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Almost all the events of the past week are united by a common theme: increasing the efficiency of the national economy. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined a specific strategy of action based on real opportunities and aimed at solving such key tasks as ensuring food independence of the country and the maximum use of its industrial potential, successful integration into the world economy and improving the welfare of the Turkmen people.
On June 13th, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting via the digital system, which reviewed the course of seasonal agricultural campaigns, as well as issues of socio-economic development of the regions.
The head of state noted that the most important task of today is the completion of the wheat harvest as soon as possible and at the proper level. At the same time, one should take care of the proper functioning of the receiving points, timely settlement with the tenants for the handed over grain.
It is necessary to increase the pace of work on caring for cotton and other crops, to sow rice in the relevant velayats in compliance with the established deadlines and agrotechnical requirements, and to keep the preparations for sowing beets under continuous control.
The President of the country focused on improving the efficiency of all links in order to obtain rich harvests of potatoes, fruits and vegetables and gourds in order to fully supply local markets and strengthen food abundance in the country.
Stressing that the rational use of water resources and the supply of agricultural land with water are also among the main requirements of the time, Arkadagly Serdar demanded to analyze these issues from a scientific point of view, taking into account the best practices and capabilities of the digital system, and prepare appropriate proposals.
Noting that the country attaches priority to the harmonious socio-economic development of the regions, the head of state ordered to pay unremitting attention to ensuring the timely commissioning of planned facilities for various purposes and compliance of construction work with high quality standards.
On June 14th, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived with an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
At Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport, the distinguished guest was greeted by officials of Iran, as well as members of the government delegation of Turkmenistan.
During a brief conversation over a cup of tea in the Hall of Official Delegations with a representative of the host country, the high level and productivity of the multifaceted cooperation established recently, as well as the trusting nature of Turkmen-Iranian relations, contributing to even greater rapprochement and mutual understanding of friendly neighboring peoples, were noted with satisfaction.
On June 15th, in Tehran, at the Jumhuri Palace of the Saadabad complex, negotiations were held between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi.
The heads of state exchanged views on a wide range of issues, noting the presence of a solid potential for building up political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian partnership, interaction in the fuel and energy, transport, communications and agricultural sectors.
Particular emphasis was placed on the positive nature of interstate cooperation within the framework of major international and regional structures, including the United Nations.
During the talks, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov made a number of specific proposals for the further development of Turkmen-Iranian economic relations.
Thus, for the purpose of a detailed discussion of topics related to strengthening cooperation in the border and other areas, it was proposed to hold a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Consular, Border and Customs Issues between Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran in the second half of this year in Ashgabat.
Noting that the formation of the Caspian transport system, functioning at full capacity, requires our countries to solve a number of specific tasks, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced the readiness of Turkmenistan and partners to begin work on providing tariff benefits, simplifying customs operations, and establishing productive contacts between national operators.
Speaking about the importance of promoting effective cooperation in the field of combating illicit drug trafficking and border crime, in the area of ecology, innovation and the humanitarian sphere, the head of state expressed confidence that all these tasks would be the subject of discussion during the VI Summit of the Heads of State of the Caspian countries, scheduled to be held this year in Turkmenistan.
In this regard, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, to take part in this Summit. In addition, the head of Turkmenistan invited his Iranian counterpart to pay an official visit to our country at any time convenient for him.
Being an active supporter of international efforts to assist Afghanistan and noting the importance of building up active cooperation between neighboring countries on the Afghan issue, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov suggested considering the possibility of holding a meeting of special representatives of Turkmenistan and Iran on Afghanistan in the near future.
Given the huge potential of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway, it was proposed to create an Intergovernmental Commission on Transport between the two countries.
The need to intensify joint actions was also emphasized for the implementation in the near future of the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar transport corridor project, to which India and Kazakhstan have officially joined.
Highly appreciating the Turkmen-Iranian agreements reached on gas supplies via SWAP, the President of Turkmenistan suggested that relevant organizations of the two states explore the possibility of exporting gas via SWAP to third countries.
Noting the existence of wide opportunities for effective cooperation in the field of agriculture and water management, the head of state initiated the creation of a Joint Coordinating Commission for Water Resources Management between Turkmenistan and Iran.
A proposal was also made in the autumn of this year to hold a regular meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission for Economic Cooperation, which has a special role in the activation and qualitative development of bilateral trade and economic relations.
As a result of the talks, a solid package of documents was signed. Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi signed the Joint Statement. Also, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the development of transport and transit cooperation along with a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and the Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the establishment of a joint investment committee, a Program between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran on scientific, cultural, creative and educational exchange for 2022-2025, a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography of Turkmenistan and the TV and Radio Company of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRIB) on cooperation, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and the Department of Environment of the Islamic Republic of Iran on cooperation in the field of environmental protection, a Memorandum of Understanding between the hyakimlik of the Mary Velayat of Turkmenistan and the hyakimlik of the Khorasan Rezavi Velayat of the Islamic Republic of Iran on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation, a Memorandum of Understanding between the hyakimlik of the Balkan velayat of Turkmenistan and the hyakimlik of the Gulistan velayat of the Islamic Republic of Iran on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation, and a Memorandum of Understanding between the hyakimlik of the Ahal Velayat of Turkmenistan and the hyakimlik of the Khorasan Shomali Velayat of the Islamic Republic of Iran on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.
Agreements were also signed regarding interaction through the customs authorities, in particular, the Technical Conditions for the exchange of customs information in electronic form between the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Customs Administration of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The profile structures of the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Cooperation, Labor and Social Welfare of the Islamic Republic of Iran on cooperation in the field of labor, employment and social protection of the population, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding between the State News Agency Turkmenistan and the Information Agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Language, Literature and National Manuscripts named after Magtymguly of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the National Library and Archives of the Islamic Republic of Iran on cooperation signed as a result of negotiations is aimed at further strengthening relations in the scientific and educational sphere.
Another confirmation of the expansion of relations in the transport and communications sector can be seen in the signed Memorandum between the Open Joint-Stock Company "Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan" and the company "Rasan Rail Pars Co." of the Islamic Republic of Iran on cooperation in international cargo transportation, as well as the Memorandum between the Open Joint-Stock Company "Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan" and the company "Wagon Bar Caspian" of the Islamic Republic of Iran on cooperation in international cargo transportation.
The implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan and the Organization of Small Enterprises and Industrial Cities of the Islamic Republic of Iran is called upon to play an important role in establishing close cooperation between business structures.
Expressing satisfaction with the results of the talks, the head of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the implementation of the agreements reached would contribute to the expansion and strengthening of the interstate dialogue.
On the same day, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov had a meeting with the Supreme Spiritual Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which was also attended by President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi.
The interlocutors noted the important role of bilateral relations in ensuring regional stability and security, reaffirming their intention to continue expanding and comprehensively strengthening the mutually beneficial partnership, which has great potential and broad prospects.
The head of state invited Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to pay a visit to Turkmenistan at any convenient time.
During the meeting of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov with the Chairman of the Islamic Consultative Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, much attention was paid to the development and strengthening of interstate dialogue.
Considering that inter-parliamentary cooperation makes a significant contribution to the progressive development of productive relations between states, the head of Turkmenistan proposed to intensify partnership in this direction, in particular, through the systematic holding of bilateral inter-parliamentary meetings and establishing a mutual exchange of experience.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited the chairman and members of the Iranian Parliament to visit our country at a convenient time for them.
In general, the official visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran demonstrated that long-term close interstate cooperation incorporates important areas and meets the national interests of the two states, contributing to peace, good neighborliness, sustainable development and well-being of the entire region.
On June 17th, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov made a festive trip to Mary Velayat, where he got acquainted with the implementation of the State Program for Socio-Economic Development of the Regions, the progress of seasonal work carried out on agricultural land, the modernization of industrial infrastructure, and the implementation of tasks arising from the National Rural Program.
In the air harbor of the administrative center of the region, the head of state was greeted with joyful news about the successful fulfillment of contractual obligations by the tenants-grain growers of the Tahtabazar etrap to harvest and hand over grain to the state.
The head of Turkmenistan congratulated the farmers on the labor victory, expressing confidence that the grain growers of the Mary velayat would successfully fulfill their obligations to deliver grain. From the airport, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov went by car to the sowing areas of the Türkmenistan farming association of the Vekilbazar etrap.
Arkadagly Serdar examined the land with earing wheat, talked to the tenant, asked about the working conditions, the varieties of crops he cultivates, about the provision of land, water, high-quality seeds and fertilizers, the operation of agricultural machinery and payments for the delivered crop, he took an interest in the life of the farmer's family.
At the request of the tenant, the head of state gave his blessing to the beginning of grain harvesting and, having cut a sheaf of ripe full-weight ears of wheat, expressed wished of a rich harvest.
Examining the areas of the field freed from grain after the work of machine operators, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that high-performance combines that have been tested in the soil and climatic conditions of our country are doing their job efficiently and quickly, harvesting crops without loss.
As a sign of gratitude for his conscientious work, Arkadagly Serdar presented the tenant with a memorable gift and, at the humble request of the farmer, took a picture with him as a keepsake.
Here, on the field, the head of state was informed about new coarse-grained, disease-resistant and high-yielding wheat varieties bred at the Agricultural Research and Production Center of the Turkmen Agricultural Institute. 55–60 centners of grain can be harvested from each hectare of a new variety of awned and awnless wheat, ripening in 200–210 days.
Arkadagly Serdar suggested naming these varieties "Berkarar" and "Galkynysh", which is in the spirit of today.
Focusing on the need to improve the activities of research institutes and research and production centers of the agro-industrial complex, the head of state gave specific instructions to relevant leaders to introduce best practices and latest technologies into the industry, organize joint work of agricultural specialists from velayats and etraps with agricultural scientists. At the same time, the most important requirements are the rational use of land and water resources, increasing soil fertility.
On the same day, the President of Turkmenistan visited the main mosque of the region "Gurbanguly-Haji", located in one of the beautiful corners of the city of Mary.
A teperrik brought from sacred Mecca, presented to Arkadaghly Serdar as a memorial gift from the Kaaba during the Hajj, was exhibited in the spiritual temple. This relic will be transferred to the mosques of other velayats one by one.
The President of Turkmenistan also took part in the opening ceremony of the premises for 3,000 seats for mass celebrations, which is located next to the Türkmeniň ak öýi building, forming a single complex with it.
A festive sadaqa was held in the magnificent new building in connection with the pilgrimage recently performed by the head of state - Hajj.
At the end of the sadaqa, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his wishes that this festive sadaqa and the prayers read be accepted by the Almighty and that peace, unity and prosperity always reign in the Turkmen land.
On June 18th, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov made a festive trip to the Lebap velayat, where he got acquainted with the implementation of the State Program for the Social and Economic Development of the Regions, the pace of grain harvesting, and the state of affairs in the industrial complex. The head of state also held an off-site meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers here.
A warm welcoming ceremony for Arkadagly Serdar took place at the International Airport of Turkmenabat. Here, the hyakim of the Lebap Velayat reported to the President of Turkmenistan on the successful fulfillment of contractual obligations by the skilled farmers of the Darganata etrap to harvest grain.
The head of state congratulated the hard-working grain growers of the etrap on a wonderful victory and from the airport drove by car to the farmlands of the farming association “Watan”, located in the Chardzhev etrap.
In a conversation with the farmer, the President of the country asked about his work, family, types of crops grown, the level of productivity of cultivated grain fields, as well as the timeliness of payments for the delivered crop.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that the focus will always be on issues related to improving the working conditions of farmers who make a worthy contribution to ensuring food abundance in the country, introducing innovative technologies and achievements of modern science into the industry, and most importantly, encouraging the work of farmers.
At the heartily request of the tenant, Arkadagly Serdar started the harvest by cutting a sheaf of wheat, after which the powerful Claas and John Deere equipment, controlled by skilled machine operators, joined the work.
The head of state presented a memorable gift to the tenant as a token of gratitude for selfless and productive work and, after being asked by the farmer, took a picture with him as a keepsake.
After reviewing the exhibition of vegetables, fruits and gourds grown in the region, and tasting freshly baked churek in tamdyr from the flour of this year's harvest, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov flew by helicopter to the venue for the opening ceremony of the Gadyn gas collection station located on the territory of the Farap etrap of Lebap velayat.
Addressing the participants of the ceremony, the head of state noted that the policy of “open doors” is an important basis for international relations of our neutral state. Based on this, Turkmenistan has established itself in the world as a reliable and responsible partner. This creates conditions for increasing the economic potential of the country, helps to solve many issues of global importance, allowing us to increase the well-being of our people.
As noted, the export of hydrocarbon resources to foreign markets is a strategic goal of Turkmenistan, which ranks fourth in the world in terms of natural gas reserves.
The head of state stressed the importance of projects implemented jointly with the People's Republic of China, a striking example of which is the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline, each of whose branches is 1,830 kilometers long and allows the export of 55 billion cubic meters of “blue fuel” annually.
Since its commissioning at the end of 2009, more than 334 billion cubic meters of natural gas have been exported from Turkmenistan to China. In the future, it is planned to build another, fourth branch in order to increase the volume of this required fuel to 65 billion cubic meters per year.
The new gas gathering station at the Gadyn field will receive 5.5 million cubic meters of natural gas per day from the Kiştiwan, Günbatar Kiştiwan, Gadyn, Eljik and Gündogar Eljik fields in the Bagtyýarlyk contract area for further supplies to the Chinese government.
Putting the facility into operation will create 200 jobs.
In a solemn atmosphere, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pressed the start button, thereby blessing the beginning of the “labor activity” of the Gadyn station.
Through a teleconference, the head of Turkmenistan gave his blessing for the commissioning of the Uchadzhi-Zerger gas pipeline, designed to provide natural gas to the gas turbine power plant with a capacity of 432 MW located in the Chardzhev etrap and the population of the Lebap velayat.
On the same day, having completed his working trips to the Mary and Lebap velayats, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held an extended session of the Cabinet of Ministers in the conference hall of the International Airport in Turkmenabat. The agenda included the results of working visits, priority tasks related to the socio-economic development of the country at this stage.
The head of state noted the need to coordinate work to improve the socio-economic development of the regions, further improve the living conditions of the population and create new jobs.
Specific instructions were given regarding the modernization of enterprises of the fuel and energy complex for the efficient use of the natural resources of the regions, the widespread introduction of modern technologies into the industry.
The head of Turkmenistan focused on the need to continue work to saturate the domestic market with import-substituting industrial products, including electronic goods and building materials, and open new industries based on innovative technologies.
It was also about introducing advanced scientific achievements into the agricultural sector, ensuring an abundance of goods, supporting small and medium-sized businesses, and creating a favorable business environment.
In this context, the need for targeted and efficient use of agricultural land and pastures, the development of selection and seed production, the improvement of reclamation methods and the introduction of advanced water-saving technologies, and the training of specialized international specialists were noted.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov gave a number of specific instructions on increasing the pace of passenger and cargo transportation, making full use of the country's multimodal logistics capabilities, in particular, the Mary velayat, by creating favorable and competitive conditions for international transport and transit traffic.
Focusing on the priority tasks in the field of education, Arkadagly Serdar instructed to provide regional specialized institutions with textbooks and manuals in the required volume, as well as to keep in mind the issues of organizing summer holidays for children, preparing for the new academic year, mastering modern teaching methods, including using the digital system.
Last week, the President of Turkmenistan also signed a Resolution, according to which the State Agency for Management of Road Construction was allowed to conclude a contract with Altcom Road Construction Limited Liability Company (Ukraine) for the design and construction of a two-way two-lane road bridge across the Garabogaz Bay along the highway Turkmenbashi-Garabogaz-border of Kazakhstan and its supply roads. It was entrusted to hand over the facility with full readiness for operation in June 2024.
On June 14th, the Chairman of Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the participation of young people at the Congress Center of Turkmenistan on priority issues of state youth policy and further improvement of national legislation in this area.
As Hero-Arkadag said, Turkmen youth is the future of an independent neutral Fatherland. Their physical health and spiritual wealth, professional training, creativity and thinking ability are the driving force behind the improvement of our society and the prosperity of the state. Today, the legislation of Turkmenistan fully protects the socio-economic and political rights of young people, who occupy such a significant place in our society.
In this context, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov voiced a number of proposals that are foreseen to be added to the new version of the Law of Turkmenistan “On State Youth Policy”.
In particular, a proposal was made to transfer the powers of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Policy of Turkmenistan in the field of youth policy to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. This decision is in line with the goals of forming an erudite, educated, highly moral youth with a broad worldview, owning advanced technologies, committed to national principles, as well as developing a state mechanism to provide young citizens with support that meets international standards.
Hero-Arkadag noted the expediency of adding a clause to the Law under consideration regarding the expansion of the scope of educational work in line with national principles, which is of an agitational and explanatory nature, aimed at instilling in the young generation a great love for an independent Motherland, a sense of national pride.
A proposal was made to make additions related to the provision of support to young people in participating in the implementation of environmental projects and the restoration of historical monuments, with the stimulation of their interest in historical and cultural heritage, environmental protection through the development of a domestic tourism system.
It was also noted that the creation of a mechanism for the development of entrepreneurship among young people will contribute to the identification of gifted young Turkmen citizens, the formation of their skills in managing innovative technologies (if 75 percent of the employees of an enterprise established by entrepreneurs are young people, it shall be considered a youth enterprise which would be considered grounds to provide state support benefits for such enterprise).
It was proposed to introduce a clause on preferential income tax for young professionals who have just been hired after graduation into the Law: in the first year of employment in the amount of 50 percent, in the second and third years - 25 percent.
In addition, Hero-Arkadag proposed to study the issue of temporary deferral of military service with the condition of providing young children who graduated from high school with a one-time opportunity to participate in entrance examinations to higher and secondary vocational schools in order to achieve continuity in the education of young people and their direction in a professional direction.
As the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh noted, members of the Halk Maslakhaty and deputies of the Mejlis Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, representatives of public associations, having visited the most remote villages in the velayats and etraps of the country, should hold meetings with the participation of youth, honorary elders and workers on making changes and additions to this law, taking into account their opinion, suggestions and wishes regarding the further acceleration of the solution of the tasks of the state policy in the field of youth, as well as the analysis and modernization of the relevant legislation.
The proposals received will be submitted to the Mejlis Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan after study, consideration and generalization by specialists from ministries and departments, experienced professors and scientists.
On behalf of the head of state, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh, Honorary Elder of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov made a working trip to Ahal velayat, where he inspected the progress of construction of a new administrative center, got acquainted with the projects of various architectural objects planned for construction on the central avenues, and also held a working meeting.
Thus, the events of the past week reflected the dynamism and creative potential of Epoch of Revival of the New Era of a Powerful State. The course pursued in Turkmenistan under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov towards accelerated industrialization and the introduction of advanced scientific achievements into the national economy serves as the basis for the rapid advancement of the Motherland to new heights of progress.
