Elvira Kadyrova
On September 25, 2021, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov chaired a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) of the Milli Gengesh (National Council) of Turkmenistan on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the sacred Independence of Turkmenistan.
The meeting was attended by elected members of the Halk Maslahaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, members of the Mejlis, heads of government agencies, political parties and public organizations, khyakims of velayats, districts and cities, honorary elders and representatives of all sectors of the population.
The agenda of the nationwide event focused on the achievements of Turkmenistan’s statehood over 30 years of independence. The discussion also focused on the priorities of further comprehensive development of Turkmenistan and implementation of the goals and tasks to ensure prosperous life of Turkmen people. Important decisions were made aimed at further prosperity of our independent state and improving the living standards of the people.
In his speech, the President of Turkmenistan noted with satisfaction the tremendous achievements of the country during the years of sovereign development. The head of state noted that within historically short period of time Turkmen people proved to be a peace-loving, friendly nation able to build and create.
Noting the importance of the landmark date, Turkmen leader emphasized that this anniversary date intended to further strengthen the unity and cohesion of our people will become another confident step forward on the chosen creative path in the modern history of the country.
During his speech, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized formation of a solid foundation for strong economic development and outlined priority directions of the national policy.
The President also spoke about the importance of the foreign policy of the state and the high prestige of Turkmenistan in the international arena. As the head of state stressed, our state will continue consistently implement a peace-loving foreign policy strategy aimed at the development of friendly, constructive relations with the world countries.
During the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan signed decrees on awarding state awards to distinguished citizens on the occasion of the anniversary of Independence of Turkmenistan.
Speech by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the session of the People’s Council (Halk Maslahaty) of Turkmenistan
(Ashgabat, 25 September 2021)
Dear compatriots, my native people! Dear members of Milli Gengesh and the Government of Turkmenistan! Dear participants of the meeting!
On 27 September 2021, which is held under the motto “Turkmenistan is the Motherland of peace and trust”, we are especially proud to celebrate the main holiday of our country – the glorious 30th anniversary of the great independence of our beloved Motherland. This date marks a grandiose event that increases the authority and glory of our sovereign state and united people, inspiring each of us to achieve new great goals.
30 years ago, in the autumn of 1991, an independent Turkmen state recognized by the world community was founded.
I sincerely wish the native people, good health, a prosperous and happy life, great success in your work for the sake of the further prosperity of the sovereign Fatherland!
Dear compatriots!
Independence is the beginning of a new history of our native Motherland, the basis of our successes and achievements.
Every day, month, year, decade of the independence era was full of significant political, economic, socio-cultural events. Many of you were eyewitnesses of those events, took an active part in them.
In a short period of development along the path of great independence, Turkmenistan has turned into a self-sufficient state that has gained great respect and authority on the world stage.
Independence allowed us to make the aspirations of our courageous ancestors for a sovereign Fatherland come true. During this period, a solid foundation was laid for our democratic, legal and secular country.
There have been significant changes in the mentality and cultural and spiritual life of the people, completely new social relations have emerged. The state independence has revived the original material and spiritual values and principles of high humanism of our people, passed down from generation to generation.
During the years of sovereign development, huge successes have been achieved in all spheres, in particular in foreign policy, industry, innovation and social development. When creating a democratic, legal and secular state, we proceeded from national experience, guided by the practical achievements of developed countries.
We highly honor the memory of the first President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Atayevich Niyazov, who led the country since the declaration of the independence, in a difficult and complex time. We will never forget how, under his leadership, our courageous people managed to implement grandiose reforms.
During this period, the Constitution of Turkmenistan was adopted, which defined the state structure, absorbed the world and national democratic experience in accordance with the generally recognized norms and principles of international law.
State symbols were created – the State Flag, the State Emblem and the National Anthem, which became a kind of embodiment of the history, spiritual and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people.
On the basis of the Constitution of our country, legislative acts have been developed aimed at coordinating and ensuring equality of interests of the state, society and the individual. The military, law enforcement agencies, and national security agencies have been completely reformed. The National Army of Turkmenistan has been formed, in particular, the Land Forces, Air and Naval Forces, and Border Troops.
On 1 November 1993, the national currency was introduced in our country.
The Basic Law of our sovereign state defines that the highest value of society and the state is a person. Protection, support of a person and service to him are the main tasks of state authorities.
Therefore, ensuring the political, economic, social and other rights and freedoms of every citizen of our country, strengthening the democratic norms and legal foundations of the country and society have become priorities of state policy.
The Constitution also confirms Turkmenistan’s commitment to the norms of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Based on this, our country has adopted a National Plan in the field of Human Rights, which provides for the comprehensive implementation and further improvement of human rights.
Ensuring gender equality in accordance with the Basic Law of Turkmenistan and generally recognized norms of international law is also one of the priorities of the state strategy.
Dear participants of the meeting!
The recognition of Turkmenistan as an independent State has created optimal conditions for choosing its own internal and foreign political orientation. Following the dream of our glorious ancestors of creating a national state that unites the Turkmen society, consistent measures were taken to build a new democratic, legal and secular state, a new civil society, and to turn the Motherland into one of the steadily developing countries of the world.
Over the past period, detailed programs have been successfully implemented aimed at improving the level and quality of life of our compatriots, forming a competitive national economy, and socio-economic development of the country. We are achieving great outcomes in this direction today.
US $ 200 billion of investments were made into the economy of Turkmenistan during the 30 years of independence. Over 60% of these funds were allocated for the development of the industrial sector.
The share of foreign capital in the total investments is approaching 15 %.
Significant funds were disbursed for the development of human capital – the spheres of science and education, the healthcare system. Today, thanks to the reserves of the Stabilization Fund, stable financial dynamics of Turkmenistan is ensured.
Dear participants of the meeting!
The oil and gas wealth of our country, which play a significant role in the capital accumulation for the stable development, have become a reliable support of the national economy.
Turkmenistan, possessing abundant hydrocarbon resources, shows a responsible approach to the effective use of its impressive energy potential in the interests of citizens and all mankind, consistently taking concrete steps in this area.
The diversification of natural gas supplies to world markets is one of the key goals of the energy strategy of our state, which ranks fourth in the world in terms of gas reserves.
This is evidenced by the Resolution on reliable and stable transit of energy resources, which was unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on the proposal of Turkmenistan.
The implementation of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline project is also of great geopolitical and geo-economic importance. The new energy bridge will allow establishing long-term supplies of Turkmen natural gas to the largest countries of South Asia, will give a tremendous impetus to the socio-economic prosperity of the entire region, enhance business cooperation, peace and sustainable development.
Dear participants of the meeting!
The energy industry is also one of the most important segments of the economy. Therefore, intensive work is being carried out in our sovereign Motherland on the construction and launch of new power stations, modernization of existing ones and the construction of new gas turbine power plants.
A ring energy system has been created in the country, including in Ashgabat. Moreover, the energy supply is improved gradually on the basis of modern energy-saving technologies, the solar and wind energy generation projects are being realized, taking into account local natural and climatic conditions.
The largest high-tech power plant in Central Asia has been built in the Mary province.
In commemoration of the glorious 30th anniversary of state independence, 432 megawatts gas turbine power plant was put into operation in the Chardjev district of the Lebap province.
It is planned to build a station in the Serdar district of the Balkan province, which will generate electricity from solar and wind energy.
All this contributes to the transformation of our native Motherland into a country that fully provides itself with electricity and has a huge export potential.
Dear participants of the meeting!
During the years of independence, the agricultural sector has also gained progressive dynamics of development. According to the integrated system of state support for the domestic agro-industrial complex, significant investments are made annually in this area.
Programs are also being implemented to improve the land reclamation condition, increase soil fertility, develop science-based breeding and seed production, introduce more cost-effective technologies and the most advanced scientific and technical practices into agriculture.
Sophisticated grain and livestock complexes, greenhouses, cold storage facilities and agricultural processing enterprises have been built in all regions of the country.
High-performance agricultural machinery, grain and cotton harvesters from the world’s leading companies are regularly purchased.
Turkmenabat chemical plant, the plants “Tejenkarbamid”, “Marykarbamid” and “Garabogazkarbamid”, iodine plants “Balkanabat” and “Bereket”, the production associations “Maryazot” and “Garabogazsulfat” produce high-quality mineral fertilizers and chemical products.
This contributes to increasing labor productivity, rich harvests of grain, cotton, rice, sugar beet and other agricultural crops, and ensuring food abundance.
This year, the grain growers of our independent state, which is the birthplace of ak bugdai, have gathered over 1 million 400 thousand tons of grain. This brilliant achievement has become a worthy gift of our hardworking farmers for the glorious holiday of the sovereign Fatherland.
Dear participants of the meeting!
Water is the source of life, which is an invariable factor in the cultivation of rich harvests of agricultural crops. The ancient Turkmen land is one of the first centers of irrigated agriculture. Living on a fertile land, our ancestors left us a legacy of the best methods of tillage, rationale water use. A drop of water was equivalent to a grain of gold for them, so they economically spent the water of rivers, ditches flowing down from mountain gorges.
In this regard, the Turkmens have many sayings about water: “A drop of water is a grain of gold”, “The wealth of a farmer is land and water”, “Land with water is a flower garden, without water is a desert”. Today, following the traditions of our wise ancestors, rational water use is one of the key tasks of state policy. Based on this, water-saving technologies are being widely introduced into production. The best practices are used in the construction of water management facilities and systems.
Having built the first Turkmen lake “Altyn asyr” in Central Asia for collecting drainage water, we have demonstrated to the whole world that a lot of work is being done in our country in the field of environmental protection. On the occasion of the glorious 30th anniversary, a reservoir with a capacity of 18 million cubic meters was commissioned in the Bereket district of the Balkan province. The implementation of this project has become another step towards sustainable water use and obtaining generous harvests of agricultural crops.
Dear participants of the meeting!
The preservation of the purity and richness of the environment, careful attitude to natural resources and their rational use, the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies into production are the priorities of our state policy.
Our country, where practical measures are being taken to turn our native land into a blooming garden, ensure environmental well-being, protect flora and fauna, stands for expanding constructive partnership with prominent international organizations in solving urgent environmental and water problems.
Our proposals to open a Regional center for technologies related to climate change in Central Asia in Ashgabat, to develop a Special United Nations program to save the Aral Sea and the UN Water Strategy have gained wide support in the world.
At the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States, we put forward proposals to strengthen regional cooperation in order to minimize the negative factors leading to climate change. We also took initiatives in the field of combating desertification, rational use of hydro and energy resources, environmental protection, and the preparation of projects and programs aimed at introducing resource-saving and green technologies, including the development of renewable energy sources.
The approval of the “Concept of Turkmenistan for 2021-2025 for the Aral Sea”, the new edition of the National Strategy of Turkmenistan on Climate Change and the National Forest Program of Turkmenistan for 2021-2025 laid the basis for activities designed to ensure environmental well-being in the country and the region.
As the saying goes: “If you plant one tree, you will find the eternity of life”, “The garden belongs to the one who planted it, and the ditch belongs to the one who dug it”. Therefore, following the national traditions and customs inherited from our ancestors, millions of tree seedlings are planted in our country every year, which has become a good tradition.
If last year, in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of neutrality, 25 million seedlings of fruit, deciduous, coniferous trees and grapes were planted in the vicinity of Ashgabat and provinces, this year, in honor of the 30th anniversary of independence, it is planned to plant 30 million seedlings for the first time.
Dear participants of the meeting!
A lot of work is also being done to implement state programs to increase the export of domestic products, import substitution, ensure food abundance, and increase the number of jobs.
For this purpose, many enterprises and factories equipped with modern technologies were built and put into operation in the country. In recent years, the Mary and Garabogaz carbamide plants, a gas chemical complex in Kiyanly, a plant for the production of gasoline from natural gas in the Akhal province and glass factory have been built. The export of these products brings our country additional income in foreign currency.
Currently, more than 80 large textile enterprises of our country produce cotton and mixed yarn. Fleecy, denim and knitted fabrics, many types of ready-made clothing and handmade carpets, which are in demand on the world markets, are produced.
We have recently opened a modern textile complex in the Kaakhka district of the Akhal province. The commissioning of another one is planned in the Babadaykhan district.
Dear participants of the meeting!
These times requires new approaches, the creation of innovative industries.
The comprehensive work is being carried out in our country to form a digital economy based on high technologies and fundamental theoretical sciences. We are creating an electronic industry, which is a new and intensively developing segment of the national economy.
Today, smart TVs, laptops, tablets, monoblocks, computers with a touch screen panel, check printers, scanners and other types of electronic products are produced in our country.
We consider the strengthening of cooperation between research institutions, research centers of higher educational institutions, industrial enterprises of electronic communication and the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan as one of the main factors of future development. It necessary to produce industrial and automotive electronics, medical and computer equipment, electronic and other goods, as well as the creation of new enterprises.
Dear participants of the meeting!
You are well aware that state support for entrepreneurship is one of the priority areas of socio-economic development of our country. Today, there are optimal legal, financial, economic and social conditions for the harmonious development of small and medium-sized businesses, support for business initiative.
The private sector plays a greater role in the production of high-quality and competitive products, the creation of food abundance, the construction of industrial enterprises, shopping centers, modern villages. I would like to note the work of individual enterprises engaged in the production of competitive import–substituting and export–oriented high-quality products, the construction of the Turkmenabat-Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi highway and the modern administrative center of the Akhal province, as well as the implementation of other major projects.
Dear participants of the meeting!
Taking care of the prosperous and happy life of the people is the main goal of state policy. 43.8 billion manats were allocated under the National Rural Program of the President of Turkmenistan,.
So far, 91 hospitals, 153 houses and health centers, 85 cultural centers, 370 preschool institutions, 529 secondary schools, 117 sports schools, 86 sports facilities, about 7 thousand kilometers of highways have been built in the country.
In addition, 42 million square meters of housing were commissioned, many socially significant projects were implemented.
International and national projects for the construction of new industrial and social facilities, roads and railways, and bridges have been successfully implemented. They include the National Tourist zone “Avaza”, the gas pipelines Turkmenistan–China, Turkmenistan-Iran, East-West. One of the examples are the transnational railways North–South, Serkhetabat-Torghundi, road and railway bridges across the Amu Darya, International airports in Ashgabat, Turkmenbashi, Turkmenabat, Kerki, the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi. All this is only part of the titanic work done during the years of independence.
The implementation of projects for the industrial development of our country, the creation of international transport corridors, exploring outer space, the transformation of cities and villages, the transformation of white marble Ashgabat into one of the most beautiful cities on the planet – grandiose successes and achievements of our Fatherland, we are proud of them!
Dear participants of the meeting!
Special attention is also paid to the modernization of transport and communications, which are intensively developing and promising segments of the economy. Today, the former routes of the ancient Great Silk Road are laid on the basis of the implemented transport and logistics strategy. The adoption of the best practices allowed overwhelming update of the railway, automobile, air, sea and river infrastructure.
Passenger buses, cars and trucks from the world’s leading companies are purchased.
The implementation of this strategy contributes to the active integration of our country into the Eurasian transport infrastructure. The favorable geographical location of the independent Motherland gives a huge advantage in the formation of a competitive transport support system.
By implementing projects of transport and transit communications along the East–West and North–South routes, Turkmenistan actively participates in the creation of transnational transport corridors Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia (Lapis Lazuli), Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Oman–Qatar, TRACECA.
The International Seaport of Turkmenbashi was built on the coast of the Caspian Sea, which can be called the “main sea gate” not only of our country, but also of the entire Central Asia.
This year, a 30-kilometer rail line Aqina–Andkhoy, a 153-kilometer power transmission line Kerki-Shibirgan, as well as international fiber-optic communication systems Ymamnazar–Aqina and Serkhetabat-Torghundi were commissioned.
The international community actively supports our strategy in the field of transport.
As you know, based on our initiatives and proposals, the United Nations General Assembly has adopted three historically significant resolutions.
The adoption at the 96th plenary meeting of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly of the Resolution “Strengthening links between all modes of transport to ensure stable and reliable international transport for sustainable development during and after the coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19)” was a significant event of 2021, recognized at the international level.
The adoption of this Resolution will contribute to the emergence of new opportunities for the development of international transport and logistics cooperation, its strengthening on a global and regional scale. It will also allow us to implement our long-term international strategies and projects, successfully achieve the Sustainable Development Goals adopted at the 70th session of the United Nations.
Dear participants of the meeting!
Currently, relying on the achievements of scientific and technological progress, on the advanced technologies, knowledge and innovations, we have accumulated a wealth of experience in the development of science, education, and culture.
Much attention is also paid to the upbringing of a spiritually rich, physically strong generation with a broad outlook. The most favorable conditions for mastering modern knowledge, taking into account modern world experience, for studying science and creativity, have been created for our youth. The basics of educational work are being improved, national programs and concepts are being successfully implemented.
At the same time, special attention is paid to the development and popularization of national culture as a consolidating and inspiring force of society.
Modern theaters, libraries and museums, cultural centers are vivid evidence of the rapid development of culture and art.
In the era of power and happiness, a lot of work is also being done to revive, protect and study the national heritage and cultural and spiritual values, which are the focus of the spiritual features of past epochs, the wisdom of our great ancestors.
All this testifies to the careful attitude of the people to their historical and cultural heritage.
Because culture is the soul of the people!
Dear participants of the meeting!
Among the priorities of the state policy, the formation of the principles of a healthy lifestyle in society, the activation of the sports and physical culture movement are identified. And a lot of work is also being done in this direction. Within the framework of cooperation and cooperation with the World Health Organization, a number of dangerous infectious diseases have been eliminated in our country. These successes are evidenced by the international certificates.
Modern hospitals and research and clinical centers, an Olympic town, multi-profile sports complexes, stadiums, sports grounds have been built in the capital and provinces of the country. A modern sports infrastructure has been created.
As a member of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, our country makes a significant contribution to the development of the International Olympic Movement. The Asian Games-2017, the International Rally “Amul–Khazar 2018”, relay races and mass cycling races along the Great Silk Road, the World Weightlifting Championship were held in Turkmenistan at the highest organizational level.
At the XXXII Summer Olympic Games recently held in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, an Olympic medal was won for the first time in the history of Turkmen sports. And this has become a significant achievement, indicating the growth of our country’s authority in the international sports arena.
We are convinced that our athletes, participating in international competitions, will continue to adequately defend the sport honor of our country, showing vivid examples of patriotism and sportsmanship!
Dear participants of the meeting!
The rapid growth of the revenue part of the State Budget of Turkmenistan has a positive impact on the investment activity of the country. In recent years, the revenue part of the State Budget has been constantly growing. Significant funds of the State budget are allocated for the public and social services.
In the provinces, a substantial share of the funds is disbursed to the transformation of the social and living conditions of the population of villages, towns, cities in districts and district centers.
Most of the State budget expenditures are utilized in financing the social sphere, including the reform of the health care, education, culture, and public utilities systems. Due to the systematic increase in wages, pensions, state benefits and student scholarships, the well-thought-out implementation of pricing policy, support for private initiatives, and the provision of additional social benefits, high indicators have been achieved in the socio-economic development of the country.
The country has outlined tasks for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. In order to meet the needs of current and future generations, we are carrying out the necessary work on the transition to sustainable development.
We have managed to provide the population with affordable, high-quality medical and educational services. We have also taken the necessary measures to reduce the impact associated with climate change.
In terms of the socio-economic development of our independent state, in terms of GDP per capita, Turkmenistan has reached the average level of high-income countries of the world.
And these are specific indicators of the effectiveness of the monetary, fiscal, investment policy implemented in the country, as well as the pricing policy. Our success has been confirmed by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other reputable international organizations.
The macroeconomic indicators of the gross national product, gross domestic product, and social production are consistently maintained at a high level.
In addition, the volume of funds allocated for technical support of the leading sectors of the economy, implementation of socio-economic programs and major investment projects has been significantly increased.
Dear participants of the meeting!
Today, we can say with confidence that as a result of economic transformations, a national economy has been formed in the country, which is highly provided with a developed production infrastructure, a multilateral transport and communication system, and most importantly, human potential.
Due to the diversification and transfer of all sectors of the economy to the digital system, the creation of innovative production facilities, the expansion of international cooperation, the multiplication of foreign economic opportunities, the activation of investment activities, we have significantly increased the level of our country’s involvement in the global economic system.
Dear participants of the meeting!
Despite the complex situation in the world, we continue to work to mitigate the impact of the global economic crisis on the national economy.
We are taking the necessary measures to achieve the stability of the budget system, effectively fulfill the obligations on state expenditures, and improve the social and living conditions of citizens.
Currently, about 2.5 thousand large facilities worth over US $37 billion are being built in the country.
Within the framework of the “Program of the President of Turkmenistan on socio-economic development of the country for 2019-2025”, the infrastructure of cities and rural areas is being developed to turn the country into an industrially developed state, to create transport and logistics systems.
The construction of new large housing complexes in the capital – the city of Ashgabat, the administrative center of the Akhal province, as well as modern villages and settlements in the regions of the country continues at a high pace.
To celebrate the glorious 30th anniversary of the sacred independence, it was planned to commission 30 objects. However, as a result of the inspired and tireless work of the people, 56 large structures were put into operation in January–September, including residential buildings with a total area of 509 thousand square meters!
By the end of the year, it is planned to put into operation 14 more large objects and several residential complexes.
According to the results of eight months of this year, the GDP grew by 6.2 percent year on year. And this is an evidence of the strengthening of the country’s economic potential, the successful solution of all the tasks set.
The granting of observer status to our country in the World Trade Organization has become an important step towards the development of trade and entrepreneurship. This fact opens up new opportunities for attracting foreign investment into the national economy, creating additional jobs, and developing support systems for all sectors.
The international agency “Fitch Ratings” has assigned our country a rating of “B+stable”. The assignment of such a level proves the dynamic development of our economy.
Dear participants of the meeting!
However, we should never stop there. I believe that we should continue the policy of transformation that we have started and set the main goal of ensuring high rates of socio-economic development of the country.
Currently, we are facing very serious tasks, namely, increasing the volume of agricultural production, ensuring food abundance, rational and thoughtful use of land and water resources, and environmental protection.
In the current conditions, we must widely introduce advanced technologies in the development of the national economy, form new economic relations, and involve entrepreneurs more widely in reforming agriculture. And for this – to train highly qualified specialists.
We must take the necessary measures to improve the socio-economic standard of living of the rural population.
The country’s socio-economic development strategy and the deep reforms require us to carry out new transformations in the scientific, educational and cultural spheres.
We consider scientific, educational and cultural diplomacy to be the most important component of the state’s policy. For the development of cooperation in the field of science and education, the popularization of cultural values are the main tools of scientific, educational and cultural diplomacy.
The city of Ashgabat should be included in the “Design” category in the UNESCO “Network of Creative Cities”. The craft of making dutar, bakhshi performance art, the national experience of Turkmen Alabai dogs breeding, the art of hand-making felts and smithcraft, the Turkmen tazy dogs and the art of taming hunting birds, the Turkmen national wrestling goresh should be included to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
We are also facing such important tasks as including the celebration of the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly in a number of significant events celebrated at the UNESCO level, the creation of UNESCO chairs in higher schools, as well as the inclusion of several secondary schools in our country in the Association of UNESCO Schools.
Dear participants of the meeting!
All the efforts of the members of the Halk Maslahaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan and the members of the Mejlis should be directed to the preparation of laws providing for the harmonious development of the state and society, respect for the interests of each human person, strengthening and modernizing the country’s legal system, increasing cooperation with international organizations and states of the world.
It is necessary to expand parliamentary diplomacy, especially with specialized structures of the United Nations, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and other major international parliamentary assemblies.
Our country has rich raw material deposits. So, we need to build new plants for processing raw materials, ensure the modernization of existing enterprises and re-equip them.
At the same time, it is necessary to train highly qualified specialists, as well as improve their professionalism to work at modern enterprises.
This will allow us to create new jobs and increase the volume of exports of products.
It is also necessary to increase international cooperation. To this end, foreign investment should be attracted to strategically important industries, including oil and gas, chemical industry.
We must make every effort to develop the national economy through the use of rich raw materials, economic and investment potential, increasing international cooperation and multiplying foreign economic opportunities.
To achieve sustainable economic development, it is necessary to continue the ongoing work on the implementation of the National Program of socio-economic development of Turkmenistan for 2011-2030, the Program of the President of Turkmenistan on socio-economic development of the country for 2019-2025, as well as other state and sectoral programs.
For the further development of the country’s economy, we should perform the following works:
to carry out a fundamental diversification of economic sectors, to promote the development of processing production industries based on high and environmentally friendly technologies;
to improve radically the forms and methods of state property management;
to create a national investment system in scientific and educational institutions, increase interest in educational work, expand various forms of ownership by implementing technological discoveries based on the achievements of science and education;
to increase the product export to foreign countries;
to create new jobs, including in the non-state sector of the economy, increase the level of employment of the population by transforming the system of training specialists;
to ensure a constant increase in the income of the population, to achieve a constant increase in the level of wages of employees as the most important tool for stimulating their activity;
to provide targeted assistance to people in need, develop a well-thought-out system of benefits, strengthen social protection by improving the quality of social services;
to create economic conditions for the production of environmentally friendly products and ensure the constant safety of the environment by stimulating production.
Dear compatriots!
Based on the motto “The state is for the person!”, we must continue to work to ensure social protection of large families, to provide them with support. We must consolidate this work at the legislative level.
In this regard, there is a need to make appropriate changes to the Law on Social Protection of the Population, in that part of it, which refers to the provision of benefits to large families.
Because in the upbringing of the younger generation – the future of our country – the main role belongs to the mother, and our mothers deserve the deepest respect.
In this regard, I consider it appropriate to introduce new norms into the relevant laws concerning the increase in the amount of pensions for mothers awarded the honorary title of Turkmenistan “Ene mähri”, state child care benefits, the amount of social benefits, as well as earlier retirement of mothers who have given birth and raised eight or more children!
In addition, the revision of the size of state benefits for the birth of a child, an increase in the amount of payments for mothers who have given birth and raised five or more children will contribute to the material well-being of large families.
Dear participants of the meeting!
We will continue to work in this direction, and next year the amounts of wages, scholarships, pensions and benefits will also be increased!
Dear participants of the meeting!
Realizing that today only together with the international community it is possible to solve complex problems, we are supporters of friendly relations based on the principles of mutual respect. In foreign policy, Turkmenistan remains committed to the humanistic principles of mutual respect and equality.
In foreign policy, our independent state chose a course of positive neutrality 25 years ago. This course is based on such concepts as peacefulness, good-neighborliness, mutual respect for all countries and peoples, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, non-participation in military blocs and treaties.
With the unanimous support of 185 States, on 12 December 1995, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a special resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan”. And from the very first days, our country has chosen the path of contributing to the efforts of the international community in maintaining universal peace, security and sustainable development on the planet, as well as a foreign policy course to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Turkmenistan, located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, in the center of the Great Silk Road, has accumulated invaluable experience in forming completely new, effective ways and directions of international cooperation, establishing friendly relations with the countries of the world and authoritative international structures.
In 2007, the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia was opened in Ashgabat. In 2015, the UN General Assembly re-adopted the Resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan”. Now, the International Day of Neutrality is celebrated annually on 12 December.
Our proposals and initiatives for the development of international trade and economic relations, ensuring environmental security in connection with climate change, environmental protection, ensuring energy security, and creating international transport corridors have received broad support from the world community. All this suggests that our neutral state has become an open and reliable partner.
The poet and thinker of the XVIII century Dovletmammet Azadi in his work “Wagzy-Azat” noteed that any question, even the most difficult, must and could be solved by consulting.
This was a confirmation that the roots of our neutrality views come from the depths of centuries.
Our main goals, based on strict compliance with international obligations and norms of international law, will continue to serve the use of the geopolitical and geo-economic opportunities of our country in the interests of peaceful life and creative development.
Dear friends, Dear participants of the meeting!
In order to ensure national interests on the world stage, our independent country is strengthening and increasing multilateral ties with such authoritative international structures as the United Nations, the European Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In addition, our country is developing multilateral relations with the States of the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle and Middle East, and with all continental countries. At the same time, political, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties are systematically increasing.
The pandemic, the warming of the climate on the planet, and the challenges in ensuring food security create obstacles to effective cooperation between countries.
Unfortunately, these circumstances cause difficulties both for solving multilateral issues and for maintaining strategic balance and stability.
In this regard, we consider it necessary to restore trust in international relations, ensure reliability and mutual understanding. Under these conditions, Turkmenistan has taken the initiative to declare 2021 the Year of Peace and Trust. And our country’s proposal was unanimously supported and approved by the United Nations General Assembly.
Dear compatriots! My native people! Dear members of Milli Gengesh and the Government of Turkmenistan!
My most cherished desire is to improve the fundamental principles of our Independence and Neutrality, to confidently lead the country to the great future.
We have set great goals for ourselves – to strengthen the foundations of independence and neutrality as a reliable source of all our initiatives and actions that will lead Turkmenistan to a number of developed countries of the world. And in the next decade, at a new and very responsible stage of the independent development of our country, we will successfully continue the work we have begun.
I am sure that our country, relying on its neutral legal status, its favorable geopolitical and geo-economic position, having huge reserves of raw materials, as well as a powerful human potential, will soon turn into one of the most powerful industrially developed states!
Long live a happy life, inspiring a courageous people to creative work in an era of power and happiness!
Long live an independent, neutral Turkmenistan!
My native people!
Forward, forward, only forward, my native motherland-Turkmenistan!
Awarding ceremony
Following the session of the People’s Council, awarding ceremony took place. The President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has been awarded the jubilee medal “Türkmenistanyń Garaşsyzlygynyń 30 yyllygyna” [on occasion of 30th anniversary of independence of Turkmenistan] and the commemorative sign of the national currency “Altyn şaý”.
Then President Berdimuhamedov presented jubilee medals “Türkmenistanyn Garaşsyzlygyny 30 yyllygyna” and commemorative badges to members of the Cabinet of Ministers, Chairman of the Mejlis and Deputy Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan. /// nCa, 27 September 2021