MEETING OF THE CABINET OF MINISTERS OF TURKMENISTAN

Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via the digital system, at which some issues of the socio-economic development of Turkmenistan were discussed, and drafts of a number of documents were considered.

Turning to the agenda, the head of state gave the floor to the Speaker of the Mejlis G. Mammedova, who informed about the activities of the Parliament to improve the legislative base of the country and prepare for the upcoming elections.

At the twenty-second meeting of the Mejlis of the sixth convocation, held on March 16, 2023, a number of bills were discussed, including “On the Mejlis of Turkmenistan”, as well as on amendments and additions to some legislative acts.

Preparation for the elections of deputies of the Mejlis, members of the velayat, etrap and city Halk Maslahaty and Gengeshes is carried out in an atmosphere of transparency and publicity. As part of the election campaign, television programs and videos are broadcast, articles are published in the media explaining the voting procedure. All conditions for its holding have been created at the polling stations. On March 16, early voting began for voters who cannot be at their place of residence on election day.

International observers visit the regions, getting acquainted with the organization of the preparatory process for the elections and the observance of the current electoral legislation.

On March 11–15, 2023, the parliamentary delegation of our country took part in the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Manama (Kingdom of Bahrain) and the regular conference of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement held within its framework.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Kh. Geldimyradov reported on the state of affairs in the sphere under his supervision, practical steps taken to bring the activities of the institutions of the economic complex in line with the requirements of the time.

A separate topic of the report was the ongoing work to expand cooperation with reputable international financial organizations and leading banks of foreign countries. In this regard, a number of proposals were submitted for consideration by the head of Turkmenistan.

After listening to the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that strengthening productive cooperation with international financial institutions is one of the priority aspects of the national foreign economic strategy. It is necessary to gradually improve the mechanisms for attracting foreign investment in order to successfully implement large projects designed to promote the further prosperity of the Motherland, the head of Turkmenistan emphasized, instructing the vice-premier to control the ongoing work in this direction.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers A. Begliev reported on the state of affairs in providing the oil and gas complex with the necessary funds.

In this regard, information was provided on the prepared draft of the relevant Resolution.

After listening to the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that in order to accelerate the development of oil and gas fields, drilling and construction of new wells, all conditions are being created for equipping the fuel and energy complex with modern equipment and technical installations.

Having signed the presented Decree, the head of Turkmenistan sent it to the vice-premier by digital system, instructing him to keep the implementation of the provisions of the document under strict control.

In turn, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers A. Yazmyradov reported on the progress of agricultural work and preparations for the upcoming cotton sowing in the country's velayats.

It was noted that the necessary activities are currently being carried out in the regions for the organized start of the sowing campaign in accordance with the norms of agricultural technology, including the preparation of cotton seeds and agricultural machinery.

In order to conduct this campaign qualitatively, it is planned to use 1,800 seeders and tractors throughout the country.

The Deputy Prime Minister addressed the head of state with a request to set a date and bless the beginning of the cotton sowing. In this regard, practical seminars will be held with the participation of farmers, experienced specialists, scientists and machine operators.

Noting that in the era of the Revival of the new era of a powerful state, large-scale measures are being taken in the country aimed at comprehensive reform and development of agriculture, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that a responsible time for farmers is approaching - cotton sowing and gave his blessing to start sowing in Akhal, Balkan, March 24 in Lebap and Mary velayats, and on March 29 in Dashoguz velayat.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on the work carried out in the era of the Revival of a new era of a powerful state to modernize the country's road transport system, in particular, on the construction project of a modern highway Turkmenbashi-Garabogaz-border of Kazakhstan and related infrastructure facilities.

After listening to the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the exceptional importance of laying a new highway Turkmenbashi-Garabogaz-the border of Kazakhstan, which will become part of the North-South international transport corridor and will significantly increase the volume of trade, freight and passenger traffic not only between the regions of our country, but also with neighboring regions. states, thus contributing to the intensification of international trade and economic relations.

Focusing on the fact that the highway and the facilities being built along its route must fully comply with international standards, the head of state instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure control over the work carried out in this direction.

Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Atdaev reported on the ongoing activities to implement investment projects in the area under his supervision, including the creation of modern production facilities.

It was reported that members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the country are taking appropriate measures aimed at the construction of facilities for various purposes, as well as the development of exports and the creation of import-substituting industries.

After listening to the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that today marks the 15th anniversary of the formation of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, and on this occasion cordially congratulated all representatives of the country's business community. As stated, over the past years, high levels have been achieved in the field of entrepreneurship. The share of the private sector in various sectors of the economy has increased significantly.

As part of the support of domestic entrepreneurs, it is necessary to more actively implement comprehensive measures aimed at creating the necessary conditions for effective activity, the head of Turkmenistan emphasized, giving instructions to the vice-premier in this regard.

Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova reported on the preparations for the National Spring Holiday.

As noted, the International Day of Novruz, included in the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, contributes to the strengthening of international cultural and humanitarian ties, reflecting the unique, multifaceted and high spiritual and moral values, historical and cultural traditions of the peoples of the world, including Turkmen.

At present, preparations are underway for the upcoming festive celebrations on March 21 in the “Nowruz ýaýlasy” place of the Ak Bugday etrap of the Akhal velayat.

This event provides for the participation of foreign guests - delegates of the international conference “Main Directions and Potential for the Development of Tourism in Turkmenistan”, scheduled to be held in our country on the eve of the National Spring Holiday.

After listening to the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov focused on the consolidating role of the Novruz holiday, the traditions of which go back thousands of years. Noting the importance of organizing festive events in the cities and villages of the Motherland at a high level, the head of state gave specific instructions to the Vice-premier in this regard.

Then the Deputy Prime Minister reported on the measures being taken to digitalize the activities of the state historical and cultural reserves of the country.

As noted, at present, there are 8 State Historical and Cultural Reserves in Turkmenistan, and 1,500 historical and cultural monuments created by our ancestors over the centuries are on state records.

In order to improve the services offered to local and foreign tourists, pilgrims, relevant work is being carried out.

After listening to the report, the head of state focused on the issues of digitalization of the activities of state historical and cultural reserves and addressed the vice-premier with relevant instructions.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Amannepesov reported on the work to provide computers-laptops to students who will be admitted to the first grade in the year “Happy youth with Arkadag Serdar”.

It is planned to improve the software, increase the amount of memory and power of Bilimli computers, produced according to quality standards and medical requirements for children.

In this regard, a draft of the relevant Resolution was submitted for consideration by the head of state.

After listening to the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that concern for the younger generation, its harmonious, all-round development and quality education is the most important aspect of state policy.

Having signed the Decree and sent it via the digital system, the head of state instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure control over the proper implementation of this document.

Затем вице-премьер доложил о запланированных к проведению в вузах страны по цифровой системе международных олимпиад и научной конференции.

Thus, on April 19, it is planned to organize the International Internet Olympiad in the subject of “informatics” at the International University of Oil and Gas named after Yagshygeldi Kakayev; May 19 at the Institute of Engineering and Transport Communications of Turkmenistan - the International Open Internet Olympiad in Descriptive Geometry and Engineering Graphics; June 1-5 at the Turkmen Agricultural University. S.A. Niyazov on the occasion of World Environment Day - a scientific and project competition “The role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”; June 6 at the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute named after. Seyitnazar Seydi on the occasion of the Day of Science - the international scientific conference “Science and Education in the 21st Century”.

The events are expected to be attended by representatives of higher educational institutions and scientific centers of the Russian Federation, the USA, the People's Republic of China, the Italian Republic, Romania, the Republic of Turkey, India, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as from a dozen other states.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov drew attention to the need to steadily improve the educational system in accordance with the adopted Concepts. Emphasizing the importance of the steps taken in this direction, the head of state instructed to hold the upcoming international olympiads and conferences at a high level.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R.Meredov reported on the preparations for the official visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the State of Qatar.

One of the priority vectors of the foreign policy course of neutral Turkmenistan is the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with the countries of the Middle East. Among them is the State of Qatar, with which friendly, fruitful relations have been established.

A key role in the development of a constructive interstate dialogue is given to visits and summit meetings. In this regard, it was noted that in recent years, 5 high-level visits have been carried out between the two countries. Regular contacts have also been established between governments and foreign ministries.

An effective character is inherent in the interaction of the parties within the framework of authoritative international organizations and structures.

In strengthening and expanding trade and economic partnership, great importance is attached to the activities of the joint Intergovernmental Commission, the next meeting of which is scheduled to be held this year in Ashgabat.

Currently, complex work is being carried out to prepare for the planned official visit. In this context, the relevant program was submitted for consideration by the head of state.

Having listened to the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted with satisfaction that cooperation between Turkmenistan and the State of Qatar is successfully developing in all areas based on long-standing traditions of friendship, principles of mutual respect and constructiveness.

As is known, diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in November 1996. As part of the upcoming visit, it is planned to open the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the State of Qatar in the city of Doha, which will give a qualitatively new impetus to the interstate dialogue.

Speaking of this, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the presence of a solid potential for building up bilateral cooperation, including in the trade and economic sphere, where there are good opportunities for enhancing mutually beneficial business ties. At the same time, much attention is paid to strengthening cultural and humanitarian contacts, which are an integral part of interstate relations.

Thus, the next summit talks, which will result in the signing of a number of documents, are designed to give new impetus and content to the traditional Turkmen-Qatari partnership. In this regard, the head of Turkmenistan instructed the vice-premier, head of the Foreign Ministry to ensure a high organizational level of preparation for the upcoming official visit, which is also of great importance in the context of further development of a fruitful dialogue with the countries of the Middle East.

Then, the Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakiyev reported on the work carried out by the Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency to modernize the material and technical base and equip the communications sector with advanced technologies.

It was reported that in our country much attention is paid to the formation of a national communication system, including the implementation of large-scale investment projects.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of the activities carried out by the Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency to improve and expand communication services.

Highlighting the importance of continuing work on the introduction of digital technologies, advanced international experience in the field of communications, the head of state addressed a number of instructions to the head of the Agency on this matter.

A separate topic of discussion at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers was the preparation for the upcoming March 26 elections of deputies of the Mejlis, members of the velayat, etrap and city halk maslahaty and Gengeshes.

As noted, hundreds of candidates have been nominated by political parties and initiative groups of citizens who meet with voters in the regions and the capital. Their program speeches are also conveyed to citizens through TV channels and other media.

Several groups of international observers have already started monitoring the preparations for the elections.

In this regard, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of ensuring that this social and political campaign is carried out in accordance with generally accepted democratic norms and national traditions and at a high level.

The head of Turkmenistan pointed out the need to take organizational measures to ensure the functioning of polling stations at the proper level, as well as the work of mobile outlets next to them.

As emphasized, the elections should be widely covered on television and radio channels and in other media. In accordance with the national traditions of our people, musical and song performances by creative groups should be organized at polling stations on election day.

In addition, information about the preparations for the elections should be regularly provided through the media - television and radio channels, print and Internet platforms, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized, noting the need to encourage our compatriots to actively participate in the upcoming elections.

Then, addressing the hyakims of the velayats and the city of Ashgabat, the head of Turkmenistan especially focused on the fact that the election day should be held in an atmosphere of great celebration.

The importance of ensuring strict compliance with the rules of public order and fire safety at polling stations was emphasized.

“The upcoming March 26 elections are a significant social and political event in the life of the country. Therefore, we must approach it in the most responsible way, create all conditions for the free expression of the will of citizens,” the head of state stated, emphasizing the need to hold elections at a high level, based on principles of transparency, openness, democracy and competition.

The meeting also considered a number of other issues, adopted documents aimed at the development of various industries.

Concluding the regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via the digital system, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished its participants good health, family well-being and great success in their work for the prosperity of the sovereign Motherland.

Meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan