the important tasks, the Vice-premier, the Foreign Minister has assured that the country's diplomatic corps would continue making every effort for consistent implementation of the foreign policy of independent neutral Motherland, enhancement of its international  authority, implementation of constructive initiatives put forward by the leader of the nation.

Concluding the working video conference session, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished all the participants good health, family well-being and great success in their work for the further prosperity of the sovereign Motherland.