February 25, the Rukhyet Palace. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has met with the country's parliamentary corps, at which the tasks of National parliament as well as the priority areas of legislative work at the next stage of development of the independent Turkmen state in the era of power and happiness were specified.

Prior to the meeting, the head of state has held a session exchanging views with the leaders of the Mejlis, political parties and public organizations on the key tasks of further development of independent neutral Motherland in 2021, the motto of which is "Turkmenistan – Home of Peace and Trust."

The parliamentarians, members of political parties and public organizations make a worthy contribution to the solution of the set objectives in an age of might and happiness.

The successful solution of these objectives is an important condition for ensuring a prosperous and happy life for the people, the head of state said.

The leaders of the Mejlis informed about the ongoing comprehensive work aimed at the successful implementation of the recommendations made by the President of Turkmenistan to modernize national legislation, explain to the population the importance of the achievements of the era of independence, to intensify international cooperation and to introduce the best practices into the activities of parliament.

The heads of public organizations have informed about their activities including practical steps taken by the members of trade unions and the Women's Union to protect the legitimate rights and interests of citizens and women.

It was also reported about the measures being implemented by the Magtymguly Youth Organization to fulfil the objectives set by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on intensification of work among young people and on involvement of them in significant events in public life.

The President of Turkmenistan has emphasized that particular importance is attached to the successful implementation of state policy aimed at the peaceful progressive development of the Motherland, ensuring the prosperous life of the people as well as organizing mass explanatory events to reveal its essence and content.

In this regard, the head of Turkmenistan has focused on the need for coordinated interaction of the relevant structures for the optimal solution of the tasks set in this direction.

It is necessary to take a responsible approach to the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the independence of Turkmenistan.  At the same time, the leader of the nation has stressed the necessity to make every effort to solve the objectives outlined in the Program of the country's social and economic development for 2019-2025 and other state plans.

Further, the leader of the nation has held a meeting with the parliamentary corps of Turkmenistan.

Having greeted the participants, the head of state addressed everyone with a program speech.  The leader of the nation noted that there is a wonderful custom in our country - to consult with the people, to be guided by their opinion when starting any responsible business.

In a few months, significant dates, which occupy an important place in the national calendar like the 140th anniversary of Ashgabat and the 30th anniversary of the country's independence, will be widely and solemnly celebrated.

The head of state said that despite the financial and economic downturn in the global economy, the implementation of new economic reforms has been continued, modern technologies and digital systems have been introduced in all areas, productive work has been carried out to form innovative industrial clusters, expand international partnerships and further enhancement of  investment activities last year.

As a result, a stable dynamics of economic growth has been ensured and its competitiveness has been strengthened, concrete measures have been implemented to achieve high levels in industry and investment, social sphere and an increase in the welfare of the population.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted further that current meeting would not touch upon the issues of the country's economic situation and international issues, which were previously discussed at special working meetings with industry leaders and at the sessions of the Cabinet of Ministers.  However, the tasks related to the further improvement of domestic legislation would be discussed.

Taking into account the interests of the state, society and every person, the President of Turkmenistan said, the national legal system is being modernized in accordance with time requirements.  Despite the fact that last year the deputies of the Mejlis together with the Cabinet of Ministers, relevant ministries and profile departments have carried out certain legislative work, in general, its results are unsatisfactory, the leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

As it was emphasized, today the world is changing at a rapid pace.  Humanity is experiencing a global recession due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has become the biggest disaster in the last century.

The monthly damage that the pandemic inflicts on the global economy is about US $ 400 billion.  As of today, 500 million jobs have been lost worldwide.  In addition, the deterioration of the ecological situation in the region and on the planet is of utmost concern.

We continue to work together with neighboring countries and the world community, to minimize the consequences of the ecological cataclysm caused by the drying up of the Aral Sea but the situation is still difficult.  Following this, we expect the parliament deputies to take prompt and concrete measures to respond to these circumstances including the preparation and adoption of appropriate legislative acts, the head of state said.

Focusing the attention of the meeting participants on issues of the highest importance, the President of the country pointed out that the Mejlis needs to improve the level of the entire legal platform and, first of all, to develop laws that directly determine the present and future of our country as a socially oriented legal state.  This applies to such key areas as economy, health care, education, employment and wages, social guarantees.

Leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has emphasized that further prosperity, increment of the economic potential of our independent Motherland and welfare of the people is the main tasks of the Program of the President of Turkmenistan on social and economic development of the country for 2019-2025.

In this context, it was noted that it is necessary to form a legal basis for the reforms provided for in the Presidential Program, to adopt new legislative acts and also to update the existing laws.

Supporting the entrepreneurial initiative of citizens, it is necessary to stimulate investment activity, the head of Turkmenistan said. The state-owned property have to be privatized and joint-stock companies have to be established.

The laws regulating these relations must be improved and updated, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed.

The work for wide use of the potential of the private sector in all spheres should be continued despite the unfavorable phenomena in the global economy and difficult financial and economic situation. It is also necessary to pay special attention to the governmental support to the business and stable development of the financial and economic system, the leader of the nation said.

At the same time, the head of state pointed out the need to expand the scale of the work for efficient use of the public funds, regulation of fiscal and monetary relations, stimulation of investment activity and development of financial markets.

Improvement of the legislation in support of manufacturers of import-substituting products and creation of additional jobs was also been highlighted as a topical area of activity of the parliament.

Incorporation of innovative technologies into various segments of the national economy to increase its competitiveness, the creation of a well-functioning electronic industry and the leveling of the difference between the city and the countryside are important objectives of the present.

A special role in this is assigned to digital systems, which, in turn, requires the development of information and communication systems, improving the quality and reliability of information services, full-scale use of human intellectual potential.

In this aspect, it is necessary to modernize its legislative base for the development of the digital economy systematically, the head of state said.

The leader of the nation has noted that today, our country has turned into a strategic transport and logistics hub for the region and the continent.  In addition, the industrial development of deposits of natural raw materials and their processing, the production of finished products with high added value have become the main spheres of national economy.

Therefore, it is necessary to provide optimal legal conditions for attracting investments, improve the system of registration of enterprises, stimulate the creation of joint ventures equipped with advanced technologies and produce competitive products, expand international trade and economic relations.

For this purpose, it is necessary to regularly improve national legislation, and in particular, to develop a draft Law of Turkmenistan on the State registration of legal entities.

Special attention should be paid to improvement of legislative acts related to the establishment of free economic zones and ensuring their fruitful operation.

It is relevant to amend and addend the Code of Turkmenistan on Administrative violations for protection of the rights and freedoms of the citizens, their health, provision of sanitary and epidemiological wealth of the population, compliance with moral standards and provision of public order and safety.

It is also necessary to develop and adopt new edition of the Arbitration Procedure Code, having studied modern experience of considering disputes in arbitration courts, the leader of the nation noted.

Based on modern requirements, it is necessary to continue the work on development of the Civil Code in new edition, setting out the norms of private international law in it.

At the same time, the head of state stressed the importance of development of the drafts and adoption of new version of the Laws of Turkmenistan on Combating legalization of proceeds from crime, financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, on Prevention and elimination of emergency situations.

Addressing the deputies of National parliament, the leader of the nation noted that they should closely interact with political parties and public associations, involve them in improving the country's legislation, hold joint meetings with farmers and student youth in order to study their opinions and wishes.

Together with women's and youth organizations and with the participation of women lawyers, the work carried out among women and girls should be strengthened.  The Mejlis should establish strict control over laws on gender equality, the head of state said.

The leader of the nation noted that in accordance with the State Health Program, every effort is being made to improve the health care system as the main factor in the sustainable development of the state and society.

In this regard, the head of state pointed out the importance of a systematic analysis and improvement of laws related to the protection of health of the citizens including those determining the legal, organizational, economic and social foundations for the prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Continuing the social theme, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the systemic nature of the policy for improvement of living conditions of the population.  In order to increase the well-being of the people, the salaries of employees of budgetary organizations, self-supporting enterprises and public organizations, pensions and state benefits, scholarships for students and listeners are increasing by 10 percent annually in the country.

Continuing this work in the future, special importance should be attached to laws aimed at strengthening of the legal basis of the reforms in the field of social protection of citizens, the head of state said.  In this regard, it was noted that it is necessary to develop a draft of the Labor Code in a new edition.

In order to systematically improve and strengthen the legal foundations of family relations, the leader of the nation spoke about the need to amend the Family Code of Turkmenistan to meet the requirements of the time and national mentality.

Addressing the audience, the head of Turkmenistan has also noted that special attention should be paid to the development of culture - the soul of the people, preservation, enrichment and widespread popularization of the national heritage of ancestors.  Cooperation with UNESCO is one of the priority directions of the state strategy pursued in the international arena in this area.

The inclusion of the state historical and cultural reserves "Ancient Merv" and "Kunyaurgench", historical and cultural monuments "New and Old Nisa" and the epic "Gorogly" in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the art of singing and dancing "Kushtdepdi" and national carpet art of Turkmen people to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity were the results of this long-term partnership.

In addition, relevant work, which is aimed at glorifying in the world the craft of making dutar and the performing art of bakhshiy the traditions of raising Ahal-Teke horses and breeding Turkmen shepherd dogs as well as including the capital of our country, the city of Ashgabat, in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network , is being carried out.

In order to preserve national traditions and customs, history, culture, regulation of legal relations in this area, it would be advisable to develop a draft Law of Turkmenistan on Creative Unions.

For further development of the education system in accordance with modern trends, strengthening its legislative base, it is also necessary to carry out necessary work to develop draft of the new edition of the Law on Education, the leader of the nation said.

The President of Turkmenistan stressed that energy diplomacy plays a key role in the foreign policy of our independent state.  On the basis of our initiatives, the General Assembly of the United Nations has adopted the Resolution that concerns ensuring stable and reliable supplies of energy resources to the world markets.

With the launch of the first national artificial satellite into outer space, wide opportunities and conditions have appeared for establishing a telecommunication system that meets world standards, improvement of the quality of television and radio channels.  Many things are being done to provide our citizens with high-speed Internet, postal and other services.

In this regard, it was noted that it is necessary to improve the legal framework for the rights and obligations of the parties of the postal business as well as the authorities of state bodies.

Addressing parliamentarians and members of the Cabinet of Ministers, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that modern power plants were built in all regions and the existing ones were reconstructed by attracting foreign investments.

Thus, the energy independence of our country has been ensured.  At the same time, Turkmenistan has become an electricity exporting state.  Priority directions for the development of the national energy sector are outlined for the coming decades, measures to strengthen the position of our country in the structure of the world energy are specified.

At the same time, it is necessary to ensure the stability of the growth of the electric power industry of our independent state, for which it is necessary to develop the power supply systems of individual regions and localities of the country.  To this end, it is necessary to develop innovative technologies in the field of environmentally friendly renewable energy sources.

Thus, the State Program for Energy Saving for 2018-2024, the Program for the Development of Energy Diplomacy of Turkmenistan for 2021-2025 and National Strategy for the Development of Renewable Energy in Turkmenistan until 2030 were adopted.

In order to strengthen the legal framework in this direction, the head of state spoke about the advisability of adopting the Law on Renewable Energy Sources.

Continuing the environmental subject, the President of Turkmenistan has noted that relevant work is also being carried out to increase the population of birds of prey freely living in nature and in the Caspian Sea of our Motherland, measures are being taken to protect and rational use the hunting grounds of the state, to protect and increase the number of animal species that are rare occur or are threatened with extinction.

In this context, leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has pointed out the need to bring the Law on Hunting and hunting management to the modern state, which would determine the legal, economic and organizational foundations of work in this area.

In the context of the transition of all segments of the economy to market rails, fundamental reforms are carried out in the fisheries sector.  The State Fisheries Committee of the country was abolished and the enterprises of the industry were transferred to the management of entrepreneurs.  In this regard, the modernization of legislation on fisheries and careful protection of aquatic biological resources is gaining relevance.

Addressing the meeting participants, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of work to preserve Ahal-Teke horses, increase their livestock, revive noble traditions in this area, to study and develop the horse breeding.

The leader of the nation said that National Day of the Turkmen Horse is widely and solemnly celebrated in April every year in our country.  A conference of the International Ahalteke Equestrian Association is also held.  International cooperation in this area is developing, which requires the improvement of legislation, in particular, the introduction of appropriate amendments to the Law of Turkmenistan on Horse breeding and equestrian sports.

We attach special importance to the creation of food abundance in our country, providing the population with ecologically clean products, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized.  Continuing the topic, the leader of the nation noted that it is gaining significance in the use of new organizational and legal forms in agricultural production in accordance with international experience, time requirements and national characteristics.  The efficient and rational use of water and land resources are among the very important tasks.

In this regard, the deputies of the Mejlis have to carry out the necessary work to improve the Water Code as well as the Law on the State Land Cadaster, the head of state said expressing confidence that these laws would give good results in creating the legal framework for fundamental reforms in agriculture.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized thta independence has opened up new opportunities for establishing friendly relations with foreign countries.  In this context, work is being carried out for all-round assistance to the efforts of the international community in ensuring peace on the planet, global security and sustainable development.

The 25th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan has been marked last year.  The policy pursued by our state is widely supported by the international community, which is clearly confirmed by the Resolution on the Role and Significance of the Policy of Neutrality in Maintaining and Strengthening International Peace, Security and Sustainable Development unanimously adopted at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.

At the 47th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Islamic Cooperation Organization, the Resolution "The role of neutrality policy in maintaining and strengthening international peace, security and sustainable development in the region of the Islamic Cooperation Organization and around the world" was also adopted.

As you know, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, the United Nations adopted the Resolution on "2021 - International Year of Peace and Trust."

Speaking about this, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that this year, passing under the slogan "Turkmenistan – Home of Peace and Trust," reforms should be carried out aimed at implementing the international obligations assumed by our neutral state.

It is necessary to study international legal standards set forth in international treaties, agreements and conventions, in which Turkmenistan is a member.  In this case, the main task is to carry out work on the legislative support of the foreign policy of our neutral state.

In particular, it is necessary to make addendums of the Law on Diplomatic service as well as to develop a draft new edition of the Law on Legal status of foreign citizens in Turkmenistan.  In addition, it is necessary to develop draft laws on amendments and addendums of the Laws on Migration, on Migration service.

Along with this, the Mejlis must systematically continue work to ensure the legal framework of the country's international relations.

The leader of the nation pointed out that enhancement of the efficiency of work of local administration authorities, provision of fulfilment of authorities by public authorities of territorial administration, which are provided by the Constitution and Laws of Turkmenistan, are the main tasks under the framework of ongoing constitutional reforms.

From this point of view, it will be relevant to develop a draft Law on Local Administration.  It should include provisions related to the improvement of the activities of the Gengeshys and enhancement of the quality of services provided to the population.

The focus of the Mejlis should be on improving the electoral legislation and electoral system of the country.  Based on this, it is necessary to systematically improve the Electoral Code, the head of state said.

It was also noted that National Parliament should provide all possible assistance to the regional, district and city People’s Councils as well as the Gengeshys in order to organize their work in accordance with the requirements.  For this purpose, it is necessary to conduct joint seminars, thoroughly explain the relevant legislative acts.

Addressing the deputies and members of the Cabinet, the head of state touched upon the plans for the further development of the country.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued that important tasks were set related to improving public administration and society, the activities of the representative and legislative bodies of the state power at the last September meeting of the People’s Council.  This stage of transformations is aimed at strengthening the democratic, legal and secular foundations of the state and society, creating sustainable political institutions.

Today, the legislative body of state power of the country is switching to a two-chamber parliamentary system, which is an important historical event in social and political life of our state.

In general, all of these creates ample opportunities for our citizens to participate in governing the state and society - through representative bodies, based on the free use of their constitutional right to elect and be elected.

Referring to the upcoming elections of members of the People’s Council of National Assembly of Turkmenistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that they are fundamentally different from those held earlier.  These elections are called "not direct" and are being held in our country for the first time.

The head of state noted that the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, working creatively, in a very short time carried out a lot of work to improve the electoral legislation.

In accordance with the Constitution, the Law on National Assembly of Turkmenistan was adopted, normative legal acts arising from this document were developed, amendments and addendums were made to the Electoral Code, which would make it possible to hold elections at a high organizational level.

The President of Turkmenistan noted that the Mejlis and the Central Election Commission should continue to work in this direction.

It is necessary to carry out work among the population to explain the meaning of the upcoming elections, organize meetings and speeches on television and radio channels with the participation of deputies of the Mejlis, political parties, representatives of public organizations and relevant specialists,.

Thus, adhering to democratic norms of free competition, openness, freedom of speech and ideas, we will hold elections for members of the People’s Council of National Assembly of Turkmenistan on March 28, 2021, the leader of the nation noted stressing that rich experience accumulated by our society and state in the past and in the current environment is an invaluable contribution for moving forward.

Summing up the above, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the priority in the work of the People’s Council and Parliament of National Assembly would be generally recognized norms of international law, respect for the equality of man and citizen before the law, their rights and freedoms, free discussion and decision-making taking into account public opinion based on  democracy, transparency, justice and the supremacy of law.

Speaking about the preparations for the wide celebration of the anniversary date - the 30th anniversary of sacred independence this year held under the slogan "Turkmenistan - Home of Peace and Trust, the head of state emphasized that strong foundations of democratic, legal and secular state have been made in a short time by historical standards.

During this time, the material and spiritual values of the state, independence, high humanistic traditions of the people, which are passed down from generation to generation and rooted deep in centuries, have been revived.

A valuable experience of friendly relations with foreign countries and international organizations has been accumulated, which serves to peace, general well-being and sustainable development.

Over the years of independence, Turkmenistan has proved the fundamentality and effectiveness of the chosen path of national development, important political, economic and environmental initiatives have been put forward on international level.  Our country has gained huge international and peacekeeping authority, has become a powerful and dynamically developing state with long-term development goals.

The head of state noted that the program of events planned on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of independence of Turkmenistan, 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality as well as the proclamation of 2021 as the Year of "Turkmenistan - Home of Peace and Trust" in the country and foreign countries has been approved.

According to the Program, it is necessary to propagandize by all means and methods the historical significance of the transformations that have taken place during the years of independence in life of the country, the international authority of our state, to make the world community aware of the experience of foundation of Turkmen state 

The Mejlis should clearly outline the main directions of work carried out on this occasion by political parties, public organizations, and the country's media.

The present appearance of our Motherland should be fully revealed in the events held on the occasion of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the sacred independence and in literature and art works.

Each of us, by our hard work, must turn our Motherland - independent neutral Turkmenistan - into an even more prosperous and powerful state, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized.

The speech of the head of state was heard with great enthusiasm and was received with thunderous applause.

Further, the head of state gave the floor to the head of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan G. Mammedova, who emphasized that in the beginning of the year, the leader of the nation gives valuable advice on improving the legislative activity of the state, rapid development of each industry, analyzes in detail the issues raised as well as the ways  of successful solution, makes fair comments and defines tasks for the near future at a meeting with the deputies of the national parliament.

And the current historic meeting, which takes place in the year under the slogan "Turkmenistan - Home of Peace and Trust" and the 30th anniversary of the celebration of the independence of the Motherland, is of great importance for us, the Speaker of the Mejlis said.

It was noted that under the wise leadership of the leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Turkmen people live in prosperity and abundance as evidenced by the ongoing reforms and the successes achieved in the country in the current difficult times, the historically significant political, economic and cultural events that mark every day of sovereign development.

Expressing deep gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for the constant attention to the work of the Mejlis, for the assistance and support provided, the Speaker of the Parliament stated that today the head of state made fair remarks and pointed out shortcomings in the activities of the Mejlis and also made proposals to improve legislation, increment of the efficiency of work and set new responsible objectives.

The Chairperson of the Mejlis assured the leader of the nation that the deputies will do everything necessary to modernize the legislative system, to organize the upcoming elections of members of the People’s Council of National Assembly in accordance with national democratic traditions.

The Chairperson of the Mejlis wished the leader of the nation good health, success in activities for the benefit of people and the country assuring that the deputies, together with the Cabinet of Ministers, state and public organizations as well as with local self-government bodies, would fulfill all tasks assigned to them.

As you can see, we are facing very big and responsible objectives, the head of state said expressing firm confidence that they would be successfully solved, which will be a worthy gift for the 30th anniversary of the independence of our Motherland, a significant contribution to the comprehensive prosperity of our native land.

This year, proclaimed as the Year of Peace and Trust, we will confidently achieve the set great goals and high milestones with boundless pride with our Motherland.  After all, our independent neutral state is a country where desires come true, a land of prosperity and happiness, the President of Turkmenistan stressed.

"Forward, forward, only forward, native land - Turkmenistan!" leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said in conclusion wishing the participants of the meeting good health, family well-being, happiness and great success in their responsible work.