TDNG.

In the Ruhiyet Palace in the city of Arkadag, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a general lesson on the occasion of the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth and the beginning of the new academic year, which was attended by representatives of public organisations, young professionals employed in various sectors of the economy, rectors, teachers and students of higher educational establishments of the country, schoolchildren and leaders of the media.

Greeting those present, the Hero-Arkadag congratulated the students and schoolchildren on the great holiday celebrated in our country and the forthcoming 32nd anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence.

In his opening speech, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that being the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, teacher, professor and academician, he had decided to meet that day with representatives of the younger generation and to deliver a lecture on large-scale programmes, implemented in our country, on fundamental changes, aimed at the rapid development of the Motherland and the ensuring of a prosperous and happy life for the population, on the glorious history of the Turkmen people, national values and primordial traditions and on the tasks facing the youth.

Then the participants of the meeting listened with great attention and enthusiasm to the speech of the Hero-Arkadag.

Addressing a large audience, the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that during that day’s general lesson, they would talk about the work, carried out in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State to further strengthen the foundations of independence and neutrality, about the traditions of educating generations, the origins of which went back to ancient times, and about the national life experience accumulated over the millennia. As it was emphasised, there would also be an exchange of views on the era, on our great future and on issues of interest to us.

“On September 1, 2021, I also spoke at the Congress Centre in the capital, where, during a general lesson, I spoke about the glorious history of independent and permanently neutral Turkmenistan, the socioeconomic development of the country, the duties and obligations of youth to the state and society, to parents and family,” the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty continued.

National holidays and significant dates following one after another are the celebration of our accomplishments and achievements in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State. Our happy people meet every holiday with a sense of national pride and great enthusiasm.

Celebrations in honour of independence, which had become a solid foundation for the inviolability of our sovereign state, unity and solidarity, was our main holiday, the Hero-Arakadag said, stressing that in a few days we would celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the declaration of independence of Turkmenistan, which would be marked by glorious events and creative and labour achievements.

On the first day of the golden autumn, we celebrated the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth with events that embodied the significance of our independence and the high creative spirit of the current era, symbolising the rapid development of the national educational system, the National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised and cordially congratulated the audience on the wonderful holiday and the beginning of a new, 2023–2024 academic year, celebrated on the eve of the 32nd anniversary of the independence of our Motherland.

On the first day of the fertile autumn season, children, pupils and students enthusiastically crossed the thresholds of Aba Annayev International Horse Breeding Academy, Berdimuhamed Annayev Pedagogical Secondary Vocational School, Sachly Dursunova Medical Secondary Vocational School, an educational complex, specialised schools and kindergartens with the in-depth study of the English language and dozens of kindergartens. Solemn openings of dozens of kindergartens and secondary schools took place in the Ahal, Balkan, Lebap and Mary velayats. 153 thousand 353 first-graders were presented with computers made in our country. Deeply meaningful and inspiring events are being held in all regions of our beloved Motherland.

The wonderful celebrations of the Day of Knowledge further strengthen our love of the glorious history of the neutral Motherland, the current great era and a bright future, our unity and solidarity.

“May the echoes of our holidays resound all over the world!” the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised.

“Preparing my speech, I tried to express my thoughts about the meaning of independence and neutrality, my love of the Motherland briefly and at the same time with words filled with a fairly deep content,” the Hero-Arkadag said.

Independence, like the bright sun, illuminated the path of the Turkmen people to the golden era and contributed to the acquisition of the status of permanent neutrality by Turkmenistan. And this is a truth that has been recognised all over the world.

Thirty-two years ago, in the autumn of 1991, independent Turkmenistan was founded and recognised by the world community. Since that historic day, having independently chosen the domestic and foreign policy of the country, great work has been done to build a democratic, law-based and secular state with a rapidly developing economy and a perfect social sphere, enjoying great prestige on the international arena.

As it was noted, programmes had been successfully implemented to ensure a happy life for every family and a high social level for the wellbeing of the entire people and to create a competitive national economy. Having formed a strong and effective system of power and administration, ensuring the social stability of society, social justice and strong law and order, we achieved the triumph of national principles of statehood.

Peace was the greatest value, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty continued, emphasising that the Turkmen people in all periods of human history remained committed to the principles of peace and humanism.

Our land, which united the cultures of Asia and Europe, has been a well-known region of peace, stability and security for thousands of years. For the first time in the history of the ancient world, diplomatic relations between the eastern state of China and the western state of Rome were established in Nisa.

Since the first days of gaining independence, Turkmenistan has chosen the path of neutrality and peace in its foreign-policy strategy. With the adoption of the historic Resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 12, 1995, our country acquired the legal status of permanent neutrality, becoming a partner that guarantees reliability, openness and security. Situated in the heart of the Great Silk Road, our country has gained invaluable experience in establishing relations with the states of the world and international organisations, forming new and effective areas of cooperation. In 2015, the UN General Assembly again adopted the Resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan”. On the initiative of our country, a new holiday was established in the political calendar of the world – the International Day of Neutrality.

Independence and neutrality as our main achievements are inscribed in golden letters in our history. The history of the independent development of our country, the national experience, accumulated by it, and the importance of our neutrality in strengthening global peace and friendship were of great interest all over the world, the Hero-Arkadag stressed.

Turkmenistan ensures global peace and security, negotiates on topical issues of our time, takes an active part in solving priority issues at the international level by developing effective areas for economic cooperation, implementing major regional projects and developing cultural and humanitarian ties. As the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted, we had initiated specific proposals and brought forward draft Resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly on strengthening international cooperation in such areas as transport, energy, ecology, environment protection and others. We put forward a new philosophy of international relations “Dialogue is a guarantee of peace”, universally recognised, understandable to all and based on universal values.

In continuation, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov read out the lines from the poem written by him “Let the world be endless!”:

Heaven, earth and expanse without end,
Our world is endless,
Our world is calm!
May the beautiful Motherland flourish,
May hearts be calm!

As the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty emphasised, that was an expression of his dream of the triumph of peace and humanism throughout the world.

It was noted that our material and cultural heritage, which had become an integral part of world culture, historical and cultural monuments were of great interest in the world. The world-famous historical and cultural monuments of Ancient Merv, Kunyaurgench and Ancient Nisa have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, a worthy place is taken by a specimen of destan art – the epic Gerogly, the Kushtdepdi art of singing and dancing, the Turkmen national art of carpet weaving, the craft of making dutar, performing musical art on it and the art of bagshy, the Turkmen art of keshde embroidery, sericulture and the traditional production of silk for weaving and the tradition of telling the parables of Molla Ependi.

The UNESCO Departments have been established at Magtymduly Turkmen State University and Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute. The legacy of the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy was included in the Memory of the World Register. All this enhances the authority of our state, which implements the policy of peacefulness, good neighbourliness, friendship and brotherhood.

In all periods of human history, the Turkmen have been known as a people who have accumulated rich experience in establishing and governing a state and forming a just society.

In ancient times and in the Middle Ages, the Turkmen people, as a strong and courageous nation, having appeared on the arena of world history, had left a noticeable mark in the past, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted, emphasising that our glorious ancestors had founded a number of ancient agricultural cultures – Jeytun, Anau, the civilisation of Altyndepe and the Margush kingdom.

Being one of the oldest peoples on earth, the Turkmen, having settled in the Near and Middle East, in Asia Minor, in the vast expanses of India and in territories from China to Europe, founded empires, khanates, begdoms and atabegdoms and created invaluable examples of state governance. In the Parthian Empire, in the states of the Khwarezmshahs, Ghaznavids and Karakhanids, the Great Seljuk Empire, the states of the Mamluks, Garagoyunly and Akgoyunly and Indian sultanates, a rich experience in governing the state was accumulated.

Continuing the general lesson, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed Oguzkhan was our ancestor and founder of the first Turkmen state. The formation of such wonderful national qualities as love of the Motherland, devotion to the people, courage, bravery, humanity and justice is associated with the names of great personalities such as Oguzkhan, Gorkut ata, Togrul Beg and Chagry Beg, Ertogrul Gazy, Alp Arslan, Jelaletdin Mengburun, Salyr Gazan, Gerogly Beg and Keymir Serdar.

In the scientific and cultural centres of the ancient Turkmen land – Nisa, Merv, Serahs, Amul, Dehistan, Kunyaurgench and Abiverd – outstanding thinkers and poets Mahmut of Kashgar, Al Farabi, Omar Khayyam, Jelaletdin Rumi, Khoja Ahmet Yasavi, Abusagyt Abulkhayr and Ibn Sina lived and worked.

For the Turkmen people, and for all humankind, the works of our classic writers Magtymguly Pyragy, Andalib, Magrupy, Mollanepes, Kemine, Zelili, Seydi and Sheydayi are priceless.

Expanses from the Khazar swells
To the smooth surface of the Jeyhun fanned by the winds of Turkmenistan.
The bliss of my eyes is the rose of the fields,
The stream generated by the mountains of Turkmenistan!

Upon reciting these lines from the poem “The Future of Turkmenistan” by the great classic Magtymguly, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted that in those words the poet had expressed pride in and love of the Motherland and his people.

The comprehensive, deep and truthful study and restoration of our heroic history during the years of independence gave rise to great national pride in our glorious past. Our rich history, material and spiritual values, the origins of which go back to the depths of millennia, fine carpets, faithful and frisky horses and brave Alabays are our national pride, which conditioned the identification of the Turkmen people as the great nation of the planet.

It has become a good tradition for us to give names to each year, which inspires our united people for great achievements, gains and accomplishments, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed.

In the achievements that contribute to strengthening the foundations of our independence and sovereignty, ensuring stable socioeconomic development and radical improvement in the social and living conditions of the people, the merit of representatives of society of all ages, especially young people, is great. “As I always note,” the National Leader of the Turkmen people continued, “our great future is inextricably linked with the happy life of the youth. Therefore, 2023 was named ‘Happy Youth with Arkadag Serdar’.”

Young people, who worthily continue the principles of patriotism of their ancestors, based on humanism, social and labour traditions and the noble features of the national character, are the future of our independent and permanently neutral Motherland. Inspired generations, imbued with the holiness and significance of every inch of the land of the Motherland, were a solid foundation for state sovereignty, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised.

In our independent Motherland, ample opportunities are being created for a happy and prosperous life for young people, for them to receive a modern education, to achieve great success in science and to realise their creative potential.

The emphasis was placed on the merits of youth in the socioeconomic development of the country and in the strengthening of the authority of the Motherland on the world stage. In this regard, it was noted that youth policy was determined as a priority of the state strategy. Within the framework of the State programme in the field of youth policy until 2025, effective measures are being taken to form young people who are physically strong and strong in spirit and who know and respect our history, culture, traditions and family values.

The new edition of the Law of Turkmenistan “On State Youth Policy” approved by Arkadagly Serdar guarantees the socioeconomic and political rights of young people.

“I love talking to young people. In my works I speak about the impressions of such meetings and about the conditions created for the young. Therefore, in the book The Meaning of My Life, a special place is given to the interest of young people in science and education, folk wisdom and the noble traditions of our glorious ancestors,” the National Leader of the Turkmen people said.

Being an educated specialist or a scientist, it was a great honour to faithfully serve our Motherland, the Hero-Arkadag noted.

Our future is connected with youth. Young people should know history and implement modern plans and the key directions and fundamental doctrines of the state policy.

The duty of each of us, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty continued, was to educate a new generation meeting the requirements of the changing era day by day.

Over the centuries, the elders have been an example of wisdom, nobility and adherence to the primordial traditions of the nation. We deeply respect our elders, listen to their advice and adopt their life experience.

“In the new era, this democratic tradition has found a worthy place in the life of the state and society. And without a doubt, we will achieve great goals and high frontiers if our efforts are combined with the wisdom and rich experience of the older generation,” the National Leader of the Turkmen people stressed.

“When in a family the father is the real father, and the mother is the mother, then the children will definitely find their place in life. The upbringing, guidance and life lessons given to me and my family by my father,

Myalikguly Berdimuhamedov, and my mother, Ogulabat Berdimuhamedova, have become the main principles that we follow,” the Hero-Arkadag said.

“That is why in the book The Meaning of My Life I set out in detail twelve methods of education that are significant for the spiritual and moral health of every person, the expansion of world outlook, the revelation of talents and the formation of a person worthy of the era, the state and a happy future. These are patriotic, creative and mental, intellectual, scientific and cultural education, the development of professional skills, art education, political, financial and economic, social, linguistic and environmental upbringing through instilling love of nature.”

For the younger generation entering into life, these methods of education serve as an exemplary school, concentrating the past, present and future. In this regard, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty drew attention to the need to constantly improve the level of one’s knowledge, to expand one’s horizons and outlook, to cultivate interest and desire for knowledge and education, the most important conditions ensuring the development of society and determining the future fate of the Motherland and people, our happy future.

The high moral values formed by the life experience of our ancestors have become an exemplary school for us. Ancient inscriptions on stones were a value created by the genius of our ancestors, which absorbed their orders and wise instructions and permeated with the national spirit and national philosophy, the Hero-Arkadag emphasised.

Moral beauty is the dignity of the individual. The purity of a person’s morality is manifested in good deeds. The well-established national moral values that have passed the test of millennia and have survived to this day are sacred to each of us.

The greatest wealth is such perfect moral principles as respect for people, wisdom, honesty, courage, bravery, inspiration and the purity of thoughts.

“The best and highest moral principles of the people are concentrated in the Turkmen boys and girls. The spiritual beauty of a person is more valuable than gold, which a person wears as an ornament. You, like our wise ancestors, with your good disposition, humanity and noble character traits should make Turkmen education even better!” the National Leader of the Turkmen people said.

High morality adorns a person, it is necessary for the Turkmen youth like the sun, illuminating everything around with light.

Morality is beauty, modesty is the adornment of the family, success is the adornment of science, happiness is the adornment of life.

“Implementing great deeds to strengthen the economic potential of the state and to improve the social and living standards of the people,” Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued, “we rely on the breadth of the worldview of our youth, on their power and strength and on their creative and hard work. We show great concern for our young compatriots who are studying, doing science and acquiring a speciality, for our soldiers who stand guard over the Motherland and for those who selflessly work in the industrial, agricultural, social and other spheres.

As it was noted, the slogan of 2023, associated with the name of Arkadagly Serdar, doing a great job of ensuring the sustainable development of the country and strengthening its role in the international political, economic and cultural space, and with happy youth, the driving force of our society, was evidence of great trust to the younger generation. The basis of this motto is such sacred concepts as the Motherland, youth and future.

The motto of 2023 inspires the Turkmen youth, following the path of realising the great goals of the President of Turkmenistan, to creative work and the achievements of new frontiers for the sake of a brighter future. The social and political events of international significance of this wonderful year inspire each of us to achieve lofty goals and to enhance our national pride in the independent Motherland known to the whole world.

Our Constitution, based on the national and world experience of the state and political system and universal values, serves as a reliable legal basis for the country and a key source of law-making. Being the guarantor of human rights and freedoms, it reflects the solid foundation of democracy, the rule of law and a secular state. Taking into account the role and importance of the Basic Law of Turkmenistan in the national system of legislation, we are improving the democratic foundations of the state and society and are modernising the system of government bodies, the National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised.

At the historic meeting held on January 21, 2023, the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan was established. In accordance with the Constitution of Turkmenistan, the Electoral Code and norms of international law, elections of deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, members of the velayat, etrap and city halk maslahaty and gengeshes were held at a high organisational level in an atmosphere of openness, transparency and calmness, on democratic principles and alternative basis. All these events became an important practical step towards the modernisation of the state structure and legislative activities of our country in accordance with the requirements of the times.

The establishment of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, taking into account the accumulated historical experience of governing the state of our courageous ancestors, demonstrated that the policy, being held under the motto “The state is for the people!” and on the principles of Arkadagly Serdar, who proclaimed “Motherland is Motherland only with the people! The state is a state only with the people!”, is aimed at further strengthening the foundations of independence and neutrality and ensuring a happy and prosperous life for people, who are the main value of our state.

The transformations begun in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State are becoming more successful.

In the new historical era, the programme “Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State: The National Programme of the Socioeconomic Development of Turkmenistan in 2022–2052”, the Programme of the President of Turkmenistan of the socioeconomic development of the country for 2022–2028, the National Programme of the President of Turkmenistan on the transformation of the social and living conditions of the population of villages, settlements, towns of etraps and etrap centres for the period up to 2028, intended for the long term, were adopted. Thus, we are passing the victorious and glorious paths of development of our sovereign Motherland were adopted for a long term.

Based on the achievements of science and innovations, the work on the diversification, digitalisation and industrialisation of the national economy continues successfully.

The construction of the second stage of the city of national importance Arkadag is underway, and new villages, settlements, small, medium and large industrial enterprises, modern transport and communication systems and high-speed highways are being constructed in the regions.

Transformations that significantly improve the social and living conditions of the population, social protection and employment of citizens are also being successfully implemented.

Focusing the attention of those present on the words of Arkadagly Serdar about the Motherland, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty expressed his firm conviction that those wise words, awakening a sense of pride in our Motherland, would become decisive for all of us: “Today in our hearts, there is inescapable love of the Motherland, faith in its strength, power and future and the desire to build and create for the sake of progress. All our great deeds are conditioned by love of the Motherland. By selfless work we glorify our Motherland.” And accordingly, the Hero-Arkadag said, to strengthen independence and neutrality was the sacred duty of each of us.

In continuation, the National Leader of the Turkmen people read out the statements that he shared in his book The Meaning of My Life, noting that they had become the main principle for young people in their studies, work and life. These thoughts are: “Our existence, our eternity, our greatness and integrity are connected with the Motherland and with our people. And for the sake of a more prosperous future of the sacred Motherland, we have roads ahead of us, which we, having been united and become a single whole, must overcome based on the primordial principles of statehood.”

“I am firmly convinced that our compatriots, and especially happy young people, selflessly and enthusiastically working in the bodies of government and administration, in various sectors of the economy, in science, education, culture, health care and large industrial production, will continue to make a worthy contribution to the successful solution of the tasks stated in the programmes of the country’s socioeconomic development,” the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty said.

For each person, there is no higher reward than the recognition of his or her work by society. It is not for nothing that they say: “This man has magical hands.”

Of course, just as a tree can be recognised by its fruits, so a person becomes known for his or her labour. Our youth should be aware that it is through their work that they make a worthy contribution to the prosperity of the Motherland.

Diligence is wealth!
Diligence is happiness!
Diligence is peace!
Diligence is a happy and long life!

To achieve lofty goals, young people must make work their constant companion. And therefore:

With happy youth, our people are happy!

Our Motherland is happy with happy youth!

With happy youth, our era is happy and our world is happy!

This concluded the first hour of the general lesson, which was continued after a short break.

In continuation of the conversation, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the self-consciousness of the nation and the principles of national perfection and national unity were the fundamental basis of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State. This doctrine is the spiritual revival of the nation and the triumph of harmony in the relations of friendship and brotherhood among peoples.

The doctrine of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State is a teaching aimed at studying the rich history of the Turkmen people and calling for living honestly, appreciating

peace and tranquillity, deeply honouring the national heritage, traditions and customs and strengthening the foundations of independence and neutrality, which are the core of all our values. Creative work and high inspiration – these are the main components of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State.

The Turkmen are a courageous, wise, educated nation, whose hearts are filled with love and goodwill towards other nations. To love the native country and to be devoted to it are the philosophical principles of the Turkmen people.

“We are the descendants of the great Oguzes. We are the descendants of the people who made an invaluable contribution to world history and culture and left an unfading mark on history,” the National Leader of the Turkmen people said, adding that we had the right to be proud of our glorious past, rich history and bright today.

“Reflecting on my life principles and based on my experience, I would to give you the following instructions:

“Even greater deeds await you for the sake of strengthening the foundations of independence and neutrality.

“You must successfully continue the work carried out by us in the new decade – at the very important and responsible stage of the independent development of our country.

“You must take decisive steps with greater confidence towards our great future and towards new frontiers.

“You are our brave, talented and purposeful descendants. And therefore, the future of the Motherland, the fate of the people, their happiness and wellbeing will depend on the education you receive, on knowledge and creative initiatives.

“Following the sacred traditions of courageous ancestors, you must demonstrate high examples of patriotism, diligence, humanism and philanthropy, not only in the family, but also in society,” the Hero-Arkadag said, expressing his firm confidence that young people would work shoulder to shoulder with inspiration and would achieve their lofty goals, thereby raising the authority and glory of their Motherland even higher!

The flag is a value that determines the national identity of each people and the sacred concepts of the Motherland. The flag is the guarantor of the independence of each state and the greatness of the nation.

The origin of our State Flag goes back to centuries, like the glorious history of the Turkmen people.

On the flags of the states founded by our brave ancestors, a lion, an eagle and a sabre were depicted as symbols of peace, freedom and steadfastness, and the sun, the moon and stars symbolised humanism and kindness.

The flags of the Oguz begs, the banners of the Seljuk sultans, being guarantors of justice, honesty and humanity, testify that the Turkmen people are one of the oldest people in the world who created state symbols.

As it was noted, in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State, our Green Banner, which was equated with the main value and heritage, had been raised to a new level of greatness and holiness. The soul of our nation is bright, our nature is beautiful, our national Flag today calls the peoples of the Earth to friendship and goodness.

The squares of the State Flag with high flagpoles in the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, in the velayat centres and in the Avaza national tourism zone today strengthen the holiness of the eternal symbol of independence and neutrality and unite our people on the way to lofty goals.

The flag is our main attribute! The flag is the melody of our hearts, sounding all over the world!

The current level of the development of our Motherland, the past, present, future and dignity of our people are reflected in our sacred Banner. To defend the sacred Flag means to defend the honour and prestige of our Motherland and our nation. To love the National Flag means to love the Motherland and the people and to be proud of them.

You should always proudly raise and hold high the sacred Banner, symbolising the greatness and glory of our past, present and future, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised.

“Proverbs related to the Motherland, wise words about the upbringing of the individual, traditions and legends recorded in notebooks that have been kept for a long time, were included in the collections of my works. In my book Ömrümiň manysynyň dowamaty I wrote: ‘Love of the Motherland is the essence of all good feelings. Love of the Motherland is what makes a person live freely and happily, gives hope for life, motivates his desire for progress and great heights. In fact, in order to deeply understand the true meaning of the beauty of life, it is necessary first of all to love the Motherland.’”

Caring for the future of the Motherland is the meaning of human life. The secret of the success of our country is connected with our heart, full of great pride in the sacred Motherland. The main goal of the policy of our democratic legal and secular state is, first of all, to ensure a decent life for our beloved people along with increasing production efficiency, accelerating technological progress and building modern roads and factories, new cities and villages.

“No matter what high state position I hold, all my thoughts are connected with my people. I see the meaning of my life in ensuring a peaceful, happy and prosperous life for our compatriots and in serving our beloved people. The full support of all undertakings by the people is the key to our current and future development,” the Hero-Arkadag continued.

Large-scale work to develop the national economy contributes to the expansion of the great geopolitical, economic, resource and human potential of our country.

The strategy of the socioeconomic development of Turkmenistan for the period up to 2052 is a new national model scientifically substantiated and confirmed by the concrete experience of public administration. In accordance with this strategy, the key tasks of modernising the national economy and strengthening the position of the state in the world community are being solved. Significant funds are invested in projects of economic and social importance. Digital technologies are being introduced as an important condition for competitiveness and the achievement of high growth rates.

As it was emphasised, great importance was attached to the training of young professionals well versed in advanced digital technologies and able to effectively manage the digital economy.

According to the new national strategy, an even happier life will come to our blessed land, and villages and cities will be transformed beyond recognition.

Kindness and mercy are sacred concepts for our people. A kind attitude towards children in need of help, care for them, including support from society, is a national tradition inherent in the Turkmen people.

These are the qualities that adorn our nation and elevate its authority in the world. The proverb of our ancestors: “Good is wellness, light is mercy” is also a high example of the concept of charity. Accordingly, based on this principle, we have created a perfect system aimed at helping citizens in need of support and protection. Through this system, financial aid and social services are provided to disabled people and families with many children. To support the younger generation, to help restore health to children in need of care and to create favourable conditions for their happy life, we had established a Charitable Foundation, and a children’s rehabilitation centre had been built in the city of Arkadag, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty said.

“My message to the young people: you are a generation that stands for humanism and justice. Unity and friendship are the noble qualities of our people, which are reflected in the folk wisdom created by our ancestors: ‘Agzybire Taňry biýr, agzalany gaňrybiýr’, ‘Söýenişen ýykylmaz’, ‘El eli ýuwar, iki el birigip – ýüzi’, ‘Dostlukda menzil bolmaz’ and ‘Dost – dostuň aýnasy’.”

To help, respect and appreciate each other, not to offend the weak have always been the fundamental principles of our people.

“Pay attention to the deeply meaningful lines written by the great Magtymguly:

Tormenting the unfortunate
 Do not consider yourself strong!

And listen to the words of Jigaly Beg:

Next to those who suffer
Laughter is inappropriate.

This is a call to humanism and high morality.”

The youth should be guided by the noble principles of our ancestors in their lives.

In the glorious age, when the Turkmen people are famous in the world for their wisdom and great deeds, the main goal of our youth should be learning, knowledge, fidelity to the orders of their ancestors and sincere service to the dear Motherland.

“May the teachings on the sanctity of the Motherland, the value of the Motherland, the unity of the Motherland and the principles of justice, humanity, friendship, brotherhood and charity take a worthy place in your hearts!” Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

Our talented farmers gain great achievements in harvesting high-quality grain and cotton. High yields of sugar beets and rice are grown in the fields of our sunny country. Work is underway to grow the most valuable gifts of our fertile land – delicious melons and watermelons, considered paradise fruit.

In the electric power industry, which is one of the important sectors of the economy, new powerful power plants are being built and put into operation. Thousands of kilometres of power lines are being modernised. Solar and wind power plants are being built in the Kizylarvat etrap of the Balkan velayat. In 2022, with the participation of Arkadagly Serdar, the Centre for the repair and maintenance of power equipment was put into operation in the Buzmeyin etrap. All this strengthens the position of Turkmenistan in the world as a country with a great potential, exporting electricity to foreign countries.

The domestic oil and gas complex is the main source of strengthening our economic independence, raising the living standards of the population and creating powerful diversified industrial sectors. Turkmenistan is an exporter of natural gas and electricity. At the same time, the implementation of the largest project of the century – the construction of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline – is of great importance.

The country’s chemical industry is developing dynamically within the framework of complex industrial and innovative reforms.

The volumes of processing of rich mineral resources are increasing. Our high-quality and diversified products are exported to world markets.

At the chemical plant for the production of phosphate fertilisers in the city of Turkmenabat, the Tejenkarbamid and Marykarbamid plants, the Balkanabat and Bereket iodine plants, the Maryazot and Garabogazsulfat Production Associations, the Garabogazkarbamid plant and the Garlyk mining and potash mineral complex produce high-quality mineral fertilisers and chemical products.

A high-tech, resource- and energy-saving, environmentally friendly, competitive electronics industry has been created in the country, and the construction of dozens of large industrial complexes continuesdynamically.

The private sector has an important role to play in providing the sectors of the economy with advanced technologies, in manufacturing high-quality export-oriented products and in creating food abundance. Today, our entrepreneurs work in various sectors of the economy and actively participate in the implementation of the adopted national programmes. They achieve success in industry, agriculture, construction, tourism, trade, folk arts and crafts, social and other spheres.

As the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted, in accordance with the adopted national programmes, social and cultural facilities are being built in villages and cities. All these projects are carried out on the basis of advanced engineering and technical solutions, ancient traditions of national architecture and modern urban planning practice.

Today, our achievements in the modernisation, improvement and transformation of the white-marble capital city of Ashgabat into a blooming garden are recognised at the international level.

The city of Ashgabat is an example of modernity.

Ashgabat is the capital of architectural art.

On June 29 this year, the official opening of the first stage of the city of Arkadag, which impresses with its unique architectural features, took place. Green parks, residential buildings, healthcare facilities, cultural centres, sports and large shopping centres and higher and secondary educational institutions strengthen the reputation of the city of Arkadag as a “smart” city of the future.

The smart city conception is based on a combination of advanced information and communication technologies and Internet resources. The construction of the new, modern city testifies that high goals are being realised to provide all the necessary conditions for a prosperous and happy life for our people.

“I emphasise that the city of Arkadag should be a city of young people, since youth is the great future of our state, today’s support and the driving force of our success,” the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty continued and

noted that truth should be reflected in the first “smart” city of the country. That is why, in the formation of the modern social infrastructure of the city, great importance was attached to innovative proposals and the capabilities and talents of young people. This is a sign of the high trust shown to the younger generation.”

And in the future, we will continue the construction of new beautiful buildings in the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag and in other cities and villages of the country. As a result of our hard work, our dear Motherland will become even more beautiful, its authority as one of the developed countries of the world will rise even more.

“I call upon our youth, who are studying today in modern higher educational institutions, to be at the centre of historical transformations and make their worthy contribution to the recognition of the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag as exemplary cities of the 21st century,” Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

The content of the transport and logistics strategy we implement takes its origins from ancient times. Even in ancient times, an important part of the Great Silk Road, which united peoples and continents, passed through the territory of our state.

Independent and neutral Turkmenistan is actively integrating into the transport and logistics system of the Eurasian space, creating and improving modern transport corridors. The favourable geographical position of the country creates ample opportunities for the formation of a competitive structure in this aspect. Currently, Turkmenistan is implementing projects of transport and transit corridors in the East–West and North–South directions. In particular, our country takes an active part in the creation of such international transport corridors as Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey and TRACECA.

As it was noted, an example of the active participation of our country in the revival of the Great Silk Road was the commissioned 30-kilometre railway line between Aqina and Andhoy stations, a 500-kilovolt power transmission line along the Kerki–Sheberghan route, fibre-optic communication lines Ymamnazar–Aqina and Serhetabat–Torghundi. New passenger bus stations have been opened in the Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary velayats.

“Looking back over thousands of years of human history, one can see that science and education have always been the most important condition for development. And therefore, I consider them a value that forms the basis of all achievements and transformations,

determining the future, the fate of any country and people. From this point of view, we are increasingly improving the spheres of education and science in our country for a worthy continuation of the conquests of our ancestors and further progress along the path of progress.”

Comprehensive work is being carried out to strengthen the foundation of the scientific sphere and the formation of a digital economy based on high technologies and fundamental theoretical sciences. Today, at academic research institutes, at scientific and technological, scientific and clinical, research and design centres of higher educational institutions, experimental production laboratories and departmental and interdepartmental scientific institutions of the country, a new generation of young people, passionate about science and creativity, has formed.

Great importance is attached to the modernisation of the educational system at the world level, the upbringing of a spiritually perfect, educated and physically strong generation with a broad worldview. In all corners of the country, modern secondary and higher educational institutions, kindergartens and children’s health centres have been built in Geokdere and in the Avaza national tourism zone. Educational institutions are provided with textbooks and manuals. They systematically introduce new technologies and educational and technical equipment that meets international standards.

We were proud of the achievements gained by our schoolchildren and students in the Olympiads held at the international level, the National Leader of the Turkmen people said, expressing confidence that the representatives of the younger generation would continue to increase the authority of our country by taking prizes in international subject competitions and Olympiads.

Youth should always strive for perfection, because perfection is the destiny of the young. Hard work, knowledge and professions, the level of which needs to be improved and the experience that needs to be mastered are the frontiers on the path of the self-improvement of young people. Perfection is a measuring criterion for the beauty and splendour of human life.

The most important thing for a person is his or her health. Health is high spirituality. Health is the greatest wealth in the world, an inexhaustible treasure. And therefore, in accordance with the Saglyk State Programme, modern healthcare facilities, clinical and scientific-clinical centres have been built in all regions of the country. Medical and sanatorium-and-spa institutions have been reconstructed. Guided by the wisdom “The health of the nation is the wealth of the country”, only in recent years, great work has been done.

Medical, diagnostic centres, Ene mähri centres, emergency ambulance centres, multidisciplinary hospitals, sanatoria and pharmaceutical production enterprises have been built and put into operation in the capital and velayats.

At present, the construction of the International Scientific and Clinical Centre of Physiology and the International Medical and Rehabilitation Centre is underway in Ashgabat. Work to modernise the International Centre for Internal Medicine, the Ene Mähri International Centre and the International Medical Diagnostic Centre of the Directorate of International Medical Centresis being carried out.

In 2022, multidisciplinary hospitals in the cities of Turkmenbashi and Dashoguz and an oncological hospital in the city of Dashoguz were solemnly opened. And in May of this year, the construction of the International Paediatric Centre, the International Oncology Scientific and Clinical Centre and the Dentistry Centre was launched in Ashgabat.

Such sports values as mutual respect, solidarity, equality, justice and humanism contribute to the search for the right solutions in difficult situations of our time.

Strictly adhering to these priority principles, we attach particular importance to expanding cooperation for the sake of strengthening peace and humanism.

Our country, which is a member of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, makes a worthy contribution to the development of the Olympic movement. The 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games became a kind of celebration of the triumph of peace and friendship through sports and international cooperation.

Instructing the young people to love sports, the Hero-Arkadag stressed sport was strength, beauty and health. The love of sports is the love of life. Sport is important both for one’s physical and spiritual health and for the health of our society as a whole.

As it was emphasised, young people were given a special role in the successful implementation of high goals, which can only be achieved through thoughtful and creative work, physical and spiritual perfection and confidence in success.

With all-round healthy, perfect generations, there is no goal that cannot be achieved, no work that cannot be done. The great future of the sport of our country depends on our courageous youth.

Increasing the authority and prestige of the Motherland and caring for the people are the path that forms the basis of the domestic and foreign policies pursued by Arkadagly Serdar. This path is the path of the national statehood of the Turkmen people, which is glorified at the world level.

This path is a more modernised and improved path of the noble traditions and principles of our courageous ancestors.

This path is the path leading to progress and wellbeing.

This path is a path that raises the authority of independent and permanently neutral Turkmenistan to the highest peaks in the world, which is widely supported by the international community.

This path is in accordance with our foreign policy implemented in the field of international relations, a path of striving for peace and sustainable development, friendship, good neighbourliness and equal and mutually beneficial cooperation.

This path is the path of our bright future, leading our country to victories in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State.

The sacred duty of all of us is to move forward with the swiftness of a horse to gain success along this exemplary path.

After wishing the participants of the meeting strong health, longevity, happy and prosperous life and every success in their studies, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov concluded the general lesson with the words, “On the path of our Arkadagly Serdar, forward, forward, only forward, our native land – Turkmenistan!”

The speech of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty was met with stormy and prolonged applause.