The past week has brought new evidence that, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, reform programs are being systematically and successfully implemented to ensure the sustainable development of independent neutral Turkmenistan, the strategic goal of whose domestic policy is expressed in the principle “The state is for the people!”.

The course of seasonal field work, as well as issues related to the implementation of the tasks outlined in the National Rural Program, were discussed at a working meeting held by the head of state via a digital system on July 25th.

The head of state stressed that proper storage of the harvested wheat crop and its processing are an important requirement of the day. Great importance should be given to the transportation of grain. The lands vacated after mowing should be plowed in a timely manner and their planning should be carried out in compliance with the rules of agricultural technology.

The President of the country also noted the need to care for cotton in accordance with agrotechnical standards, improve water supply to fields, clean reservoirs and expand their volume, rational use of water resources.

At present, the foundations of the future harvest are being laid, and it is necessary to prepare the ground for it today, the head of state said. Tenants need to be provided with high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and these issues need to be addressed urgently. All work must be carried out taking into account national agricultural traditions and best practices. At the same time, great importance should be attached to the introduction of the achievements of modern agrarian science into production.

In addition, it is important to harvest potatoes, fruits and vegetables and gourds as soon as possible and without losses and ensure their immediate delivery to consumers.

Noting that during the summer holiday season, the main requirement is the uninterrupted operation of the resort infrastructure and the organization of leisure activities for vacationers on the Caspian coast, in particular, in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, the head of state gave a number of relevant instructions.

Particular emphasis was placed on the need to keep under strict control the progress of construction work at social and industrial facilities scheduled for commissioning this year, in particular, the new modern administrative center of Akhal velayat.

Actual tasks of the socio-economic development of the country were discussed at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held on July 29th via a digital system with the participation of members of the State Security Council, hyakims of the velayats and the city of Ashgabat.

Good news was heard at the meeting about the successful fulfillment by the country's grain growers of contractual obligations for the harvesting of wheat - thanks to large-scale state support, hardworking farmers poured about 1 million 500 thousand tons of grain into the bins of the Motherland.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov heartily congratulated the courageous grain growers on such great success and expressed his firm confidence that the harvest, grown with great dedication and hard work, will be harvested to the last grain.

The good news came on July 28th from the headquarters of the United Nations. As reported, at the initiative of our country, at the 97th plenary meeting of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, the Resolution “Central Asia - a zone of peace, trust and cooperation” was unanimously adopted. It was co-sponsored by 19 states.

Heartily congratulating all compatriots on this foreign policy victory, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that this important document clearly reflects the strategic and fruitful nature of partnership with the UN.

The progressive development of multilateral cooperation on strategic issues of the global agenda is defined as one of the main directions of the foreign policy of Turkmenistan. In this regard, a number of proposals were made.

Thus, Turkmenistan, together with the United Nations, is planning to hold an International Conference at the level of ministers of transport of developing countries that do not have access to the sea in August this year in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. To date, representatives of 25 states and 16 international organizations have confirmed their participation in the forum.

In order to expand participation in the activities of authoritative specialized structures, it is proposed that Turkmenistan join the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and obtain observer status in the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), which are, respectively, specialized agencies of the UN and the OIC.

A proposal was also made to deepen the interaction with FAO, carried out on the basis of the bilateral Framework Program for 2021-2025. In particular, this concerns the development, with the assistance of specialists from this organization, of technical cooperation projects focused on the digitalization of agriculture.

In addition, guided by the constructive initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan, it is proposed to organize an International Conference on Food Security in our country in October 2022.

Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan invariably takes an active and responsible position in matters of regional and global cooperation, the development of balanced solutions to the pressing problems of our time. Among them is ensuring food security, which is one of the integral factors in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Other issues discussed at the Government meeting included strengthening the legal foundations of the state, modernizing and building up the country's transport and transit potential, improving the activities of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, beautification of the capital, the state of affairs in the regions, preparation for events in honor of the Day of workers of the construction and industrial complex.

Report was given on the work carried out by the oil and gas complex to increase the volume of oil and natural gas production, as well as the timely development of national investments in the coming years.

In particular, information was given that the TCOR refines crude oil and produces high-quality products, as well as the sale on the world market of the first volumes of A-98 gasoline, which fully complies with the quality requirements of EURO-5, EURO-6 standards and is distinguished by the highest environmental purity. At the auction held at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan, these products were purchased by foreign companies from the UAE and Afghanistan.

Emphasizing the demand for high-quality environmentally friendly products that are competitive on world markets, the head of state addressed specific instructions for the active introduction of advanced technologies, strengthening effective cooperation with leading foreign partners with great experience and potential.

Measures are being taken to improve the Regulations of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. Among them - the provision of information services and the creation of an electronic price database; analysis of external and internal trade agreements based on the price base; training of participants of the stock exchange, determination of powers and duties in accordance with the current legislation; inclusion of intangible assets (including computer programs) in the list of contracts not subject to registration.

Noting that the State Customs Service serves as an indicator of Turkmenistan's foreign economic relations, a powerful information and analytical structure that clearly illustrates the demand for products of the leading sectors of the national economy, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov gave a number of specific instructions to further develop exchange trading and expand its scope.

A draft Regulation on the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan was submitted for consideration by the head of state. It was developed in order to maintain a clean environment and protect public health, ensure a favorable sanitary and epidemiological situation in the country, taking into account the strengthening of measures to control the circulation of polymer and plastic materials, prevent the negative impact of climate change on human health, and counter the risks associated with the spread of infectious and other diseases.

According to the document, guided by the Sanitary Code of Turkmenistan, the Law of Turkmenistan “On the Prevention of Infectious Diseases” and the International Health Regulations, it is envisaged to implement a set of preventive and other appropriate measures aimed at successfully solving the tasks set, as well as carrying out work to implement the WHO One Health Program.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that concern for the health of the people is one of the key priorities of the state policy of the Motherland. As a result of the cardinal transformations carried out in this area, the profile infrastructure is systematically modernized, innovative technologies and methods, advanced scientific achievements, and the best world experience are actively introduced into medical practice.

Noting the importance of continuing comprehensive work in this direction, taking into account modern realities and requirements, paying special attention to taking the necessary measures to prevent various diseases, strict adherence to sanitary standards, ensuring unremitting control over the quality and safety of food and other consumer products, drinking water, strengthening in a society of principles of a healthy lifestyle, the head of Turkmenistan gave specific instructions.

Having considered the proposal to create a Digital Technology Service under the Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency, the head of state instructed to carefully study the best world experience in this area and carry out appropriate work to develop the national human resources, scientific, technical and infrastructural potential.

At the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a number of documents. Among them are the Decrees on the construction of a workshop for the production of glass products in the Geokdepe etrap of the Akhal velayat and on the establishment of a coordinating Interdepartmental Commission to combat the legalization of proceeds from crime and the financing of terrorism.

In addition, the head of state signed the Resolutions “On the establishment of the Organizing Committee for holding high-level celebrations and events on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the independence of Turkmenistan”, “On growing rich wheat crop in Turkmenistan in 2023”, “On handing over the over-produced wheat harvest to the state in 2022”, and approved the Work Plan of the Government Commission on Water Supply for 2022. 

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that from August 1st, all leaders go on vacation, but a number of important events are planned for this month.

In accordance with the adopted programs to improve the social conditions of the country's citizens and strengthen their health, on August 1st, the opening ceremony of the next complex of cottages for vacationers at the NTZ “Avaza” will take place.

On August 3rd, Avaza NTZ will host a ceremony of awarding prize-winning athletes of the 2022 Silk Way Rally Raid and the Asian Weightlifting Championship among juniors and youth with valuable gifts.

On August 5th, the opening ceremony of the modern recreation center for children “Arkadagyň nesilleri”, built in the Esenguly etrap of the Balkan velayat, will take place.

On August 8th, along the important North-South transport route, a new large bridge will be laid across the Garabogazgol Bay in the Balkan velayat.

An International Conference at the Ministerial level of Transport of Landlocked Developing Countries is scheduled for August 15-16.

In this context, the head of state will hold all events at a high level.

On July 30th, the President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the State Security Council, at which the results of the work of the military and law enforcement agencies for seven months of this year were discussed, and urgent tasks for the near future were identified. The agenda also includes issues of ensuring security and tranquility in our independent state, strengthening the material and technical base of law enforcement agencies, and improving their activities.

During the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the firm commitment of our independent neutral state to the legal status of neutrality. In this regard, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan steadily maintains relations of friendship and good neighborliness with the states and peoples of the world.

Based on these principles, the Military Doctrine is purely defensive in nature, in accordance with it the structure of military and law enforcement agencies will continue to be systematically improved, the defense capability of the Fatherland will be strengthened, the head of state said. 

Continuing the review of the events of the past week, we note that a regular meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during which the results of the work of the Commission for the first half of 2022, as well as plans for the upcoming period.

As noted, the documents prepared by Turkmenistan on the inclusion of the Akhal-Teke horse breeding art, traditions of decorating horses, silk production, etc., prepared by Turkmenistan on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity are currently being considered and studied. The discussion of the multilateral dossier “Turanian deserts of the temperate zone” with the participation of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the framework of the UNESCO “Man and the Biosphere” Program continues. Information was heard on the inclusion of Ashgabat in the UNESCO Global Network of Creative Cities in the Design category, the results achieved and further steps in this direction were discussed.

The National Commission of Turkmenistan is preparing a national dossier for inscription of the Koytendag mountain ecosystem on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In addition, preparations are underway for the opening of UNESCO Chairs in higher educational institutions of the country and work is being intensified to include a number of secondary schools in the country into the UNESCO Association of Schools.

Recently, the opening ceremony of a new UNESCO club called “Languages of the World” was held at the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Dovletmammet Azadi. In the near future, it is planned to create the same club at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The participants of the meeting paid attention to collaboration and intensification of cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNESCO in the field of sports and physical education.

The meeting also touched upon such topical issues as strengthening the role of our country in large structural divisions of UNESCO, joining the UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Relating to Higher Education in the European Region, expanding international scientific cooperation, opportunities for cooperation in digital projects and information exchange.

A group of 275 Turkmen pilgrims safely returned to their homeland, who, in accordance with the Order of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, went to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on a special flight organized by the Türkmenhowaýollary agency, where they joined numerous pilgrims who arrived from all over the world to bow to the sacred Kaaba.

During the hajj, Turkmen pilgrims prayed to the Almighty for further prosperity of the Motherland, well-being of the people, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Thus, the events of the past week have once again demonstrated that under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, tasks are being systematically and successfully implemented in all areas of the domestic and foreign policy of Turkmenistan, a country looking to the future, but at the same time maintaining the continuity of the spiritual culture carried through the millennia.