NEWS
SESSION OF THE GOVERNMENT: MAIN VECTORS OF FOREIGN POLICY, STRATEGY OF DIVERSIFICATION OF ECONOMY
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held video conference session of the Cabinet of Ministers where current subjects of the state life and drafts of some documents have been reviewed.
Having announced the agenda, the Head of Turkmenistan gave floor to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushikov who reported on the result of inspections of activity of the ministries and profile departments of cultural sphere, which were carried out in accordance with instructions of the Head of the State.
According to the results of work, proposals for improvement of management system and reformation of the structure of the Ministry of Culture and its divisions for the opportunities for improvement of their main financial and economic indicators and enhancement of activity have been presented to the President.
Having approved the proposals presented by the Vice-premier, Turkmen leader noted the importance of structural reforms for improvement of activity of the structures under the Ministry of Culture. Having focused on the necessity of integrated measures for solution of current objectives, the President addressed the Vice-premier with instructions to implement the plans using advanced methods and modern technologies.
Continuing the session, the Vice-premier has reported on preparation to launch new mobile application Halkbank Terminal by the State Commercial Halkbank.
The application has been developed under the measures for expansion of range of non-cash payments in shopping and service outlets and improvement of reliability of the payments. After introduction of Halkbank Terminal, it is planned to install software to mobile phones for making relevant operations in digital format.
Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that crediting, non-cash payments and transactions become usual services at present in the result of integrated measures.
The Vice-premier was instructed to activate work for launching of the application Halkbank Terminal as well as to think over the subject of development of similar application by other banks of the country.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredov has reported on the situation in different spheres of fuel and energy complex, measures for strengthening of resource base and production potential of the complex, increment of production and processing of oil and gas.
The Vice-premier has also reported on work for completion of the Order of exchange trades for sale of commodities of oil and gas industry of Turkmenistan to foreign countries.
Summing up the report, the Head of the State has noted that improvement of efficiency of work of facilities of fuel and energy complex including their foreign economic activity, which has to be brought in compliance with time realities, is an important objectives of present day,
It is necessary to study the main trends of global oil and gas industry, condition of the world energy markets, to analyze the demand on the main products of fuel and energy complex and to make own plans of development on this base, the Head of the State highlighted.
The President has addressed the Vice-premier with number of certain instructions for diversification of oil and gas sector, modernization of its infrastructure on innovative base, having focused on importance of control of completion of major investment projects including the construction of transnational TAPI gas line.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiyev reported to the Head of the State about seasonal field works and preparation to sowing of wheat.
Draft Resolution on granting of resources to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Protection has been presented to the President for review. It is planned to build new cold stores with storage capacity of 2,000 tons each and reconstruct existing stores for storage of 4,450 tons of production in Baherden district, Ahal Region and Serdar District, Balkan Region for provision of the population with vegetable all year around.
Summing up the report, the Head of the State has ordered to pay special attention to organizational issues related to preparation to the cotton harvest campaign, which has to be carried out in optimum time, having provided full protection of reaped product.
Having highlighted that provision of food abundance is an important aspect of social policy, the Head of the State pointed out that it is necessary to take practical measures for increment of production of potato and other vegetable and cucurbitaceous crops.
It was mentioned that the Programme of the President of Turkmenistan for social and economic development of the country in 2020 – 2025 provides the construction of cold stores with 53,000 tons storage capacity in Ashgabat and regions.
Having signed relative Resolution, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent it to the Vice-premier by electronic document management system, having instructed to hold this subjects under strict control.
Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Durdyliyev reported on the situation at major production and social facilities, which opening is planned on occasion of the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
Having listened to the report, the Head of Turkmenistan gave instruction to enforce control of the course of construction, to pay special attention to quality of works, which have to be accomplished according to the timeline.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov has reported about construction of Akina – Andhoy railway in Afgahnistan.
It was mentioned that strengthening and development of friendly and fraternal relations with neighboring countries including with Afghanistan are the main vectors of foreign course of the country. Delegation of our country has visited Afghanistan on June 16 – 17 for discussion of priority directions of interstate cooperation. During the visit, the contract on implementation of this projects has been concluded between Türkmendemirýollary Agency and railway organization of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
According to the document between Türkmendemirýollary Agency and Afghan company Venco Imtiaz Construction Company, LLC, the sides have entered into sub-contract for fulfilment of certain volume of land works and provision of construction of Akina – Andhoy railway in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan with materials.
Having listened to the report, the President highlighted that Turkmenistan pays special attention to traditional dialog with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan rendering comprehensive assistance on its restoration and supporting the regulation in neighboring country exclusively by peaceful, political and diplomatic methods.
Invariably following the principles of friendship, peace-loving and mutual support, our country makes significant contribution to development of social and economic infrastructure of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, renders actual assistance in strengthening of fundamentals of creative life to Afghan people.
It was mentioned that implementation of big infrastructural projects with participation of Afghan side in such strategic spheres as energy, transport and communications are the main conditions of political stability in Afghanistan, its social and economic rehabilitation, successful integration to regional and global economies.
In this case, special attention is paid to construction of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas line, which is to provide wealth of the nations of each country participating in the project. TAPI can be referred to as actual input into formation of modern architecture of energy security as an integral part of global sustainable development.
Bilateral cooperation in power energy sphere is also actively expanded. Our country gradually increases supplies of electricity to Afghanistan. It is remarkable that Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan power and fiber optic lines will be built along transnational gas pipeline. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov made special mention that in addition to their functional purpose, these lines would support the enforcement of integration processes in this part of Asian region.
Involvement of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the project of establishment of large-scale transport and transit infrastructure, including railway and other transports, is an important objective. Cooperation in implementation of the project of Afghanistan – Turkmenistan – Azerbaijan - Georgia – Turkey is carried out.
Akina – Andhoy railway will open new opportunities for development of the economy of neighboring country, activation of its small and medium business, entry of Afghan products to the world market.
It is worth to mention that construction of railway in Afghanistan is made at the cost of Turkmen side and our personnel and material resources are used at the same time, Turkmen leader highlighted.
In future, this railway line is going to be extended until the border with Tajikistan with further exit to the states of Asian Pacific Region. Therefore, due to constructive Turkmen – Afghan cooperation, the neighboring country will have realistic opportunity to become a link of international transport corridors running across Central Asia in North – South and East – West directions, the Head of Turkmenistan said.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov reported on work for transformation of number of facilities of the Ministry of Textile Industry into joint stock ventures. For this purpose, analysis of the list of facilities subject to privatization including Mary Leather Production Plant and Baherden Sewing Factory has been made.
The Vice-premier has reported that due to old equipment at Mary Leather Production Plant, which main function is to process and tan sheep and cattle leather, its production capacity is used only by 30 percent. In this regard, it is planned to reconstruct the facility and to open a production workshop.
The project is planned to be implemented with joint participation of Röwşen Private Company, the member of the Union of Industrialists and entrepreneurs of the country, and Mary Leather Production Plant of the Ministry of Textile Industry.
The Vice-premier has reported that it is planned to transform Bahereden Sewing Factory into open joint stock venture with joint participation of the Ministry of Textile Industry and private sector for modernization and expansion of variety of production.
Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that textile industry has the utmost objectives of increment of volumes of production, opening of new high-technology complexes and processing facilities for production of various and competitive goods based on efficient use of local material resources.
Privatization of the state-owned property is to support further promotion of progressive reforms in the country, Turkmen leader noted and instructed the Vice-premier to put all efforts for implementation of plans.
Continuing the session, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has focused on admitted deficiencies in fulfilment of objectives specified in the Programme of social and economic development of the country in 2020 – 2025.
In this regard, the Head of the state has reprimanded Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiyev and Ch. Gylyjov with the last warning to correct admitted deficiencies as soon as possible.
Further, Deputy Chairperson of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova has reported on cultural events, which organization is planned in the year of celebration of the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, including preparation to the final round of «Ýaňlan, Diýarym!» TV Contest.
Having listened to the report, the Head of the State highlighted importance of «Ýaňlan, Diýarym!» artistic review, which is held for findign of new talents and inclusion of young Turkmenistan citizens to the treasury of national culture. Having ordered to hold cultural events of this year, including the final round of «Ýaňlan, Diýarym!» TV Contest, on high organizational level, the President addressed the Vice-premier with relative assignments.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov reported to the Head of the State about preparation to new educational year as well as about events planned on occasion of coming the Day of Knowledge and Students. It was mentioned that all educational facilities have been renovated and provided with necessary appliances and equipment.
According to the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan and due to transfer to 12-year general secondary education and development of electronic education, educational plans and programmes have been updated.
Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has noted the necessity of thorough preparation to the beginning of new educational year and the Day of Knowledge and Students and ordered to hold further improvement of this sphere, making of all conditions for acquiring of new knowledge by the youth, full realization of their talents and abilities under control.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister R. Meredov has reported on priority positions of Turkmenistan, which would be sounded at the 75th anniversary session of the United Nations general Assembly, which opens in New York on September 15 this year. This important document has been developed based on constructive ideas and proposals of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and includes number of current directions.
Consolidation of efforts of the world community in combating against global threat, dangerous infection of new type, as well as recovery after social and economic impacts caused by the spread of the infections is one of the directions.
In this context, the work for implementation of specific initiatives of the Head of the state, which were made at video conference multilateral high-level forums as well as during the talks with the UN Secretary General and General Director of the World Health Organization
It includes proposal for activation of cooperation in scientific diplomacy, establishment of necessary mechanisms for exchange of views between medics, scientists and experts, the WHO Special Programme for study of genome of coronavirus infection, multilateral mechanism of WHO for combating pneumonia, methodological centre of WHO for prevention and treatment of severe infections
Strengthening of global peace and security has special importance in modern conditions. In this direction, the Resolutions of the UN General Assembly adopted on December 12, 1995 and June 3, 2015 are the main guidance of foreign course based in permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan and pursued by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
In this context, it is planned to work on the Draft Resolution on appointment of the policy of neutrality in support and strengthening of global peace, security and sustainable development during the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
At present time, the Group of Friends of Neutrality is under formation under the UN aegis for continuation of multilateral dialog on practical implementation of the principles of neutrality in prevention of conflict and elimination of their root causes, mitigation of consequences and solution of humanitarian issues. The founding session of this Group is proposed to be held under coming session of the General Assembly.
At the same time, relative work will be carried out for development of the UN Code of Practice for efficient application of the principles of neutrality during settling of international issues.
Turkmenistan pays special attention to preventive diplomacy in provision of global and regional security. It seems to be appropriate to propose a draft of Special Resolution dedicated to the activity of the UN Regional Centre of Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia for enforcement of the role of this organization, which headquarter is located in Ashgabat.
For promotion of relative initiative of Head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and implementation of the Resolution of the UN General Assembly of declaration of 2021 as International Year of Peace and Trust from September 12, 2019, it is proposed to hold International High-level forum dedicated to this subject next year.
Turkmenistan specifies combating of terrorism, transboundary crime, illegal drug, weapon and human trafficking among priority subjects of strengthening of international security. In this context, using acquired experience for implementation of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy on regional level, it is proposed to organize International Political Dialog on realization of the strategy during the session.
In this regard, our country thinks that it would be appropriate to initiate organization of the Global Forum for Informational Security and Cooperation under the UN aegis on regular basis at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.
For strengthening of multilateral cooperation for achievement of sustainable development in regional and world scales, it is proposed to review the opportunity of the UN High-level Conference on Financing of Development in 2022.
In particular, in the context of implementation of the initiatives of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in energy sphere, it is proposed to study opportunity of formation of Open International Expert Group for development of international legal tools in the sphere of stability and reliability of transit of energy resources and to draft relative Resolution of the UN General Assembly.
Development of legal base of stable and safe operation of transport systems during emergency situations receives currency for strengthening of beneficial partnership in the sphere of sustainable transport. In this aspect, it is planned to review draft of Special Resolution on provision of reliable international continental and interregional transportation, which was developed based on initiatives of the Head of the State.
In this regard, the documents, discussion and adoption of which are planned during the International Ministerial Conference of Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan in 2021, will support to achieve specific results in the above-mentioned subjects.
Special attention is paid to continuation of the dialog on climate change, natural protection, rational nature management and provision of ecological safety in cooperation with the UN and its structures. In this case, it is necessary to mention that threat of pandemic of infectious diseases appears in the regions, which for many years are subject to impact of negative exogenous (natural) factors and ecological risks. Following this, our country urges the world community to pay close attention to ecological catastrophe of Aral Sea.
The Draft Concept of new Caspian ecological programme, which is aimed at protection of biodiversity of Caspian Sea, has been developed and would be presented for review during coming meeting of the sides of the Framework Convention for protection of marine environment of Caspian Sea.
In the context of development of humanitarian cooperation, it is proposed to take specific measures for implementation of national regional and global strategies, programmes and plans adopted based on the UN documents.
In particular, work of Special Representative of the Regional Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights starts in Ashgabat. During the 75th session, it is also planned to develop National Action Plan for human rights in 2021 – 2025 with specialized UN structures, which will have separate place to development of national ombudsman institute and expansion of its cooperation international organizations.
It was mentioned that if the above-mentioned proposals of priority positions of Turkmenistan at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly are approved by the Head of the State, they would be sent to the UN Secretariat, presented to country members of the UN as well as highlighted in national and international mass media.
Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov confirmed the commitment of our state to wide constructive cooperation both in bilateral and multilateral formats under competent organizations. In this regard, special attention is paid to multidimensional strategic partnership with the UN, which receives new content every year.
The Head of the State noted that our country is an active member of the dialog with the United Nations on development of balanced solutions of the main subjects of regional and global agenda.
This is to be supported by initiatives made by Turkmenistan on current directions of international cooperation, the President said. In this context, our country sees its participation in the 75th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly as continuation of systematic activity as a full member of the world community.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued that it is remarkable that this year is also marked with the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality, which was recognized two times by the United Nations General Assembly and laid out in relative Resolutions.
Foreign strategy of Turkmenistan based on this international legal status meets both national interests and long-term goals of the world community, principles of the UN Chapter and serves as a reliable platform for implementation of beneficial joint projects in different spheres, the President highlighted.
Having noted the necessity of steadfast measures for awareness of wide community about priority positions and promotion of international initiatives of our country, the Head of the State instructed the Vice-premier, Foreign Ministers to provide high organizational level of preparation to participation of Turkmenistan in work of coming session of the UN General Assembly.
Chairperson of the Mejlis G. Mammedova has informed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov about preparation of regular session of the Mejlis of the sixth convocation on August 22. It is planned to review draft laws related to prevention of legal crimes, development of physical training and sports, provision on international humanitarian aid during emergency situation.
Subjects of amendments and addendums of existing legal acts will be brought for discussion by deputies. The Mejlis will also adopt some resolutions on legal support of international initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan.
At present time, draft documents, which will be presented at the session of the People’s Council, are under development; organizational work for organization of nation-wide forum is carried out, study of proposals from the population is continued.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has focused attention on objectives given at the session of the Constitutional Commission for development and compilation of proposals related to amendments and addendums of the Constitution of Turkmenistan. This was about discussion of the draft constitutional law with delegates of coming People’s Council in regions, districts and cities of the country and in general, about awareness of Turkmenistan citizens on new provisions of this legal document.
After, the floor was given to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Secretary of the State Security Council Ch. Amanov who reported on implementation of integrated military reform. The report on fulfilment of assignments for modernization of equipment and facility base of security forces, improvement of professional level of military personnel, solution of social issues has been presented.
Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that while being committed to the principles of neutrality, independent neutral Turkmenistan pursue the policy of peace-loving and wide international cooperation. Based on the Military doctrine, which has exclusively defensive character, our country makes reforms for rearmament of the Armed Forces with modern equipment and training of qualified personnel.
Having focused on the necessity of integrated approach to improvement of activity of security forces, the Head of Turkmenistan gave relative instructions.
Other important subjects of the state life, on which relative decisions have been made, were discussed at the session.
Finishing video conference session of the Cabinet of Ministers, head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished strong health, family wealth and big success in work to all participants.