Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system to consider a number of draft documents, as well as other priority issues of state activity.

The first to speak was Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova, who informed about the activities to ongoing provide legislative support for the objectives arising from the country’s socio-economic development programs.

The report included information that industrial and practical seminars were organized for students of the Academy of Civil Service under the President of Turkmenistan to improve their qualifications.

Information also covered the work in progress to strengthen inter-parliamentary contacts and expand cooperation with international organizations. Thus, the meeting with the delegation led by the Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, discussed issues related to the exchange of experience in the field of lawmaking and further development of bilateral collaboration. Furthermore, a workshop of the working group was held with the participation of the head and experts of the Regional Programme of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) “Promoting Legal Statehood in Central Asia” to prepare a newly revised draft of the Civil Code of Turkmenistan.

Along with this, Mejlis deputies took participation in seminars on gender equality and drawing up a national report on the implementation of the provisions contained in the Convention on the Women’s Rights, organized by the relevant institutions of the country jointly with the US Agency for International Development and the UN Population Fund.

As was reported, the people’s representatives appear in the media to carry out explanatory work about the goals of the adopted legislative regulations and actively participate in events to promote the key directions of the state policy of the independent Homeland, and to publicize the progressive transformations ongoing in the country.

Summing up the information presented, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pointed out that Turkmenistan is carrying out fundamental reforms in the social and economic sectors, and the legislation is consistently updated. Improved laws provided a solid legal framework for further development of the state. In this regard, the head of state emphasized the need to continue effective activities in this area.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the practical steps taken in the economic sector as part of the implementation of the Country Programme of Cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations Development Programme for 2021-2025.

As was reported, the UNDP Representative Office in our country has now proposed the final version of the Project Document “The Sustainable Development Goals Implementation Platform, Phase III” for signing. In this regard, information was provided on the work carried out in 2019-2023 to achieve the goals and objectives specified at phases I and II for implementing SDGs.

In accordance with the above document, joint activities are to be organized in 2024-2025 on reporting and monitoring the implementation of the Phase III of SDGs in our country, as well as on studying international practices in the field of strengthening financial foundations. Along with this, there are plans for taking measures to enhance national capacity concerning issues of Turkmenistan’s accession to WTO.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is one of the key aspects of the country’s socio-economic development. In this context, the joint activities of Turkmenistan and the United Nations and its bodies were stressed. In particular, special emphasis was placed on the partnership with UNDP as part of the “SDGs Implementation Platform” Project.

Having noted with satisfaction that to date phases I and II of this project have been successfully implemented, the head of state approved the submitted proposal to implement phase III in 2024-2025 and gave a number of specific instructions to the deputy prime minister.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Amanov reported on the activities of research institutes in the oil and gas sector, in particular, the widespread introduction of the latest scientific advances into production, as well as international cooperation in this area.

The Natural Gas Research Institute of the State Concern “Türkmengaz” jointly with the Institute “Nebitgazylmytaslama” of the State Concern “Türkmennebit” carry out systematic work aimed at the effective development of existing fields.

Gas and gas condensate fields are developed according to science- based projects of institute scientists and staff, facing crucial objectives such as scientific solutions in the field of geology, the development, operation and design of oil and gas facilities, and the timely introduction thereof into production.

In order to actively use advanced technologies, our country cooperates with reliable foreign oil and gas companies having broad experience and capacity.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance taking the scientific approach by the research institutes of the State Concerns “Türkmengaz” and “Türkmennebit” to the exploration and development of new oil and gas fields, as well as to the construction of a specialized infrastructure.

In this regard, it is critical to expand the scope of joint activities with international research institutes operating in this field for development of the domestic oil and gas industry, the head of state said, giving the deputy prime minister relevant instructions.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev reported on the progress of seasonal work in the agro-industrial complex and in the regions of the country.

The report highlighted that land plowing and planning are underway as part of the preparation of areas for sowing cotton, and wheat fields are treated to gather a bountiful harvest. In order to maintain food abundance in the Homeland, measures are taken to organize the planting of potatoes and other fruits and vegetables.

The deputy prime minister then reported on the work in progress to preserve the breeding purity of Akhalteke horses, increase the number and popularize the “heavenly” horses.

The information was provided that genetic analysis of horses is carried in the laboratory of the Horse Breeding Research and Production Center of the State Association “Türkmen atlary” located in the city of Arkadag to preserve the purity of their breed, as well as scientific research related to the development of breeding and improving the color of Akhalteke horses. The country’s horse breeding farms are carrying out activities to register foals born this year for pedigree recording, and issue special certificates for them.

Summing up the report, and pointing out the need for proper organization of work to treat wheat fields, as well as preparation for an important spring sowing season, the President of Turkmenistan ordered to pay special attention to the high quality of seeds, serviceability of equipment and cleaning lands adjacent to the sown areas, giving specific issue-related instructions to the deputy prime minister.

Stressing the importance of conducting genetic analysis in order to preserve the breed purity of Akhalteke horses, the head of state emphasized that ample opportunities for this had been created at the Horse Breeding Research and Production Center, inaugurated in the city of Arkadag. In this regard, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed the deputy prime minister to carry out regular work to increase the number and preserve the breed purity of “heavenly” horses, and study on a scientific basis the color features of the racehorses.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on buildings and facilities to be commissioned this year.

As was reported, during the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State, thanks to the efforts by the President of Turkmenistan, the necessary conditions have been created for development of the construction industry, and a new urban planning policy is implemented. Work to build social facilities using modern technologies is carried out at a high pace.

The deputy prime minister informed that, according to the instructions of the head of state, appropriate measures were taken jointly with the velayats and the capital city khyakimliks, as well as the relevant ministries and sectoral departments, to compile a list of large industrial and social facilities scheduled for commissioning in 2024 ongoing under the motto “The fount of wisdom of Magtymguly Fragi”. 

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that today comprehensive work is under way aimed at comprehensive development of the country and improving the social and living conditions of the people. A list of facilities to be inaugurated is compiled every year.

This year, this list includes 49 large buildings and facilities for industrial and social purposes, the head of state said, focusing on the need to keep strict control over the construction progress and timely commissioning of these new buildings.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Atdaev reported on the work ongoing at the institutions under his supervision.

As was reported, comprehensive development of the country’s trade and entrepreneurship system and enhancing the private sector’s role in the national economy are among the strategic priorities of the Program “Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State: The National Program for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan in 2022-2052”.

In this regard, the necessary steps are taken to expand trade and economic relations with countries around the world, increase the production of import-substituting goods, strengthen the country’s food security, modernize commercial services, as well as meet the population’s demand for consumer goods.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov specified that in the new historical epoch, the trade complex, to which a special importance is attached in the economic policy of the Homeland, has become one of the dynamically developing sectors, instructing the deputy prime minister to continue relevant work in this area.

Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova reported on preparations for the opening ceremony of the Magtymguly Fragi cultural and park complex and the monument to the outstanding Turkmen poet in the capital city.

As was reported, according to instructions given by the head of state, sculptures of famous figures, prominent writers and artists in words of foreign countries are to be installed within this complex.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pointed out that sculptures of outstanding foreign figures, poets and writers in the cultural and park complex, which will be commissioned on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the birth of great thinker of the East Magtymguly Fragi, will become a symbol of respect for the universal heritage. In this regard, the deputy prime minister was instructed to consider and elaborate the presented preliminary designs of monuments.

The Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers then reported on preparations for the closing ceremony of the Year of Culture of the People’s Republic of China in Turkmenistan, scheduled for February 5 this year, to take place at the Mukams Palace of the State Cultural Center.

Stressing that our country attaches special importance to the development of cultural and humanitarian relations with foreign countries, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed the deputy prime minister to hold this ceremony at a high organizational level.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Amannepesov reported on preparations for international contests, scientific and practical conferences and exhibitions to be held in March-April 2024.

As was reported, in March of the year “The fount of wisdom of Magtymguly Fragi”, the International Contest among schoolchildren will be held at the specialized training and educational complex No. 1 of Arkadag city, and the International University for the Humanities and Development will host the 4th Open International Mathematics Contest among students.

In April, the Yagshygeldi Kakaev International University of Oil and Gas will organize the 2nd Open International Informatics Contests among higher education students, and on April 19, the same university will host the International Scientific and Practical Conference and Exhibition “Scientific Views of Students in the period of the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State”.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of the steady implementation of the provisions specified in the national education system development concepts. In this regard, the instruction was given to ensure a high level of the first International Mathematics Contests among schoolchildren in the city of Arkadag, and the Open International Mathematics and Informatics Contests among students at the International University for the Humanities and Development and the Yagshygeldi Kakaev International University of Oil and Gas.

The International Scientific and Practical Conference and Exhibition “Scientific Views of Students in the period of the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State” must also be organized at the proper level.

The deputy prime minister then presented the draft Decree “On Approving the Regulations on State Accreditation of Educational Activities” for consideration by the head of state.

It was developed in accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan “On Education” in order to introduce modern international experience-based models for assessing the quality of education during the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that work to improve the national education system will be continued in the future.

Having signed the Decree “On approving the Regulations on state accreditation of educational activities”, the head of state sent the document to the deputy prime minister by a digital system, giving a number of specific instructions on its proper implementation.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the steps being taken to develop cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Investment Bank.

In this regard, it was pointed out that one of the priority directions of the Homeland’s foreign policy is the strengthening of a wide-ranging partnership with the European Union. At the same time, much attention is paid to increasing productive cooperation with European financial institutions.

Thus, since June 1, 1992, Turkmenistan has been a member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with which close contacts have been established in the field of investment and credit financing, including in the textile industry, agriculture, transport and logistics, and the private sector. For more than 30 years, 87 projects have been carried out in our country using EBRD funds. Currently, the implementation of 22 projects is in progress.

As is known, on October 23, 2023, a regular “European Union – Central Asia” format session took place at the level of the heads of foreign policy departments in Luxembourg. During the meetings held as part of it, high-ranking EU representatives proposed to consider the possibilities of establishing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Investment Bank. This topic was also discussed during the visit of the Vice-President of the European Commission to our country in January this year.

The European Investment Bank was founded in 1958. Currently, its shareholders include 27 EU Member States. Today, this bank cooperates with 160 countries around the world, banking institutions, the UN and other international organizations, public associations, and the private sector. The key areas of its investment and credit financing activity cover the environment and climate change, innovation, digitalization, human capital development, small and medium-sized businesses, sustainable cities and regions, energy and sustainable transport.

In this context, proposals were made to establish fruitful cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Investment Bank, in particular, to conduct negotiations on a draft bilateral Framework Agreement, as well as on other relevant issues. This will contribute to expanding the scope of constructive cooperation with the European Union, strengthening trade and economic ties, and will be an additional tool for attracting capital investments from the EU and European countries into important economic projects being carried out in our country.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said that our Independent Neutral Homeland cooperates closely with international banks and financial institutions, and maintains mutually beneficial partnerships in the areas of lending and investment.

Speaking about this, the head of state instructed the deputy prime minister, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue proper work to establish effective cooperation with the European Investment Bank, and take the necessary measures to attract its capital investments in projects in progress in Turkmenistan.

Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakyev reported on the steps being taken to develop the transport and communications complex and increase the production capacity of subordinate enterprises.

In particular, the reported covered the work being carried out by the “Türkmendemirýollary” Agency to improve economic efficiency and expand international and domestic freight transportation by railway, and creating favorable conditions for using the capacity available in this area.

Taking into consideration all environmental protection requirements at the country’s railway stations, it is planned to upgrade the operating and build new infrastructure facilities.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the great importance of improving the railway transport industry, instructing the Agency head to carry out proper work in this respect.

A number of other issues of state activity were also considered at the meeting, on which appropriate decisions were taken.

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