EXPANDED MEETING OF THE CABINET OF MINISTERS OF TURKMENISTAN

Today, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers with the participation of members of the State Security Council at the Ruhyet Palace, having discussed drafts of a number of documents, as well as some other issues were discussed.

Early in the morning the head of state walked to the building of the Rukhyet Palace from the Oguzhan Palace Complex. In recent years much attention has been paid to environmental issues, the level of which must comply with international standards in all corners of the Motherland, including the capital.

Opening the meeting and announcing the agenda, the head of Turkmenistan gave the floor to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who reported on the ongoing measures to develop insurance activities in the country, provide citizens and legal entities with high-quality insurance services, as well as to improve the relevant regulatory legal acts.

In this context, a draft resolution “On approval of the procedure for compulsory state personal insurance of military personnel, citizens called up for military training, and employees of internal affairs bodies and payment of the sum insured” was submitted for consideration by the leader of the nation.

The document was developed in accordance with the provisions of the Laws of Turkmenistan “On the status of military personnel”, “On military duty and military service”, “On the internal affairs bodies of Turkmenistan”, “On insurance” and other regulatory legal acts.

Having signed the Decree “On approval of the Procedure for compulsory state personal insurance of military personnel, citizens called up for military training, and employees of internal affairs bodies and payment of the insurance amount to them”, the head of Turkmenistan instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to control the strict implementation of the provisions of this document.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Abdrakhmanov reported on the state of affairs in the fuel and energy complex, as well as on the ongoing measures to improve the country's oil refining industry and prepare long-term profile work plans.

As a result of the far-sighted policy implemented by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in this area, huge opportunities are created in Turkmenistan for modernization and diversification of the fuel and energy complex, and wide introduction of international experience into production. Effective steps are being taken to develop a feasibility study for the “Conceptual Strategy for the Development of the Turkmenbashi Complex of Oil Refineries and Seydi Oil Refinery”.

In this regard, information was provided on the results of the relevant international tender with the participation of foreign companies.

According to the feasibility study envisaged for development, it is planned to: determine the potential and specific promising vectors for the development of the Turkmenbashi complex of oil refineries and the Seydi oil refinery; to study the possibilities and directions of modernization of existing technological facilities; select new facilities for construction based on the demand in foreign markets for oil and petrochemical products and the available resource potential; increase the competitiveness of manufactured products, increase the depth of oil refining and create an environmentally friendly and waste-free production.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiyev reported on the state of affairs in the sphere under his supervision, as well as on the implementation of the state strategy for environmental protection and ensuring environmental well-being in the country.

Reports were given on the ongoing large-scale activities for the rational use of natural resources, the growth of flora and fauna, as well as the careful preservation of Turkmen nature. In this regard, the draft Resolution “On planting trees in Turkmenistan in 2022” was submitted to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for consideration.

In accordance with the document, this year the ministries, sectoral departments, hyakimliks of the velayats and the city of Ashgabat plan to plant 3 million seedlings of deciduous, coniferous, fruit trees and grapes.

Having signed the Decrees “On planting trees in Turkmenistan in 2022” and “On the purchase of chemicals for agricultural crops”, the leader of the nation emphasized the importance of strict implementation of the measures outlined in the documents and addressed the Vice-premier with specific instructions in this regard.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Purchekov reported on the practical steps being taken to develop the chemical industry, in particular, the activities carried out by the State Concern “Türkmenhimiýa” in order to establish the production of import-substituting goods based on local raw materials.

New chemical enterprises are being built in the country, where advanced technologies are being introduced, existing production facilities are being reconstructed and thoroughly modernized. Together with specialists from the Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences, relevant work is being carried out, the existing prospects for solving the above-mentioned issue at the plant for production of gasoline from natural gas in Ahal velayat, in the structure of the polymer plant in Kiyanly, and at the Balkanabat iodine plant are being studied.

Domestic experts have studied the possibility of isobutane production from natural gas and its economic profitability. In this regard, the State Concern “Turkmengaz” held an international tender for the construction of the relevant facility, following which the winner was selected.

In continuation of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister reported on the work to determine the list of main buildings and structures for industrial and social purposes, which should be put into operation in 2022.

Gratitude was expressed to the Head of State for the adoption of the Investment Program of Turkmenistan for 2022, the Resolution on approval of which was signed on February 11th this year.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov reported on the draft Resolution “On the sale of cotton products to the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan”.

In order to fulfill the instructions of the head of state on the effective increase in the production capacity of textile enterprises, a draft document was prepared on their supply with cotton products, which was submitted for consideration by the leader of the nation.

Having signed the presented Decree, the leader of the nation instructed the relevant leaders to control the implementation of all the tasks outlined in the document.

Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova reported on the preparation of cultural events on the occasion of International Women's Day.

Currently, work is underway to organize an international conference and exhibition “Bagtyýarlyk baharynyň şekillendiriş sungatyndaky waspy” on March 1-2 at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Along with the cultural figures of the country, well-known artists, representatives of the creative intelligentsia of foreign countries will join the forum on the digital system.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers S. Toylyev reported on the measures taken to turn Turkmenistan into a tobacco-free country until 2025.

As a result of the adoption of the Law “On protecting the health of citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke and the consequences of tobacco consumption” and the implementation of a multi-vector program to combat tobacco smoking, today our country is at the forefront in this area in the WHO European Region.

In order to increase life expectancy and promote the principles of a healthy lifestyle, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, together with the relevant ministries and departments and international organizations, developed the National Program for Turning Turkmenistan into a Tobacco-Free Country for 2022-2025 and an Action Plan for its implementation.

Presenting the drafts of the National Program for Turning Turkmenistan into a Tobacco-Free Country for 2022-2025 and the Action Plan for its implementation for consideration by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the planned work is designed to increase the number of people committed to the principles of a healthy lifestyle, reduce the level of morbidity associated with bad habits, increase the average life expectancy of Turkmen citizens.

Having listened to the report, the leader of the nation approved the proposal to prepare a relevant Decree, focusing on the importance of constant work to promote and widely introduce the principles of an active lifestyle among the population, combat harmful habits, in particular, smoking. It was noted that the high goal set will directly serve to increase the well-being of our citizens.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Secretary of the State Security Council Ch. Amanov reported on the measures implemented in the supervised departments in accordance with the policy of large-scale military reforms pursued by the state.

Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakiev reported on the issue of national electronic communication systems and their developers, as well as on the preparation of the relevant draft Resolution.

In accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan “On information and its protection”, draft Regulations on the State Register of National Systems of Electronic Communications and the State Register of Developers of National Systems of Electronic Communications have been developed, which are approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.

A draft Regulation on the Interdepartmental Commission on these registers and its composition has also been prepared.

These documents are aimed at increasing the number of national electronic communications systems in the country, expanding and developing them to fulfill the tasks arising from the State Program for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2021-2025.

Further, the Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers reported on the ongoing work to approve the procedure for providing spacecraft transponders to legal entities and individuals.

In order to determine the legal, organizational and economic foundations of space activities and regulate relations in this area, in accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan “On space activities”, the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers prepared a draft of this document, taking into account comments and suggestions.

Noting the importance of introducing the latest technologies for data transmission, broadband communication and multimedia services, increasing the transit telecommunications potential of the country, the leader of the nation signed the Decree “On approval of the procedure for providing spacecraft transponders to legal entities and individuals” and instructed the head of the Agency to take concrete steps to implement it.

In continuation, the Director General of the Agency reported on the preparation of a draft Order to allow the agency “Türkmendemirýollary” to apply the tariffs for transportation of containers by rail on the territory of Turkmenistan indicated in the appendix to this document.

In this regard, a relevant document was submitted for consideration by the leader of the nation, aimed at regulating the use of preferential rates for the transportation of containers.

By signing the relevant Order, the leader of the nation pointed out the importance of exchanging experience and useful innovative developments with foreign partners and instructed the head of the Agency to keep all issues in this direction under control.

Chairwoman of the Mejlis Milli Gengesh G. Mammedova informed about the activities to further improve the national legislation.

Work is underway to prepare for celebration of International Women's Day in the year “The era of the people with Arkadag” at the highest level.

Parliamentarians, together with representatives of political parties and public organizations, took part in the discussion of the Program “Revival of a new era of a powerful state: the National program for the socio-economic development of Turkmenistan in 2022-2052”, and also hold campaigning and explanatory events.

Deputy Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh K. Babayev reported on the comprehensive work carried out to improve the country's legal framework.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the preparation of a new Concept of Turkmenistan's foreign policy course.

At the beginning of the report, emphasizing that the Day of Diplomatic Workers of the country, annually celebrated on February 18, was established on the initiative of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in 2009, the Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of all employees of the national diplomatic service, cordially congratulated the head of state on this holiday and expressed his best wishes.

As it was emphasized, as a result of many years of purposeful efforts of the leader of the nation, the work of the diplomatic service has acquired a qualitatively new character. According to the Decrees and Resolutions of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, a number of embassies and consulates of our country have been opened in other states. Today, 40 diplomatic missions and consulates of Turkmenistan operate abroad. Ambassadors of our country also represent the Fatherland in 15 international organizations.

In continuation of the report, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs reported on the international events dedicated to the Day of Diplomatic Workers. So, on February 16–17, sports events were organized. To date, with the participation of diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan and representative offices of international organizations, a conference, exhibition and concert are planned.

The Mejlis Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, in accordance with the established procedure, on the basis of national legislation, considered the appeal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the issue of presenting President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the distinctive sign “Türkmenistanyň ussat diplomacy” and adopted the relevant Resolution.

After listening to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov approved the proposal to prepare a new Concept of the Foreign Policy Course of Turkmenistan for 2023-2030, and, having signed the relevant Resolution, gave specific instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this regard.

Addressing the participants of the meeting, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov cordially congratulated all employees of the country's diplomatic service on the Day of Diplomatic Workers of Turkmenistan, which is widely celebrated annually in the neutral Motherland.

Our sovereign state is pursuing a foreign policy course based on the principles of peacefulness, good neighborliness, an open door policy and equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with interested foreign partners.

The opening of the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat and its effective interaction with the Government of Turkmenistan also fully demonstrate the peacekeeping potential of neutrality, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted.

At the end of his speech, the head of state wished all the employees of the country's diplomatic service good health, well-being and great success in protecting national interests and further enhancing the authority of our Motherland on the world stage.

The meeting also considered other issues and adopted documents aimed at the development of industries.

Concluding the expanded session of the Cabinet of Ministers, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished its participants good health, family well-being and great success in their work for the sake of further prosperity of the sovereign Motherland.

At the end of the extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which was held with the participation of members of the State Security Council, a solemn ceremony of awarding President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the distinctive title “Türkmenistanyň ussat diplomacy” was held.

The Chairwoman of the Mejlis Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan G. Mammedova read out the relevant Resolution.

In a solemn atmosphere, to the applause of those present, the head of state was awarded the distinctive title “Türkmenistanyň ussat diplomacy”.

Addressing the audience and thanking for this award, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that he perceives it as an expression of great trust and boundless respect shown to him by the participants of the celebration and compatriots.

The head of Turkmenistan also said that he had completed work on another book called “Abadançylygyň röwşen gadamlary”, which is a collection of his speeches to the public. It summarizes various issues of the country's development, reflections on foreign policy, economics, culture, science and other areas. At the same time, the new edition includes many proposals concerning further development of our state.

Handing over one copy of the book to the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov and noting that everyone else will be able to receive a new publication after today's event, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov once again congratulated the audience and all compatriots on the Day of Diplomatic Workers of Turkmenistan.

The Vice Prime Minister, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sincere gratitude to the head of state for the new book “Abadançylygyň röwşen gadamlary”, the pages of which deeply comprehend the modern history of our Motherland and the priorities of its further development.

Expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan