Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system to review a number of priority issues of public life.

The floor was first given to Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova, who informed about the work to bring the national legislative framework in line with the realities of the time.

In this regard, information was given that working commissions are preparing draft laws regulating civil and legal relations, as well as those related to the protection, study and popularization in the world of the creative heritage of Magtymguly Pyragy. Along with this, amendments and addenda are made in legislative instruments in accordance with the requirements of the time, aimed at updating sanitary activities, developing physical education and sports, agricultural crop seeds production, and improving the work of the country’s scientific institutions.

A seminar on modern methods and principles of legislative activity was organized during the period under review for students of the Academy of Civil Service under the President of Turkmenistan with the participation of deputies of the Mejlis.

A separate issue of the report was the practical steps taken to strengthen contacts with international organizations and parliaments of foreign countries. As part of this work, a representative of the Mejlis participated in the International Conference of Parliamentarians held by the United Nations Population Fund in Oslo, the Kingdom of Norway.

In addition, deputies took part in forums and meetings organized by relevant ministries and sectoral departments of the country jointly with UN bodies and other authoritative international agencies.

As was reported, people’s representatives appear at events and in the media in order to explain to the population the priorities of the state policy, the importance of international initiatives that are supported by the world community, as well as the socio-economic transformations ongoing, and legal instruments adopted.

Summing up the information, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov focused on the need for further updating the national legislative system in accordance with the requirements of the modern time. Along with this, the importance of the consistent development of inter-parliamentary relations established with foreign countries was highlighted.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the practical steps being taken to improve the network of settlement and payment systems of credit institutions and expand the range of digital banking services.

In this regard, the report covered the ongoing work to improve the quality of services provided by banks remotely and increase the volume of non-cash payments by expanding the range of services. Having submitted the proposal of the Joint-Stock Commercial Bank “Rysgal” to put into operation the “Internet-bank” and “Mobil-bank” systems for consideration by the head of state, the deputy prime minister informed about their capabilities.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov specified that in order to implement the provisions outlined in the State Program for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025, special importance is attached to increasing the volume of non-cash payments. At the same time, a necessary condition in this respect is the consistent improvement of payment systems and the regular expansion of the types of digital banking services.

Having approved the proposal, the head of state instructed the deputy prime minister to carry out appropriate work to introduce modern banking service systems of the “Rysgal” Joint-Stock Commercial Bank intended for individuals.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Amanov reported on the work ongoing to upgrade the facilities for accepting, storing and shipping liquefied gas produced by the State Concern “Türkmengaz”.

As was reported, in order to ensure a reliable supply of the required quantities of petroleum products, the State Concern is taking effective measures to reconstruct the relevant facilities. The uninterrupted provision of these facilities with appropriate material and technical means currently contributes to increasing the efficiency of their production activities. In this context, specific proposals were presented.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of the production of liquefied gas in the country and its reliable transportation to international markets.

In this regard, it is necessary to improve the facilities for accepting, storing and shipping this type of fuel, the head of state said, and, having approved the proposals presented, instructed the deputy prime minister to carry out the appropriate work.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev reported on the state of affairs in the sector under his supervision, as well as on the progress of seasonal agricultural work in the velayats of the country.

The report included information that at present, in the midst of cotton sowing, inter-row cultivation is carried out in the areas where seedlings have germinated. Tenant farmers are carrying out mineral fertilizers application and vegetative irrigation works in the wheat fields, and enterprises, grain collection points and elevators are prepared for the upcoming harvest.

The report also covered steps being taken to care for silkworms in order to successfully complete the cocoon production season. Along with this, spring crops are planted and cared for, and efforts are made to rationally and efficiently use water resources, and clean irrigation canals and drainage networks.

It was reported that appropriate preparatory work is underway throughout the country to organize high-level celebrations on the occasion of the National Holiday of Turkmen Horse.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov ordered to keep under strict control the care for germinating cotton seedlings, including proper inter-row cultivation.

Along with this, pointing out the need to comply with agro-technical standards when caring for wheat, the head of state emphasized the importance of preparation for the harvest season beforehand.

Emphasizing the importance of providing appropriate care for silkworms, as well as the implementation of appropriate measures to improve the water supply of agricultural lands, rational and careful use of water resources, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov gave specific instructions to the deputy prime minister.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on the steps being taken to ensure the uninterrupted operation of enterprises under the State Concern “Türkmenhimiýa”.

Thus, to increase the production capacity of the “Marykarbamid plant, the necessary work is carried out to establish a regular supply of the necessary raw materials and chemicals, spare parts and equipment, as well as maintenance and repair in accordance with the required standards.

Following the instructions of the head of state with regard to the direct contacts with foreign manufacturing companies in order to bring the plant to its designed capacity, it is considered advisable to establish cooperation with the Japanese Company “Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd”. In this context, a relevant proposal was submitted to the President of Turkmenistan for consideration.

Having heard the report, Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov supported the proposal to establish direct contacts with “Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.” in order to ensure uninterrupted operation of the “Marykarbamid” plant of the State Concern “Türkmenhimiýa” and regular supplies of raw materials and chemicals used in production in accordance with technological standards, instructing the deputy prime minister to take appropriate measures.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Atdayev reported on improving the activities of structural divisions and carpet enterprises of the State Association “Türkmenhaly”, and work to widely popularize the hand-made carpet weaving art.

According to the deputy prime minister, in order to preserve original examples of ancient carpets, the production infrastructure of the industry is upgraded. Artistic carpet weaving enterprises are put into operation, where all conditions are created for fruitful work and comfortable rest for carpet weavers.

The report included information was on the work in progress to further expand the range of carpet products, preserve the national flavor, meet the demand for them in the domestic and foreign markets, and strengthen the material and technical base of the industry in accordance with modern requirements.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the state pays special attention to the development of the famous carpet weaving art of our people, and great efforts are made to improve and popularize it in the world. In this context, it is necessary to upgrade the work of artistic carpet weaving enterprises of the State Association “Türkmenhaly”, the President of Turkmenistan indicated, giving instructions to the deputy prime minister in this regard.

Then Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova reported on preparations for high-level events to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the Homeland’s independence.

In this context, a draft Decree on the proper organization of upcoming celebrations in the occasion of the significant date in the national calendar was submitted to the President of Turkmenistan for consideration.

Having heard the report, Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed the presented Decree on ensuring proper preparation for state events scheduled on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the Independence of Turkmenistan, and conducting them at a high level, and sent it via a digital system to the deputy prime minister along with a number of specific instructions.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N.Amannepesov reported on preparations for the celebration of the 79th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, on the occasion of which valuable gifts will be presented to veterans on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

As was emphasized, Victory Day is widely celebrated in Turkmenistan with a special sense of pride. Our state takes comprehensive care of war veterans who have defended the peaceful and happy lives of future generations in the battle, as well as making efforts to protect and restore their health.

Every day of the year “The Fount of Wisdom of Magtymguly Pyragy” is full of events of national and international significance. Important socio-political and cultural events are to be held on the occasion of Victory Day.

According to the established tradition, paying tribute to the courage and heroism of GPW veterans and the hard work of gray-haired mothers who worked during the war, they will be presented on Victory Day, on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, with cash and valuable gifts in a solemn manner.

On behalf of the participants in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, sincere gratitude was expressed to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, our Hero Arkadag, and the head of state for the constant care and support of the older generation.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted that all conditions are created in our country for war and labor veterans who have demonstrated a vivid example of heroism and hard work, and are now instilling high qualities in the younger generation such as patriotism, dedication and courage.

In this regard, on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, the head of state instructed to present valuable gifts to war veterans and mothers who worked in our country during the war, ordering to carry out all planned events at a high organizational level.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the results of a working visit of the Foreign Ministry delegation to the Republic of Uzbekistan on April 15-16.

As was reported, Turkmenistan actively participates in multilateral events, including meetings in the “Central Asia+” format as part of implementing the international initiatives of the head of state.

During the visit, the delegation of our country took participation in the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue “Central Asia - Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC)”. Along with this, consultations were held in Tashkent at the level of the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

As part of the above-mentioned multilateral meeting, an exchange of views took place on important issues on the international and regional agenda, including those related to Afghanistan, and the positions of the parties in these areas were manifested. Joint actions to develop interregional cooperation in trade, economic and investment areas, as well as climate change and environmental protection were also the topics of an interested discussion. At the same time, attention was paid to the issue of stepping up relations in the fields of culture, education and science.

The progress in the implementation of the “Joint Action Plan for Strategic Communication and Cooperation for 2023-2027” was also analyzed. Following the outcomes of the forum, a Joint Statement was adopted.

The speeches of the Turkmen party put forward positions and proposals to strengthen constructive diverse partnership, based on the initiatives of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, offered at the GCC-Central Asia Summit held in Jeddah (The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) in July last year.

Thus, in order to conduct inter-ministerial consultations on key issues of interest to the two regions, it is proposed to create a permanent mechanism, a Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Central Asian States and the GCC.

Taking into account the wide opportunities for cooperation in such sectors of the economy as fuel and energy, the processing and textile industries, construction and shipbuilding, the appropriateness of implementing the proposal of the head of state on the creation of a Business Council was stressed.

The importance of Turkmenistan’s proposal on transport connectivity, put forward at the World Government Summit in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) in February this year, was also emphasized. In particular, it is proposed to combine efforts in order to implement the initiative to create an Alliance for Cooperation in the field of global energy security and sustainable development and a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity.

In the context of climate and environmental issues, the appropriateness of establishing effective cooperation between national Governments and specialized United Nations bodies in this area, and setting up permanent institutions of international organizations in our countries was pointed out. In this aspect, the relevance and validity of Turkmenistan’s initiative to open a Regional Center for Technologies related to climate change in Central Asia was highlighted.

The Turkmen party also proposed to create a “Dialogue of Cultures” between Central Asia and the GCC, which will give an effective impetus to the expansion of fruitful cooperation in the humanitarian and cultural field.

In addition, a proposal was made to shape a strong legal framework for partnership between the Central Asian countries and the GCC member states. In this regard, the need to develop new documents for the implementation of the above-mentioned Joint Action Plan was specified.

During the visit, the delegation of Turkmenistan also met with the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. During the constructive exchange of views on priority issues of traditionally friendly, good-neighborly interstate relations, the importance of regular mutual visits at the highest level was emphasized. As was reported, in order to widely celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of great Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy, pursuant to a special Decree adopted by the President of Uzbekistan, a film will be shot, a theatrical production will be performed, and a set of events dedicated to the significant date will be organized in the neighboring country.

At the same time, Turkmen-Uzbek inter-ministerial consultations were held in Tashkent. A concerned exchange of views took place on the condition and prospects of bilateral cooperation, as well as topical aspects on the regional and international agenda. It was pointed out that inter-parliamentary contacts are a great contribution to the development of interstate dialogue. In this regard, the appropriateness of organizing regular mutual visits in this field and meetings of inter-parliamentary Friendship Groups was stressed.

Emphasis was also placed on a solid experience that was gained in partnership through international organizations. An agreement has been reached to expand joint actions in this field. At the same time, the importance of multilateral cooperation was pointed out in order to ensure stability and security in the region. In particular, emphasis was placed on the importance of Consultative Meetings of the heads of Central Asian states and negotiations within the CA+ format.

The main topic of the consultations was cooperation in the economic sectors. During the meeting, the possibilities of increasing productive cooperation in various industries, as well as between representatives of the private sector of the two countries, were discussed. Special attention was paid to the implementation of previously reached agreements. In this context, the issue of holding a regular meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Uzbek Commission was considered. The expediency of organizing a regular meeting of the Turkmen-Uzbek Business Council was also pointed out.

At the same time, emphasis was placed on the strengthening of work related to the construction of a shopping center and the commissioning of joint trading houses in border trade zones. There was also an exchange of views on cooperation in the field of water management.

It was highlighted that traditional cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian fields is an integral component of Turkmen-Uzbek relations. At the same time, the importance of events organized in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the birth of outstanding artist in words and thinker of the East Magtymguly Pyragy was emphasized.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov specified that strengthening comprehensive friendly and fraternal relations with the countries of Central Asia and the Arab states of the Gulf is one of the priorities of the foreign policy strategy of the Homeland. The sustainable development of our country is closely linked to the expansion of fruitful interstate and interregional cooperation.

In this context, focusing on the importance of further strengthening mutually beneficial partnership with the Central Asian countries and the Arab states of the Gulf, the President of Turkmenistan gave the deputy prime minister, the head of Foreign Ministry relevant instructions.

Then Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers M.Chakyev reported on the work carried out by the “Turkmenaragatnaşyk” Agency as part of the “Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country in 2022-2028” to develop the transport and communication complex.

In this regard, the report covered the preparation of a draft project of the administrative building of the Communications Center to be constructed in the city of Turkmenbashy, Balkan Velayat, and the adjacent territory improvement.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted that great importance is attached to strengthening the material and technical resources of the country’s transport and communications complex and creating comfortable working conditions for workers in this industry.

Stressing that the effective development of the communications sector will contribute to upgrading high-quality specialized services provided, the head of state instructed the Agency to continue relevant work in this area.

Information was also provided on the outcomes of the XXXVIII meeting of the Conference of the Heads and Responsible Representatives of Railway Transport Enterprises of the member States of the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OCR), held in the Turkmen capital on April 15-19.

The meeting agenda included the results of activities of specialized commissions and permanent working groups of the Organization in 2023, the development of a draft OCR Development Strategy and other issues. The prospects for the development of transport and transit corridors using railways and an increase in freight traffic in the region were also discussed. A number of bilateral meetings were held as part of the forum.

As was reported, this is of great importance for building up and fulfilling the transport potential of Turkmenistan, which is one of the OCR active members.

During the forum, the issue of the Declaration to be adopted following the meeting of the Conference of the Heads and Responsible Representatives of Railway Transport Enterprises of the member states of the Organization for Cooperation of Railways was also discussed.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said that great importance is attached to the development of international transport corridors in our country. Stressing the high organizational level of the meeting of the Conference of the Heads and Responsible Representatives of Railway Transport Enterprises of OCR member states, the head of state stressed the importance of the Ashgabat Declaration adopted following the forum.

Specifying that cooperation with OCR will be continued in the future, the President of Turkmenistan instructed to convey, on his behalf, words of appreciation to the forum participants.

A number of other issues of public activity were discussed at the meeting, on which appropriate decisions were taken.

Concluding the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the participants sound health, family wellbeing and great success in their work for the prosperity of the sovereign Homeland.