Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan

On September 24, a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan was held in the capital under the chairmanship of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The agenda of the nationwide forum, which became an event of historical significance in the life of our state and society, included priority tasks for the further progressive development of the country and the implementation of fundamental changes aimed at ensuring a prosperous and happy life for the people.

…An atmosphere of special solemnity, universal unity and inspiration reigned under the dome of Maslahat Köşgi in the capital, where delegates from all over the country gathered.

The audience greeted Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with standing and thunderous applause. Addressing the audience and all compatriots, the Hero-Arkadag noted that, guided by the traditions of statehood of our ancestors, on the days of the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the sacred independence of the sovereign and neutral Motherland, in the year “Happy Youth with Arkadag Serdar” of the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State, the Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan was being held.

The historic Meeting was attended by the heads of government bodies that are part of the Halk Maslahaty, deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, heads of ministries and departments, political parties and public organisations, hyakims of velayats, etraps and cities, members of velayat, etrap and city halk maslahaty, honorary elders, grey-haired mothers, public representatives from all regions of the country and other invited participants.

The solemn moment came and the Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov declared the Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty open.

The National Anthem of Turkmenistan was performed and was unanimously taken up by the participants of the nationwide forum.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people invited members of the elected presidium of the Halk Maslahaty Meeting to take their seats.

Warmly congratulating those present and the people of the country on the forthcoming glorious holiday and wishing everyone strong health, happiness and prosperity, the Hero-Arkadag noted the participants of the nationwide forum had already had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with its agenda, asking if there were any proposals or comments on issues and documents submitted for consideration.

With the unanimous support and full approval of those present, the National Leader of the Turkmen people announced the approval of the agenda of the Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.

Then Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov delivered a keynote speech at the Meeting.

Addressing the audience, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that, being based on the democratic traditions of the nation, the principles of transparency, justice, statehood and legality, taking into account public opinion and being guided by the national experience in discussing with the people issues of national importance and the wellbeing of the population, we were holding another meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.

The Hero-Arkadag expressed his firm confidence that the representative forum would be of great importance in consolidating the success achieved during the years of independence, clearly defining tasks when considering the most important issues for the sake of the prosperous life of the people.

The Turkmen people are the nation of builders of the state. Following the behests of our courageous ancestors on building a state, we have chosen a national development model. Relying on the unity, talent and peace-making traditions of the people, we established a sovereign state. Independent and permanently neutral Turkmenistan is a state in which people’s power had been established, the Hero-Arkadag emphasised.

As Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov further said, in his book Ömrümiň manysynyň dowamaty he noted the Halk Maslahaty was one of the directions for the implementation of democratic principles – the tradition of our ancestors to make decisions in consultation with elders, involving wise and educated people. Our development model is an effective way to solve the problems arising in the modern era of globalisation. National unity, the rule of law, the effectiveness of government institutions and governing bodies and the priority of public opinion are the defining features of the path chosen by the Motherland.

The current era poses new challenges for us. The national model of development of the state and society forms the foundation of our state policy. In this regard, the National Leader of the Turkmen people stressed independence and neutrality were the basis of our unity, patriotism, commitment to peace and friendship, our responsibility to the Motherland, people and the improvement of the state and society and were a complementary and interconnected holistic doctrine of the new era.

Having established a reliable model of public administration based on democracy and law in a short period of time by historical standards, we had formed an effective system of the expression of the will of each member of our society, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted.

In this direction, on the path of the gradual improvement of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, we, firstly, have significantly increased the organisational and material capabilities of state authorities and administration, local executive authorities, local representative bodies and self-government ones. Secondly, by raising a new generation of capable managers and employees with special education, we have improved the personnel composition of the public administration system.

Thirdly, with the industrialisation and digitalisation of economic sectors, we had introduced modern methods into the work of state power and administration, local executive authorities and self-government bodies, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued. Fourthly, we have gradually strengthened the legal foundations of the state and civil society institutions as an integral and determining condition for peace, concord and sustainable development.

Our next task in the new history of the Turkmen people is the further prosperity of the Motherland, which we will solve by consolidating the achievements over the years of independence, inspiring the people to new accomplishments. It is in these matters that the Halk Maslahaty plays a big role.

Noting that in the system of representative bodies of the people’s power, a significant place was given to members of the Halk Maslahaty and Gengeshes, the National Leader of the Turkmen people expressed confidence that they and the deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan would continue to actively participate in ensuring the unity of our society, would work conscientiously for the prosperity of the Motherland and would worthily contribute to that sacred cause.

Addressing those present, the Hero-Arkadag highlighted the school of education that had been formed among the Turkmen people over thousands of years. In this regard, great importance is attached to the education of generations and the merits of our wise elders and dear mothers in this field. Therefore, the Council of Elders was established under the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.

Regarding the topic of the state youth policy, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted it included a set of socioeconomic, political, cultural, organisational and legal measures aimed at ensuring the rights, freedoms, the state guarantees of young citizens and their support.

As the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted, at his general lesson in the Ruhyýet Palace in the city of Arkadag, he had spoken in detail about the history of the country, the duties and responsibilities of the younger generation. The rich experience, accumulated by the Turkmen people throughout the history of humankind in establishing and governing a state and forming a just society, were also told about.

“I highly appreciate the work carried out by our young people, who are the power, authority and great future of the Motherland. For young people are the support of our people,” the Hero-Arkadag stressed.

Continuing his speech, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty said the country’s development must keep pace with global technological progress. In this context, the role of initiatives, put forward by the President of Turkmenistan, and decisions, made on the innovative development and digitalisation of the economy and increase in the intellectual, educational and scientific potential of our society, intended to make our lives better, was emphasised. The country’s enormous economic power, natural resources and human potential are aimed at achieving this goal.

As the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov further noted, the organisation of the work of public administration in accordance with the realities of the time required professionalism and great capabilities from civil servants. This activity is based on a solid foundation and is constantly improved. A clear indication of this is the recent commissioning of the modern building of the Academy of Civil Service under the President of Turkmenistan.

Another main objective of the national economic model is to ensure food security. To that end, the economic efficiency and productivity of agriculture were being increased, processing enterprises were being modernised and waste-free technologies were being introduced, the National Leader of the Turkmen people stated. Achieving food security has a positive impact on the formation of important foundations for longevity and the high quality of life.

Addressing his compatriots, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted that, following the national principles of humanism, the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation was established to assist children in need of guardianship. The Foundation provides special care to children and adolescents left without parental or guardian care. Thanks to its funds, the health of many young Turkmen citizens in need of care has been restored. This activity will continue in the future. The state and the Foundation have sufficient funds for this. For people’s health was not only the main wealth of the country, but also a solid foundation for a happy life for the current and future generations of the Turkmen people, the Hero-Arkadag emphasised.

The speech of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan was heard with deep attention and was greeted with general long applause.

Then, moving on to discussing the issues on the agenda of the Meeting, the Hero-Arkadag gave the floor to its participants.

The first to speak was a resident of the Baherden etrap of the Ahal velayat, pensioner Garry Pirguliyev, who, on behalf of all the elders, cordially congratulated the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty and the President of Turkmenistan on the 32nd anniversary of the independence of the Motherland.

It was noted that, following the noble traditions and wise precepts of our ancestors, the Hero-Arkadag invariably consulted with the people and representatives of the older generation in all his affairs. It was emphasised that the National Leader of the Turkmen people showed great concern for the wellbeing of all compatriots, every family and every citizen of the country. The large-scale work, carried out by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation to assist children in need of care, has given many young Turkmen people hope for a bright future.

It was stressed that the elders had enthusiastically received the historical speech of Hero-Arkadag and had expressed confidence that the decisions made at the Meeting would give a powerful impetus to the further development of the country. After wishing the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Arkadagly Serdar strong health, longevity and every success in all state affairs, at the end of his speech, the representative of the older generation enthusiastically recited poetic lines.

Then a doctor from the Mary velayat Ogulnabat Agajanova spoke. She stressed the result of the tireless efforts of the Hero-Arkadag and the large-scale work, carried out by the President of Turkmenistan in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State, was comprehensively developing the Motherland, bringing it to new heights of progress and increasing the standard of living of the people.

It was noted that thanks to the initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, the protection and strengthening of public health had been identified as one of the priorities of the state policy.

Currently, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the domestic healthcare system is developing at the level of world standards. Based on the motto “The Health of the Nation is the Wealth of the Country” put forward by the Hero-Arkadag, numerous medical facilities and sanatoria supplied with modern specialised equipment have been built and put into operation in Turkmenistan.

It was noted that the subject of special concern of the National Leader of the Turkmen people was the health of the younger generation – the future of the Motherland. A vivid confirmation of this is the establishment of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation to assist children in need of care, which carries out large-scale activities. The attention and full care of the Hero-Arkadag for the younger generation was an exemplary school for medical specialists, O. Agajanova stressed.

Next, the floor was given to a specialist of the Turkmenabat enterprise of roads and structures of the Türkmendemirýollary Agency Yhlas Geldimyradov. After warmly congratulating on behalf of the workers of the transport and communications complex President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Hero-Arkadag and the entire Turkmen people on the 32nd anniversary of the sacred independence of the Motherland, the speaker emphasised every day of the year, passing under the motto “Happy Youth with Arkadag Serdar,” was marked by historical events. As a result of the successful implementation of the fundamental principle “The State is for the People!”, under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, large-scale transformations, initiated by the Hero-Arkadag, are being carried out. The country is consistently working to create a modern and multifaceted transport and communications system.

The next floor was given to a chief specialist of the Turkmenbashi complex of oil refineries Allayar Mammedorazov, who at the beginning of his speech warmly congratulated the National Leader of the Turkmen people and all compatriots on the forthcoming Independence Day of the Motherland, confidently continuing to move forward to new heights of prosperity and progress in the year “Happy Youth with Arkadag Serdar”.

Then a leading specialist of the hyakimlik of the city of Arkadag Batyr Gurbanmuradov spoke, who, on behalf of the builders of the country, expressed gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the opportunity to participate in such a representative national forum on the eve of the 32nd anniversary of the sacred independence of the Motherland. Noting great success in the scientific and educational sphere, sports, creative activities and construction being achieved by modern youth, the delegate emphasised it was a great honour for him to speak on behalf of the younger generation.

Expressing gratitude to the Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Serdar for creating opportunities for Turkmen students to work and improve their professional skills after graduating from universities in the city of Arkadag, rightly called the “city of youth,” the speaker stressed young Turkmen citizens would respond to the high trust placed in them with excellent study and creative work.

Next, the floor was given to a tenant from Japarov farmers’ association in the Tejen etrap, Ahal velayat, Perman Gurbandurdiyev. Heartily congratulating the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the entire Turkmen people on the 32nd anniversary of the sacred independence of the Motherland on behalf of the rural workers, the speaker wished the forum successful work.

As it was noted, thanks to the efforts and support of the Hero-Arkadag, in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State, large-scale transformations were taking place in the agricultural sector of our country, aimed at the comprehensive development of the agricultural sector and the increase in the production of grain, cotton and other agricultural goods.

Today, the number of private producers in the agroindustrial complex, also involved in the processing sector, is growing. That opened up broad opportunities for producing competitive import-substituting and export-oriented goods, creating new jobs and, as a result, improving the wellbeing of the people, the tenant said.

Then the floor was given to a cultural worker from Gerogly etrap of the Dashoguz velayat Merjen Manadova, who, on behalf of cultural workers and artists, wholeheartedly congratulated the National Leader of the Turkmen people Hero-Arkadag and all participants of the Meeting on the approaching 32nd anniversary of the independence of Turkmenistan.

In her speech, it was emphasised that thanks to the efforts, talent and genius of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the created modern city of Arkadag had become a centre of art and creativity, where great work was being done to preserve the richest national traditions and to popularise them around the world.

The spiritual world and creativity of the people were significantly enriched by the inclusion of collections of manuscripts of the great Turkmen poet and philosopher of the East Magtymguly Pyragy in the international UNESCO Memory of the World Register and the poem by the Hero-Arkadag, devoted to the world-famous classic of Turkmen literature.

A serviceman Sanjar Joytiyev, who then spoke, on behalf of the defenders of the Motherland, congratulated the National Leader of the Turkmen people Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty and all those present on the beginning of the Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan – an important socio-political event in the life of the country in the year “Happy Youth with Arkadag Serdar”.

Assuring that the defenders of the Motherland would stand as an indestructible wall and a steel shield to guard the peace and tranquillity of their beloved Motherland, following the example of the honoured veteran of the bodies of internal affairs Myalikguly Berdimuhamedov, his son – the National Leader of the Turkmen people, and his grandson – the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan, S. Joytiyev addressed the Hero-Arkadag and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov with wishes of strong health, longevity and every success in responsible government activity.

The next speaker was a 3rd-year student of the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management Ogulhajar Gulova. Welcoming the Hero-Arkadag and all those present, she, on behalf of the country’s youth, expressed deep gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people for the opportunity to participate in the Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty, held in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State.

Assuring that, having enthusiastically adopted and fully supported the proposals voiced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the decisions made at this historic Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty, the country’s youth would make a worthy contribution to achieving their great goals, the TSIEM student addressed the Hero-Arkadag and the President Turkmenistan with the best wishes, concluding his speech with the inspired words, “Arkadagly Serdarymyzyň ýoly bilen, öňe, öňe, diňe öňe jan Watanym Türkmenistan!”

Summing up the results of the discussion, the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that at that day’s historic meeting of the Halk Maslahaty, the most important issues of the state and socio-political life had been considered, and speeches, in which support for all initiatives put forward had been expressed, had been heard. In this regard, the Hero-Arkadag thanked everyone who had spoken and taken an active part in the discussion.

Then a short break was announced, after which the Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty continued its work with the participation of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people gave the floor to the Head of Turkmenistan, who in his speech summed up the results of the work done in Turkmenistan.

After warmly greeting those gathered, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov cordially congratulated the participants of the Meeting and, in their person, the entire people of the country on the holiday, the 32nd anniversary of the sacred independence of Turkmenistan, and wished all compatriots strong health, a happy life and new achievements in the ongoing activities to further strengthen the foundations of the independence of our native Motherland!

As it was noted, over the 32 years that had passed since 1991, a great work had been done to strengthen the foundations of our democratic, law-based and secular state. This period has been marked by significant events and great achievements.

Thanks to the unprecedented efforts of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who raised the authority of our independent neutral country to a high level, our Motherland, following the path of progress and prosperity, has reached new milestones in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State.

“Stable economic development is the main goal of our long-term strategy. Based on this, we are successfully implementing programmes and reforms that have covered all areas of the country’s economy. We are carrying out the necessary work to further improve the efficiency and activity of the state investment policy. We are systematically increasing the volume of investments aimed at accelerating the development of processing and manufacturing industries,” President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said.

Addressing the meeting participants, Arkadagly Serdar stressed the main goal of the ongoing economic policy was the systematic improvement of the social and living conditions of the people. Currently, almost all the key tasks envisaged for the current year by the Programme of the Socioeconomic Development of the Country in 2022–2028 and the National Rural Programme for the period until 2028 are being successfully implemented.

Reminding that the previous year, in full compliance with international standards, a complete census of the country’s population and housing stock had been carried out and highly appreciated by experts from the United Nations Population Fund, the Head of Turkmenistan said that, according to its results, as of December 17, 2022, the number of the country’s population had been 7 million 57 thousand 841 people. In this regard, it was stated that it would be advisable to conduct an appropriate analysis of plans for the coming years and to make adjustments.

From January 1 next year, salaries for employees of organisations financed from the budget, self-supporting enterprises and public associations, pensions, state benefits and scholarships for students and trainees are to be increased by another 10 per cent.

The achievements gained were the result of the people’s broad support for our policies and their active participation in that, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised.

Among the priority tasks are the development of the oil and gas industry of our country, which has rich reserves of energy resources, the diversification of natural gas supplies to world markets, the processing of oil and gas resources for the manufacture of high-quality products that meet international standards, which are important directions of the energy strategy being implemented.

“We are creating every opportunity to increase the capacity of the construction industry and to develop the production base of private entrepreneurship in this direction. The country has accumulated positive experience in the production of non-metallic building materials, cement, expanded clay and building glass,” the Head of Turkmenistan stated.

By the end of the current year, capital investments in the amount of 545 million 55 thousand manats are to be spent on the construction of the Turkmenbashi–Farab and Ashgabat–Dashoguz highways and the bridge across the Garabogaz Kol Bay.

The President particularly focused on the exemplary work being carried out in the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, where luxury residential and administrative buildings, educational and healthcare institutions, shopping and entertainment centres, parks and public gardens have already been built.

Confidence was expressed that the city of Arkadag, constructed by domestic builders in just over four years, would become a major centre of scientific, educational, cultural and international cooperation.

As it was noted, during the construction of that beautiful city, presented with 21 international awards, the standards of the “smart city” and “green technologies” conceptions had been used widely.

In this context, according to the President of the country, it is advisable to develop a conception for the development of the city of Arkadag in 2024–2052, which will allow the city, the legal status and significance of which is enshrined in the national legislation, to take its rightful place in the world.

Dwelling upon the issues of the domestic agroindustrial complex, Arkadagly Serdar said that within the framework of the National Rural Programme only, facilities in 15 areas of the social sphere and engineering support systems were being built. In particular, the construction of hospitals, medical centres and houses of health, preschool and general education institutions, cultural centres, sports schools and facilities, water and sewerage systems, gas pipelines, power transmission lines, highways, communication systems and residential buildings continues.

Currently, the issue of providing agriculture with water has become one of the pressing issues, for which comprehensive measures, aimed at the rational use of water and the improvement of the technical condition of hydraulic structures have been taken.

This work should be continued at a dynamic pace and water resources should be used carefully. Guided by the folk wisdom “A drop of water is a grain of gold,” it was necessary to widely introduce advanced water-saving methods and technologies into production, Arkadagly Serdar stressed.

In this regard, the Ministry of Environment Protection must carry out urgent scientifically-based work to combat desertification and land salinity and to reduce aridity.

Turkmenistan stands for ensuring environmental safety and combating climate change. It also supports the new initiative “Global Methane Commitments” put forward by the United Nations and is making efforts to reduce methane emissions into the atmosphere.

Further, the Head of Turkmenistan stated that our perfect system of management and regulation of domestic trade ensured the availability of goods and the stability of prices for them and improves the quality and culture of trade services.

Products of the brand “Made in Turkmenistan”, which are in great demand on world markets, represent our country as a competitive and powerful state.

“We pay special attention to creating favourable conditions for strengthening the position of the private sector of the national economy in world markets. We provide comprehensive aid in conquering new markets and developing existing ones,” President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised.

As part of the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, our country is carrying out fruitful work to provide the population with affordable and high-quality medical and educational services, to adapt to climate change and to reduce its impact.

We attach great importance to raising a spiritually and physically healthy and broad-minded young generation. Guided by the best international experience, we create ample opportunities for young people to receive modern education and to be engaged in science, sports and creativity. We are modernising the fundamentals and methods of educational work. In this direction, we were implementing national programmes and conceptions, the Head of Turkmenistan continued.

This year, on the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth in the city of Arkadag, happy students began to study at Aba Annayev Horse Breeding International Academy, Berdimuhamed Annayev Pedagogical Secondary Vocational School and Sachly Dursunova Medical Secondary Vocational School.

There, schoolchildren also began studying at Sahy Jepbarov Specialised School of Arts, Shukur Bagshy Children’s School of Arts, a specialised educational complex, which includes a school and a kindergarten, and specialised schools with the in-depth study of the English language. The kids crossed the thresholds of kindergartens for the first time.

On the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth, a new complex of buildings of the Academy of Civil Service under the President of Turkmenistan was commissioned in the capital. The construction of a complex of new buildings of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Ashgabat and of Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute in the city of Turkmenabat, an additional educational building and a dormitory of the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan in the city of Mary was also launched.

In the velayats, the grand opening of modern secondary schools and kindergartens, equipped with advanced technologies, also took place.

As it was stressed, strengthening the economic power of the Motherland, increasing its educational and intellectual potential and improving the socio-political life primarily depended on the level of training of the younger generation.

We would continue working to improve the social security of young citizens, to support young families, to provide them with modern housing and to stimulate entrepreneurial initiatives of young people, the President assured the participants of the Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty.

It was further noted that the rapid development of science and technology, the development of new technologies and the active integration of our country into the global educational space required the modernisation of teaching methods at educational institutions.

In this regard, Arkadagly Serdar drew attention to the need to develop a document in order to bring the teaching methods of preschool, primary, basic secondary, complete secondary, out-of-school and additional education in accordance with the national experience and state and international educational standards in this area – the Conception of Improving Teaching Methods in Turkmenistan.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also noted that, as a member of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, our country made a worthy contribution to the development of the Olympic movement. Our neutral state hosted the 2018 Amul-Hazar International Rally-Raid, relay races and mass bicycle races along the Great Silk Road and the World Weightlifting Championships. And the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games proclaimed the triumph of the traditions of sports, peace and friendship on the planet.

Athletes of our country achieve good results in the development of sports and at international tournaments.

This year, performing at international sports venues, they have won 600 medals, including 164 gold, 177 silver and 259 bronze ones.

“We must organise the World Kurash Championships, which will be held in Ashgabat in November of this year, at the highest level and properly prepare for performances at the Summer Olympic Games to be held in France next year,” Arkadagly Serdar emphasised, expressing his conviction that our athletes, defending the sports honour of independent and neutral Turkmenistan as a country of health and inspiration, would demonstrate an example of patriotism and high skills at international tournaments.

Addressing the meeting participants, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the constant priorities of the state policy were the careful preservation of national heritage, historical, cultural and spiritual values, their scientific study and popularisation throughout the world. Modern theatres, libraries, museums and cultural centres are vivid evidence of the flourishing of our national culture and art.

On August 17 of the current year, the 30th anniversary of fruitful cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation was solemnly celebrated.

Over the past period, our country, in cooperation with UNESCO and its specialised committees and research institutes, has accumulated rich experience in the cultural, humanitarian, scientific and educational areas and in the field of sports, communications and information.

This year, UNESCO Departments, “Cultural Heritage: from Past to Future” at Magtymguly Turkmen State University and “Ecological Education for Sustainable Development” at Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute, were opened.

This holiday season we received good news from the United Nations.

At the session of the World Heritage Committee of the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), it was decided to introduce multilateral nominations of Turkmenistan together with the Republics of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan “Silk Road: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor” and that of Turkmenistan with the Republics of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan “Turanian deserts of the temperate zone” on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. This list includes the State Nature Reserves

Bereketli Garagum, Gaplaňgyr, the Repetek State Biosphere Reserve and the desert ecosystems of its protected area Ýerajy.

“All this work is the contribution of independent neutral Turkmenistan to the sustainable development of the world,” Arkadagly Serdar emphasised with satisfaction.

Touching upon issues related to the foreign-policy strategy of our Motherland, Arkadagly Serdar focused on the fact that its main goals were creating favourable external conditions for the peaceful and sustainable development of our state and society, strengthening the position of our neutral Motherland in the world and protecting our national interests in the system of international relations.

Firmly adhering to the principles of neutrality and non-interference, Turkmenistan advocates resolving any contradictions through peaceful and political means. As a responsible member of the Community of Nations, based on its neutral legal status and guided by the philosophy “Dialogue is a guarantee of peace”, our country makes a worthy contribution to the development of international relations and promotes the introduction of preventive diplomacy into the experience of such relations.

Speaking about his participation in the 78th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov dwelt in detail upon the priority areas, voiced by our country from the high rostrum of the Organisation to address the most important issues of regional and global significance, and new initiatives put forward to further expand productive international cooperation in the interests of universal peace and prosperity.

In the new era, the activities of the Parliament of Turkmenistan were developing, and the national legislation was being consistently improved in accordance with the norms of international law, the Head of Turkmenistan said, focusing on the need to further strengthen the legal foundations of socioeconomic transformations and the large-scale work being carried out to further improve the social and living standards of the people. In this context, it was emphasised that the urgent issues of our time were the adoption of new legislative acts and the systematic modernisation of laws.

The great work done by members of the Halk Maslahaty and deputies of the Mejlis on the formation of a new legal culture and the development of the principles of statehood and democracy was especially noted.

The modernisation of the national legislation in accordance with the requirements of the time is one of the main directions of state development. In this regard, it was noted that, guided by responsibility to the Motherland, present and future generations, it is necessary to continue to strengthen the management system of the highest bodies of state power.

“My goal is to confidently move the country towards a great future by improving the basic foundations of independence and neutrality!” Arkadagly Serdar said, concluding his speech with the following inspiring words:

“May our independent and neutral state continue to prosper! May the sovereignty of the independent and neutral Turkmen state be eternal!”

The keynote speech of the President of Turkmenistan was heard with deep attention and met with general prolonged applause.

At the end of the speech of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the work done by the Government, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan addressed the participants of the Meeting, asking if anyone had any questions or a desire to speak.

After listening to the speeches of the delegates of the nationwide forum, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the need to transfer the proposals they had made to the Mejlis deputies for consideration.

Then a break was announced, during which the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty and the President of Turkmenistan took part in the festive sadaqah.

Prayers were offered to the Almighty for the prosperity of the independent neutral Motherland and the wellbeing of the people of Turkmenistan, the health of the Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Serdar and the success of all their good deeds and undertakings.

During the break, a meeting of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan was held, at which the progress of the work of the Halk Maslahaty and the proposals voiced by its participants were discussed.

In this context, the importance of the historical transformations, initiated by the Hero-Arkadag and being successfully carried out in our country under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was highlighted. One of the main topics was the consideration of a proposal to confer the high title “Hero of Turkmenistan” on the head of state.

At the same time, the merits of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who was implementing a far-sighted state policy aimed at the progressive comprehensive progress of the country, the ensuring of a happy creative life for the people of Turkmenistan and the increase in the authority of the independent neutral Motherland on the international arena, were especially noted.

It was emphasised that the unanimous approval by the participants of the Halk Maslahaty Meeting of the proposal to award the head of state the high title “Hero of Turkmenistan”, expressed on behalf of his compatriots, was eloquent evidence of his nationwide support.

Based on the results of the discussion at the Mejlis Meeting, a corresponding decision was made.

At the end of the break, the floor was given to the Chairwoman of the National Parliament D. Gulmanova, who familiarised the meeting participants with the resolution adopted by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan.

Continuing the Meeting, the National Leader of the Turkmen people appealed to the President of Turkmenistan with a request to sign documents on awarding citizens of the country, who had distinguished themselves in their work, with state decorations on the occasion of Independence Day.

The Head of Turkmenistan issued the relevant documents to the applause of those gathered.

In this regard, the Hero-Arkadag noted that the following day, on the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan, award ceremonies would take place.

As the National Leader of the Turkmen people said, according to the established good tradition, at the Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty, representatives of the older generation were presented with well-deserved awards. On behalf of the meeting participants, the Hero-Arkadag addressed Arkadagly Serdar with a request to award one representative from each velayat and the city of Ashgabat, awarded the title of Turkmenistan “Hormatly il ýaşulusy” and the Order of Turkmenistan “Zenan kalby”.

Then, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, together with members of the Council of Elders, in a solemn atmosphere, to the thunderous applause of the participants of the nationwide forum, presented President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who was conferred the title “Hero of Turkmenistan,” with a high state award.

Addressing his compatriots with a word of gratitude, the President of Turkmenistan stressed that high award obliged him to continue to work with inspiration, sparing no effort in the interests of his people.

As Arkadagly Serdar noted, our independent Motherland was confidently moving forward along the path of progress. Following the motto “The State is for the People!”, we carry out large-scale activities to systematically improve the wellbeing of our people.

Our country maintains friendly and fraternal relations with other states of the planet, making a significant contribution to strengthening global peace, prosperity and sustainable development. In a short period by historical standards, grandiose work has been carried out in independent Turkmenistan. All these remarkable achievements have been gained thanks to the conscientious and selfless work of our people.

Speaking about this, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said he considered the high state award presented to him as a reward to our entire people for the great work done together.

Stressing that there was still much to be done to implement the adopted large-scale programmes, the Head of Turkmenistan expressed firm confidence that, together with all his compatriots, the important tasks set would be successfully solved.

Expressing sincere gratitude for highly assessing his activity and conferring the title “Hero of Turkmenistan,” President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that award was a sign of the people’s enormous trust, and in order to justify it, he would work hard with all his might.

In conclusion, the Head of Turkmenistan once again warmly congratulated everyone on the 32nd anniversary of the sacred independence of the Motherland, expressing his best wishes in this regard.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty warmly congratulated Arkadagly Serdar on being awarded the title “Hero of Turkmenistan” and wished him every success in his noble activities for the benefit of the people.

Continuing the meeting, the Hero-Arkadag noted that at that time the Hero of Turkmenistan, test-cosmonaut instructor of the Roscosmos State Corporation, commander of the cosmonaut corps Oleg Kononenko was flying in outer space, saying that his live congratulations addressed to the Turkmen people would sound.

Addressing the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the participants of the Meeting from aboard the international space station, the Hero of the Russian Federation and the Hero of Turkmenistan Oleg Kononenko cordially congratulated everyone on the holding of the nationwide forum. As the test-cosmonaut instructor emphasised, the Halk Maslahaty was the most important factor in the strength and inviolability of Turkmen statehood, independence and neutrality, the stability of the economic system and public institutions, and, consequently, the democratic foundations of the country.

The test-cosmonaut instructor conveyed warm greetings and wishes for fruitful work to the meeting delegates from space and expressed confidence that it would be marked by new historical decisions. After addressing wishes of prosperity to Turkmenistan, Oleg Kononenko once again congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and in their person all compatriots of Turkmenistan on the great and significant event.

Continuing the Meeting, the floor was given to the Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova to announce the Decrees on the award.

In a solemn atmosphere, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented awards to representatives of the older generation, who were awarded the title of Turkmenistan “Hormatly il ýaşulusy”, and our compatriots, who were awarded the Order “Zenan kalby” for conscientious and inspired work in various fields and the education of youth in the spirit of patriotism and high spiritual and moral values of the nation.

With a feeling of sincere pride, they took well-deserved awards from the hands of the Head of Turkmenistan, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the tireless care shown for the wellbeing of the people and the progressive development of the country.

Addressing the participants of the Meeting with the closing remarks, the National Leader of the Turkmen people said that at the Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty, key issues had been widely discussed and, in accordance with the Presidential Programme, tasks for the future had been identified and thanked everyone for their active participation in the nationwide forum.

Summing up the Meeting, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted there was still great work to be done to achieve high milestones in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State for the further prosperous and happy life of every citizen, expressing confidence that through joint efforts those important tasks would be successfully solved.

Once again congratulating those gathered on the glorious holiday, the 32nd anniversary of the sacred independence of the Motherland, the Hero-Arkadag addressed everyone with his best wishes and the following encouraging words:

“Along the bright path of the Hero Serdar, forward, forward, only forward, beloved Motherland, Turkmenistan!”

At this, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov announced the Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan closed.

Under the dome of the Maslahat Köşgi, the majestic sounds of the National Anthem of Turkmenistan sounded again.

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At the end of the Meeting, the deputy chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, hyakims of the velayats and the city of Ashgabat and heads of the security, defence and law-enforcement agencies cordially congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on being awarded the title “Hero of Turkmenistan” and wished him strong health for many years to come, inexhaustible energy and new outstanding success in all noble deeds and undertakings.

The Head of Turkmenistan was awarded this highest degree of distinction for his enormous personal contribution to strengthening the foundations of the Motherland’s independence and the principles of neutrality, for particularly outstanding services to the state and society.

Thanking for the congratulations and warm words, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised large-scale work lay ahead to implement the adopted comprehensive programmes intended to increase the achievements of the era of independence and to ensure the progressive dynamics of the further development of the country for a long term and wished those present every success in solving the important and responsible tasks.