In the Congress Centre, located in one of the most beautiful parts of the capital, under the chairmanship of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, a meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan was held, during which issues of the socioeconomic development of the country, the implementation of the tasks outlined by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and preparations for the celebrations on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the independence of the Motherland and for the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan were discussed.
In the early morning, the National Leader of the Turkmen people arrived at the venue of the meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, where he was warmly welcomed by those present.
Opening the meeting, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that, by tradition, our united people celebrated the Independence Day of the neutral Motherland with enthusiasm every year. Being of a special significance, this main holiday causes a feeling of great pride among the people of Turkmenistan and inspires everyone to achieve new high goals.
During the celebration of the independence of the country, at the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, we would sum up the results of the socioeconomic development of our state and would discuss the success achieved and the urgent tasks facing us in the new historical era, the National Leader of the Turkmen people continued.
Documents would be adopted on the establishment of an organising committee for convening and organising a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan in accordance with the Constitutional Law “On the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan”, the date would be determined and the composition and the procedure for electing public representatives to the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, proposed by the Halk Maslahaty of the velayats and the city of Ashgabat, would be approved, the Hero-Arkadag said.
Noting that the second year of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State was marked by glorious events, the National Leader of the Turkmen people stressed that since the beginning of 2023, in order to solve the most important tasks of that period, all efforts had been directed to ensuring the intensive development of the state and society.
At the same time, historically important work was done to strengthen democracy and to improve its national institutions. In January 2023, worthily continuing the sacred traditions of glorious ancestors and the principles of peace and humanism and following generally recognised democratic norms, the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan was established.
Noting that in connection with the reforms, amendments and addenda had been made to the Constitution of Turkmenistan, and the Constitutional Law “On the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan” had been adopted, Hero-Arkadag focused on improving the work of the representative bodies of power.
Speaking about the fact that the elections held in March had become the most important socio-political event of the year and had been held on a broad alternative basis, in an atmosphere of openness, transparency and high civic activity, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed all that activity was aimed at ensuring a high level of the socioeconomic development of the country and optimising the structure and activities of public authorities.
In order to intensively develop the Motherland, the Programme “Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State: The National Programme of the Socioeconomic Development of Turkmenistan in 2022–2052” and the Programme of the President of Turkmenistan of the socioeconomic development of the country in 2022–2028 were adopted and are successfully being implemented. The construction of new cities and villages continued at a high pace, the National Leader of the Turkmen people said.
Noting that a special place in the Programmes was given to social issues, the Hero-Arkadag emphasised the most important areas of the state policy were the development of health care, education, sports and culture, the creation of additional jobs in order to increase the level of employment of the population and aid to large families and to those in need of government support.
New cities and villages are a vivid result of the grandiose transformations taking place in Turkmenistan. So, on June 29, 2023, celebrations were held on the occasion of the opening of a new city of state significance – Arkadag. The city of the future, an exemplary model of a “smart city”, is characterised by special features – caring for people and creating favourable conditions for people’s living, working and recreating. That project had become an indicator of the huge economic, financial and investment potential of our country, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty said.
Solving problems of national importance, actively involving citizens in the implementation of programmes, developing proposals, strengthening the unity and solidarity of society, ensuring a peaceful and prosperous life for the people and promoting the development of our independent neutral state and the strengthening of its power were the main goals of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the Hero-Arkadag stressed.
In this regard, the need for joint work of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the Mejlis and the Government of the country, prompt response to the changes taking place in the country and the development of appropriate proposals was noted.
Emphasising that in preparation for the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty, it is necessary to carefully analyse the economic and financial indicators of the sectors of the national economy, the Hero-Arkadag outlined six priority areas.
Firstly, speaking about the need to review the mechanisms of public-private cooperation, the establishment of joint-stock companies, the improvement of the work of the securities market and the stock exchange, the activation of the private sector and the provision of additional guarantees to shareholders to reduce risks, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the importance of developing proposals in the field of the investment and migration policies of the country, ensuring a stable exchange rate of the national currency and streamlining money circulation.
Secondly, taking into account the widespread introduction of information and communication technologies in all spheres of society, it is necessary to consider the use of new methods and technologies in the educational process, training and advanced training of specialists, including the most popular areas.
Thirdly, it is necessary to continue improving the priority areas of the state policy, namely, the healthcare system and the medical industry, and those related to ensuring food safety and the quality of medicines.
Fourthly, it is necessary to develop proposals for the innovative development and modernisation of industrial sectors of the economy, in particular, the oil and gas, chemical, construction, energy and textile industries, the improvement of their work and the betterment of the investment, legal, and economic climate.
Fifthly, speaking about the need for the further development of the agroindustrial complex, the ensuring of the country’s food security, the modernisation of the work of processing industries, the introduction of waste-free technologies and food storage systems, the improvement of property relations in the agroindustrial complex, the establishment of export-oriented enterprises and the socioeconomic transformation of rural areas, the National Leader of the Turkmen people focused on the importance of developing proposals for the effective management of the sector, the increase in the capabilities of commodity producers and the solution of issues in the fields of seed production and land and water management.
Sixthly, noting that in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State, independent and neutral Turkmenistan was known throughout the world as a rapidly developing state in which peace and prosperity reigned, the Hero-Arkadag stressed proposals to expand fruitful cooperation with foreign countries and international organisations and to study and widely implement their experience should be developed.
One of the main tasks was to provide the President of Turkmenistan with reports and information on the work of the sectors of the economy and the development of promising proposals based on their analysis for the further development of the state and society, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued.
Noting the need to prepare as soon as possible information on the achievements of our country in the trade, economic, industrial, production, managerial, legislative and socio-cultural spheres and proposals based on them, the Hero-Arkadag identified important areas of work together with the organising committee of the Administration of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan in accordance with Article 19 of the Constitutional Law “On the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan”.
Firstly, in the days of preparation for the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty and following the results of the meeting, members of the Halk Maslahaty, deputies, activists of political and public organisations, scientists, teaching staff of higher educational institutions and the media should launch a wide educational and explanatory work and should organise meetings and speeches on the history of establishment and the socio-political significance of the activities carried out by the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
Secondly, together with the organising committee, planned work to prepare for the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty should be carried out.
Thirdly, at the meetings of the organising committee, it is necessary to discuss the agenda items and draft documents for consideration at the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
Fourthly, it is necessary to provide organisational and methodological guidance for the activities of the velayat, etrap and city halk maslahaty in preparation for the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
Fifthly, appropriate work should be carried out to consider proposals and other appeals received from citizens, to take them into account and generalise.
Sixthly, it is necessary to develop a programme for the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty.
Seventhly, information should be prepared to cover the activities of the Halk Maslahaty in the media.
Eighthly, it is necessary to carry out organisational work to prepare for the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty in coordination with the Mejlis, deputy chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, relevant ministries and departments, hyakimliks of the velayats and the city of Ashgabat and public associations.
And ninthly, in accordance with the instructions of the President of the country, it was necessary to organise ceremonies for presenting state awards and honorary titles to compatriots who had gained great labour achievements in the political, economic and cultural spheres during the years of independence and enjoyed great prestige and respect among the people, the Hero-Arkadag noted and instructed to carry out the work on nominating worthy candidates in a timely and proper manner.
Speaking about the fact that the Council of Elders was established under the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Aid to Children in Need of Guardianship, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted with satisfaction that the elders were actively involved in the activities carried out in that direction. And care would be taken for the younger generation, they would be surrounded by care and attention and would be provided with the necessary support, and taking into account the interests of children, that noble work would be continued at the state level, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised.
At the same time, we highly value the opinion of the elders and the work they do. It was for those purposes that the Council of Elders of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan had been established, the Hero-Arkadag said.
Noting that members of the Council had been invited to the meeting with proposals for preparing for the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people focused on the importance of familiarising them with the city of Arkadag and the activities of the Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre built there.
Then the Hero-Arkadag gave the floor to the Head of the Administration of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan K. Babayev, who informed of the priority tasks in preparing for the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
Stressing that as a result of the state policy, the main principle of which was “The state is for the people!”, favourable conditions are created for the comfortable life and creative work of people, the Head of the Administration of the Halk Maslahaty said that political, legal, organisational and managerial issues were resolved in accordance with the requirements of the time.
K. Babayev also noted that the wise thoughts of the Hero-Arkadag on the pages of the book Ömrümiň Manysynyň Dowamaty about the continuation of the glorious path of our ancestors, the fulfilment of their aspirations and the construction of a bright future were of particular importance for our people, especially the younger generation.
Assuring that every effort would be made to carry out joint activities with the organising committee in preparation for the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the successful implementation of the tasks in coordination with the relevant structures, K. Babayev reported that meetings had been held and measures had been taken to develop proposals and draft documents and to approve the agenda of the meeting.
Focusing on the active dynamics of international partnerships, the Hero-Arkadag noted the significant contribution of the members of the Humanitarian Association of Turkmen of the World, including foreign ones, to the wide promotion of the achievements of independent Turkmenistan and the expansion of the friendly dialogue. The results of the activities of the Association are summed up annually in September – at a meeting timed to coincide with the holiday of independence of our country.
In continuation, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave the floor to the Vice-President of the Humanitarian Association of the Turkmen of the World R. Bazarov, who reported on the activities of the HATW and preparations for its forthcoming meeting.
Speaking about the wide recognition of the foreign-policy course and international initiatives of Turkmenistan based on the status of permanent neutrality, R. Bazarov emphasised the country’s achievements in that area were due to the large-scale activities of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who consistently implemented the good undertakings of the Hero-Arkadag.
Thus, under the far-sighted leadership of the head of state and thanks to the tireless support of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, targeted measures to popularise the historical and cultural heritage and spiritual values of the nation are marked by success. They are progressive, especially in the current year, which is being held under the motto “Happy Youth with Arkadag Serdar”. Relevant work is also carried out by the Humanitarian Association of the Turkmen of the World.
As it was reported, in many countries, members of the HATW organise various events to mark the 300th anniversary of the great master of the artistic word Magtymguly Pyragy, in particular, thematic forums had been held in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
At the same time, R. Bazarov informed of the practical steps taken to draw up the agenda of the following meeting of the HATW and to work out the participation of foreign delegations in the celebrations on the occasion of Independence Day in accordance with a special plan.
Further, the floor was given to the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov.
Noting the importance of the meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty chaired by the Hero-Arkadag, the Head of the Foreign Ministry stressed participation in it was a great honour.
As it was noted, a number of important tasks had been considered at the meeting, and strategic goals had been announced. Today, Turkmenistan, whose neutral status has been recognised twice by the Community of Nations, has great prestige on the international arena and is actively cooperating with many countries of the world. In the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who worthily continues the large-scale initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the foundations of sacred independence and the principles of permanent neutrality of our Motherland are consistently strengthened.
Noting that at the meeting of the Presidium, special attention had been paid to a number of sectors, in particular, education, culture, health and transport, the Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov stressed the relevance of the issues discussed in the context of further improving the living standards of the population. In achieving key goals, as the Hero-Arkadag says, all segments of the population, from 7 to 70 years old, are actively involved, which indicates the solidity of our society.
In conclusion, the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured that all measures would be taken to implement the tasks set by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, including the well-organised high-level meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
Then the floor was given to the Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova, who noted that year, the motto of which was “Happy Youth with Arkadag Serdar”, the people of Turkmenistan, inspired by the grandiose achievements of the country, were working together for a brighter future. Speaking of this, the head of the national parliament emphasised the continuity of the primordial traditions to solve the most important issues together with representatives of all segments of the population, relying on the experience of glorious ancestors in governing the state. This is a result of the successful implementation of targeted measures taken in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State thanks to the active support and constant attention of the Hero-Arkadag.
Noting that during the meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty, the National Leader of the Turkmen people had determined the tasks of nominating citizens, respected by their compatriots and who had achieved great success in work, for state awards and conferring honorary titles on them, the chairman of the legislative body said that everything necessary would be done to their organised decision.
Assuring that, guided by the instructions of the head of state given at the extended sitting of the Government, following the results of the first half of the year, and the tasks set by the Hero-Arkadag at that meeting, planned measures would be taken to prepare for the national forum and the organisational and methodological support for the work of the velayat, etrap and city halk maslahaty, the Head of the Mejlis addressed the National Leader of the Turkmen people and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov with wishes for strong health and every success in their large-scale activity.
Then the floor was given to the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of the city of Ashgabat, Honorary Elder of Turkmenistan G. Atayev.
Noting that at the meeting held at the beginning of the year “Happy Youth with Arkadag Serdar”, a range of important tasks, arising from the programme speech of the Hero-Arkadag and in accordance with which members of the Halk Maslahaty had carried out extensive explanatory and educational work among the population, had been identified, G. Atayev expressed gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the President of the country for the conditions created and support.
Congratulating on the opening on June 29 of the unique in the region “smart city”, which had added a bright page in the annals of the Motherland, and on the publication on holidays of the wonderful work of the scientist-Arkadag Ömrümiň Manysynyň Dowamaty, which had become a wonderful gift for the people of Turkmenistan, G. Atayev expressed sincere gratitude to the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty and the Head of State for their tireless concern for ensuring the happy life of their people.
Thanking for the informative speeches, the Hero-Arkadag highlighted the importance of well-coordinated work of profile structures in the context of the organised holding of events on the occasion of forthcoming significant dates.
Focusing on the fact that the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan faced great tasks of the development of the country, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted the Halk Maslahaty, in coordination with the Mejlis, the Government and public organisations, should continue work aimed at the consistent promotion of the reform policy and the comprehensive development of the Motherland.
Noting that the long-term tasks of the Halk Maslahaty and other representative bodies had been determined at a meeting held in April, the Hero-Arkadag said the priorities were the successful implementation of the programmes of the socioeconomic development of the country and the democratisation of society, the integrated development of regions and the satisfaction of the needs of the population.
At the end of the meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty, the Hero-Arkadag stressed the need to continue developing proposals for the successful promotion of reform policy in various areas, noting that the ultimate goal was to ensure a prosperous life for citizens.
Further, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the Resolution of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan on convening and organising a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty.
According to the document, the date and place of its holding were determined, its organising committee was established, and its composition and the procedure for electing members of the public to the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, proposed by the halk maslahaty of the velayats and the city of Ashgabat, was approved.
The Hero-Arkadag also issued the Resolution on the approval of the Regulations and composition of the Council of Elders of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
Thus, the organisational work on holding the high-level national forum has officially started.
Expressing confidence that each structure would make a feasible contribution to the successful holding of the important social and political event, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished those present every success in their work.