Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system, at which a number of priority issues of public activities were considered.

The floor was first given to Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova, who informed about the work ongoing to improve the national legal framework.

As was reported, working commissions are currently preparing new draft laws on energy saving and efficient energy use, and on hydrometeorological activities. At the same time, amendments and addenda are made to existing legal instruments regulating family relations, veterinary activities, land legal relations, etc.

The report included information on practical steps being taken to expand relations with parliaments of foreign countries and international organizations. In this context, information covered meetings held with the leaders and members of the Turkmenistan-Austria and Turkmenistan-Cyprus parliamentary friendship groups, during which issues of improving the performance of these organizations and prospects for further development of cooperation between the relevant committees were discussed. Along with this, deputies of the Mejlis participated in an event on the development of a “Memorandum on the rules of foreign trade in Turkmenistan”, organized by representatives of the relevant ministries of our country jointly with consultants from the Asian Development Bank and employees of the World Trade Organization.

In addition, information was given about meetings held by people’s representatives to explain to the general public the key aspects of the current state policy and the transformations ongoing in the Homeland, the goals of the adopted legal regulations, as well as to popularize the literary heritage of great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy.

Summing up the information presented, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov focused on the importance of continuing work on drafting new laws and introducing amendments and addenda to existing legal regulations in accordance with the requirements of the time.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the measures taken to develop the digital system in the country, expand the range of banking services, increase the types of electronic payments, and improve the system of remote banking services.

The report also covered the work in progress to implement the provisions outlined in the “Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country in 2019-2025” and the “State Program on the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025”.

In this regard, the deputy prime minister reported on the capabilities of the “Remote Banking” payment system offered for individuals by the State Commercial Bank of Turkmenistan “Daýhanbank”. The introduction of this banking service is intended to expand the range of non-cash payments, as well as ensure the efficiency of payment transactions.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pointed out that the digital system is currently widely implemented in all sectors of the country’s economy. At the same time, the range of digital services is expanding, as well as electronic payments offered in the banking sector. Having approved the submitted proposal to introduce the “Distance Banking” system for individuals by the State Commercial Bank “Daýhanbank”, the President of Turkmenistan instructed the deputy prime minister to carry out the issue-related work.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Amanov reported on the measures taken by the “Türkmengaz” State Concern to increase natural gas production.

As was reported, for this purpose the State Concern is carrying out effective work to find sulfur-free gas in the wells of promising fields being developed, primarily in the world’s largest gas field “Galkynyş”.

In this regard, production and reservoir evaluation wells were drilled in oil and gas fields using special equipment and funds allocated by the “Türkmengaz” State Concern, from which commercial inflows of sulfur-free gas were obtained.

Moreover, in order to find new gas deposits in the coming years and its safe supplies to consumers, the “Türkmengaz” State Concern has drawn up an action plan to produce additional natural gas from wells in the shortest possible time. In this context, drilling of production and reservoir evaluation wells has begun.

In addition, appropriate work is carried out to provide the necessary equipment for the construction of surface facilities of newly drilled gas wells.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of the work being carried out by the State Concern “Türkmengaz” to increase the gas production. Focusing on the need to further increase hydrocarbon production, the head of state gave specific instructions to the deputy prime minister.

In turn, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev reported on the progress of agricultural work in the agro-industrial complex and regions of the Homeland, as well as on preparations for the upcoming cotton sowing.

The report included information that in order to grow a bountiful harvest and strengthen food abundance in the country, the treatment of wheat fields is carried out in accordance with agro-technical standards, including the application of mineral fertilizers and vegetative irrigation. Along with this, work is under way to plant vegetable, watermelon and melon crops.

Currently, the necessary measures are taken in the velayats for an organized start of the sowing season in accordance with agro-technical standards. In particular, cotton seeds and agricultural machinery are prepared.

The deputy prime minister turned to the head of state with a request to set a date and bless the start of cotton sowing. In this regard, practical seminars will be held with the participation of farmers, experienced specialists, scientists and machine operators.

Having heard the report, and highlighting the need for further comprehensive development of the industry, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov ordered to keep seasonal agricultural work ongoing in the agro-industrial complex and regions of the country under strict control, as well as to ensure a high organizational level of the cotton sowing campaign.

Dwelling upon the topic and addressing the meeting participants, the head of state reminded that sowing season is coming. Our cotton growers have an important goal.

Having given the blessing to begin sowing cotton in the Akhal, Balkan, Lebap and Mary Velayats on March 20, and in the Dashoguz velayat on March 27, the President of Turkmenistan addressed the people’s respected elders with a request to begin this responsible agricultural campaign with the words “Bissimilla!” according to the well-established tradition. 

In this regard, the head of state wished the hardworking cotton growers and all agricultural workers great success in their work.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on the work being carried out on the instruction of the President of the country to support domestic business and import-substituting production.

In particular, information was provided about the planned establishment of the Economic Society “Üznüksiz çeşme”, specializing in the production of equipment for the accumulation and storage of electricity (UPS), which is important for the needs of the national economy.

The new production with the participatory interest of “Aşgabatenergo” PA of the State Electric Power Corporation “Türkmenenergo” of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan and the Individual Enterprise “Üznüksiz hyzmat” will contribute to the industrialization of the country, reducing the amount of imported equipment for the collection and storage of electrical energy, and creating new jobs.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov focused on the need to continue the reforms being carried out in the country, in particular, the production of import-substituting goods.

Emphasizing the importance of establishing in Turkmenistan the production of devices for the accumulation and storage of electricity (UPS), which are of great significance for our country, the head of state highlighted that the activities of the joint economic society being established in this area must be carried out in accordance with modern requirements, and gave relevant instructions in this regard to the deputy prime minister.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Atdayev reported on preparations ongoing on the instruction of the President of Turkmenistan for the Turkmen-Japanese business forum with the participation of representatives of small and medium-sized businesses, scheduled for March 27 this year in Tokyo (Japan).

During the forum, opportunities for developing bilateral cooperation in the areas of investment, industry, transport and logistics, as well as in the private sector will be considered.

Along with this, there are plans to hold a fact-finding presentation of the work in progress to set up the National Pavilion of Turkmenistan at the upcoming World Exhibition EXPO 2025 in Japan.

In this regard, a draft Work Program for the upcoming business forum was presented to the head of state for consideration.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the development of trade and economic relations with foreign partners is one of the priority directions of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, highlighting the great significance of exhibitions, business meetings and conferences, which are regularly held in our country and abroad, in expanding cooperation.

Focusing on the upcoming Turkmen-Japanese business forum in Tokyo, the head of state instructed the deputy prime minister to ensure its high organizational level.

Then Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova reported on preparations for the Media Forum “Turkmen Land - the Center of Ancient Civilizations” to take place in Ashgabat on March 28 as part of the celebrations on the occasion of declaring the city of Anau the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024 and the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Pyragy.

As was reported, media representatives of the TURKSOY member states and partner countries of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography are expected to participate in this event. The forum will be held in 4 sections such as “The Unity of Turkic Culture and its Role in the Media”, “The Fount of Wisdom of Magtymguly Pyragy”, “Digital Media and News” and “Films, Animations and Film Festivals”.

It is planned to organize tours of historical monuments and sights of Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag for guests. Their participation in the International Conference “Main areas and opportunities for the development of tourism in Turkmenistan” and a meeting with students of the Magtymguly Turkmen State University is also scheduled.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of proper preparation for the high-level Media Forum “Turkmen Land - the Center of Ancient Civilizations” in Ashgabat. The forum must demonstrate the contribution of our people to the development of world culture, the head of Turkmen state emphasized, giving a number of specific instructions to the deputy prime minister.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Amannepesov reported on the holding of international subject contests and scientific and practical conferences at higher education institutions of the country.

As was reported, such events, including various forums and exhibitions, which are organized in Turkmenistan at a high level, are important steps in developing cooperation with world educational and scientific centers, and identifying young talents.

In order to strengthen international cooperation in the field of education, further step up friendly ties between the youth of Turkmenistan and foreign countries, in the year “The Fount Wisdom of Magtymguly Pyragy” it is planned to hold:

the 3rd International Internet “English” Subject Contests at the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Dovletmammet Azadi on April 10-11;

the 2nd International Open “Macroeconomics” and the “World Economy” Subject Contests at the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management on April 12 and May 16, respectively, as well as the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Modern trends in the development of financial markets” on April 26; 

an essay contests on the topic “The importance of international humanitarian law in maintaining peace and security on the planet” at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan from April 15 to May 1; 

the 3rd International Open “Theoretical Mechanics” Subject Contest at the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan on May 6-11; 

the digital system Contest at the Institute of Engineering, Technical and Transport Communications of Turkmenistan on May 11; and 

the 2nd International Open “Descriptive Geometry and Engineering Graphics” Subject Contest.

On May 22-25, the “International Relations and Geopolitical Modeling” International Subject Contest  is to be organizes in the Turkmen capital by the joint efforts of the Ministry of Education and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs among students of higher education institutions of the countries of Central Asia and the Caspian region. Foreign guests who will take participation in the contest will be invited to attend ceremonial events to celebrate the Ashgabat City Day.

On the occasion of Science Day on June 4-5 this year, the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction proposes to hold in the capital an International Scientific and Practical Conference “Architecture is an art embodied in building”.

Guided by the accumulated experience of organizing international events at a high level, it is planned to invite, in addition to students of domestic higher education institutions, representatives of prestigious universities and scientific centers of the world to actively participate in the above Contests and scientific and practical conferences. The intellectual contests’ winners will be awarded medals and diplomas.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that special importance is attached to developing the talents and skills of the younger generation, encouraging enthusiasm for science and creativity, and strengthening international cooperation in the humanitarian fields.

In this regard, the head of state instructed the deputy prime minister to ensure a high organizational level of all upcoming international contests, scientific and practical conferences to be hosted by the country’s higher education institutions.

Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the outcomes of a working visit of the delegation of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Austria on March 10-13 this year in order to discuss priority areas for the further development of traditionally friendly interstate relations.

Thus, a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation were discussed during of negotiations held in Vienna with the Federal Minister for European and Foreign Affairs of Austria. While exchanging views on current aspects on the regional and global agenda, the importance of strengthening constructive partnerships within international organizations was highlighted. Particular attention was paid to the topic of maintaining universal peace and security. In this context, the importance of the initiative put forward by the President of Turkmenistan at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2023 to prepare a Global Security Strategy was emphasized. At the same time, the importance of developing this international legal instrument based on the principles of neutrality and preventive diplomacy was stressed.

Following the negotiations, a Cooperation Program was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria for 2024-2025.

A concerned exchange of views on key issues of interstate cooperation also took place during meetings of our country’s delegation with the Secretary General of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs and the leadership of the Office of the Federal President of the Republic of Austria.

In addition, negotiations and meetings were held with the leaders of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Economy and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber as part of the visit. The prospects were discussed for bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic, banking, financial, energy, transport, communications, industrial and construction sectors, as well as in the introduction of “green” technologies, insurance activities, healthcare, etc. The report also covered opportunities to step up direct contacts between business communities of the two countries, and the implementation of new joint projects.

In this context, the Austrian party confirmed its interest in building up mutually beneficial and diverse cooperation with Turkmenistan. A Turkmen-Austrian “round table” was also organized in the building of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, which was attended by leaders and representatives of a number of relevant government agencies and 25 companies of the friendly state.

The topic of joint activities in the field of education and student exchanges was on the agenda of the meeting at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. Issues of establishing cooperation between specialized higher education institutions of the two countries, organizing joint scientific and practical forums and other events were considered. The Turkmen party was awarded an official document confirming the membership of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in the International Forum on Diplomatic Training.

In order to develop inter-university contacts, the delegation of our country also visited the Graz University of Technology. In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Oguzhan University of Engineering and Technology and this higher education institution.

During the visit, bilateral meetings were also held with the heads of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), during which current areas of cooperation were discussed. A Frame Cooperation Agreement was also signed between the Government of Turkmenistan and UNIDO.

Along with this, meetings of members of the delegation of Turkmenistan with Austrian colleagues took place in Vienna, where issues of bilateral partnership in the fields of healthcare, trade, industry and business were discussed.

In order to further develop fruitful relations, the deputy prime minister, foreign minister submitted for consideration by the head of state proposals regarding the establishment of the Turkmen-Austrian Business Council, the opening of the Austrian House in Turkmenistan in 2025, and the holding of the 12th meeting of the Turkmen-Austrian Working Commission in Vienna in June this year, as well as organizing the Austrian business community representatives to our country in December this year, and drafting a corresponding document outlining specific areas of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted with satisfaction the effective nature of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Austria, emphasizing the importance of continuing to actively develop productive relationships in the trade and economy, as well as in healthcare, education, culture, urban planning and other areas.

Pointing out that the negotiations held in Vienna are designed to further strengthen wide-ranging Turkmen-Austrian relations with a view to the future, the head of state approved the proposals presented, instructing the deputy prime minister, the foreign minister to continue systematic work in this direction.

Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakyev reported on the work being carried out by the “Türkmenhowaýollary” Agency to ensure a high level of flight safety for civil aviation in Turkmenistan and upgrade the technical equipment of the Ashgabat International Airport.

The report included information that due the constant strengthening of the material and technical resources of the industry, and the opening of new international flights, the number of foreign passengers transiting through the capital’s International Airport is increasing, which contributes to bringing its operation to full capacity.

In this context, the Agency Director General reported that, in accordance with international standards, it is planned to carry out regular maintenance of the relevant equipment in order to achieve flight safety and maintain the equipment of the airport’s passenger terminal at a modern level.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said that the infrastructure of domestic civil aviation is constantly strengthened, and new international passenger flights are opening. This requires bringing the capital’s airport to full capacity.

Stressing that the “Türkmenhowaýollary” Agency must continue its current activities to upgrade the material and technical resources of the Ashgabat International Airport, the head of state gave instructions to the agency head in this regard.

Then, addressing members of the Cabinet of Ministers and all compatriots, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov focused on the fact that in a few days our country will stately celebrate the National Spring Holiday, International Novruz Day.

Stressing that Novruz has a special role in the Eastern people’s life, embodying such enduring universal values as humanism, solidarity and brotherhood, the head of state cordially congratulated the meeting participants and all the Turkmen people on this bright holiday.

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