Having announced the agenda, the President called Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister R. Meredov who reported on the outcomes of working trip of Turkmen delegation to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
It was informed that the delegation of our country was received by the President of Pakistan in Islamabad on March 12. High level of interstate cooperation has been noted in political and diplomatic, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres during the meeting. The Head of Pakistan highlighted the importance of the policy of neutrality steadily pursued by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In this context, close collaboration of Turkmenistan and Pakistan under international organizations, especially under the UN, has been mentioned.
Special attention has been paid to the development of economic partnership and to implementation of such important projects as construction of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas line, Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan power and fibre optic lines as well as to putting of the efforts for creation of new transport corridors. At the same time, capabilities for activation of connections in science, education and culture have been highlighted.
The sides have exchanged the opinions on the future of Turkmen – Pakistani cooperation during the meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Energy, transport and communication, industrial sector have been named among the main directions of trade and economic relations.
Bilateral foreign ministry consultations took place in Islamabad. It was mentioned that Pakistan would continue actively participating in promotion of creative initiatives of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The delegation of Turkmenistan also has number of other meetings during the visit.
Five documents have been signed by the outcomes of the working visit. These are the Protocol on Amendments of the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Cooperation between Foreign Ministries of two countries, the Programme of Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 2019 – 2024, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Academy of Diplomatic Service of the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Trade and Industrial Chamber of Turkmenistan and the Federation of Trade and Industrial Chambers of Pakistan on Establishment of Joint Turkmen – Pakistani Business Council, the General Terms of the Agreement with the Government of receiving state between the Government of Pakistan and TAPI Pipeline Company Limited Joint Stock Company.
Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that recently, Turkmen – Pakistani relations have received new content, which was provided by the desire of the sides to improve beneficial cooperation meeting the interests of both countries and the sustainable development goals in regional and global scales. Trustful and friendly character of interstate dialog allows not only implementing the plans but also actively elaborating on new directions of the partnership in different spheres.
Speaking of the presence of wide opportunities for efficient implementation of significant potential of cooperation in all spectrum, the President noted that important role is given to the Intergovernmental Turkmen – Pakistani Commission, continuing the subject, the Head of the State highlighted that large-scale joint project of construction of the TAPI gas line is a visual example of the cooperation.
Building of power and fibre optic lines along Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan route is also very important. In addition to its direct purpose, these major infrastructural projects as well as consolidation of the efforts for establishment of transit and transport corridors are to support the activation of interregional integrational processes.
At the same time, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that similarity or proximity of the positions of both countries in current issues, especially those related to the provision of peace, security and wealth, are reliable foundation for cooperation in the world arena.
All of these provides steadfast dynamic of development of long-term Turkmen – Pakistani partnership, which is built on the principles of equality and respect and aimed at the achievement of practical results, the Head of the State said, having given specific assignments to the Vice-premier on the implementation of the agreements, which were reflected in the documents signed between Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan at different levels including by the outcomes of the working trip to Islamabad.
Continuing the report, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister reported on the preparation to the state visit of the King of Bahrein to Turkmenistan on March 17 – 19.
It was noted that diplomatic relations between two countries were established in December 1995. In February 2011, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrein, which resulted in signing of number of documents, which put the foundation for further fruitful cooperation. The contacts on the Government level and between foreign departments of the countries also support the development of bilateral partnership.
Turkmenistan and Bahrein traditionally work in multilateral format under international organizations including the Islamic Cooperation Organization. The Kingdom of Bahrein supports constructive initiatives of the President of our country.
Relative work is carried out for the implementation of bilateral projects in investment and banking spheres, petroleum and chemical industries, for improvement of trade and economic relations, stimulation of cultural and humanitarian contacts.
It is planned to sign a number of documents, which are to strengthen legal and regulatory base of interstate relations and to give them new impulse, by the outcomes of the visit.
Having highlighted that development of beneficial cooperation with the Middle East countries is an important direction of foreign course of neutral Turkmenistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the significance of coming high-level talks for activation of the partnership between Turkmenistan and Bahrein.
Great opportunities are opened for increment and diversification of productive cooperation, implementation of joint projects in different spheres, the Head of the State said. Wide perspectives of cooperation in different spheres are provided by large-scale reforms in economic complex and social sphere, plans for industrialization and favourable investment climate in Turkmen market. Great attention is paid to humanitarian contacts as well.
In this context, the Head of the State gave number of relative assignments to the Vice-premier, the Foreign Minister for provision of high organizational level of the state visit of the King of Bahrein to Turkmenistan.
After, the floor was given to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldieyv who reported on the preparation to the cotton sowing,
Levelling of soil, ploughing and irrigation are carried out at the fields allocated for the cotton. Private agricultural producers, who received the land plots from special agricultural fund, also get ready for the sowing of the crop. In 2019, they will start the cultivation of cotton on 33,805 hectares of land.
During the report, the Vice-premier has asked the Head of the State to appoint the date of spring sowing campaign, which would be forestalled by the seminars with the participation of specialists, machine operators and cotton producers.
The President highlighted that responsible period of cotton sowing starts for the farmers. Our country has all necessary conditions for growing of good yields of agricultural crops and productive work of the farmers.
Our farmers are provided in timely manner with high quality seeds, different fertilizers, modern agricultural equipment and water in necessary volumes. All of these gives positive results.
Having note that it is planned to grow and collect 1,600,000 tons of wheat and 1,050,000 tons of cotton this year, the Head of the State highlighted that harvests of other agricultural crops have also to be high.
Special programme of improvement of social and living conditions of the population of villages, settlements, etraps towns and centres, under which big works are carried out at present in all regions of the country, has been adopted for enhancement of life level of rural population.
Having noted again that responsible period starts in the life of cotton growers and they have to start the cotton sowing, the President noted the importance of compliance with agricultural standards in order for this campaign to be held in timely and quality manner.
Having instructed to start cotton sowing on March 23 in Ahal, Balkan, Lebap and Mary Velayat and on March 27 in Dashoguz Velayat, the President addressed the elders to put the first handful of seeds to the soil as per the tradition.
After, the Vice-premier reported on nationwide tree planting day on March 21, course of agricultural reforms and seasonal field works in the region of the country.
It was mentioned that according to the Resolution of the Head of the State, large-scale tree planting would be held in the capital and regions on the community day. In particular, it is planned to plant mulberry trees on 12 hectares of land in foothill valley of Ahal by personnel of different organizations and facilities under the events dedicated to National Spring Holiday.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed the Vice-premier with number of specific assignments regarding organization of tree planting campaign as well as the implementation of National Forest Programme.
The Head of the State has also ordered to pay special attention to making of all necessary conditions for efficient work of entrepreneurs who took the land in long-term lease for growing of cotton and other agricultural crops.
The session was continued by the report of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredov who informed about the development of Conceptual Strategy of development of Turkmenbashy Refinery Complex and Seydi Refinery.
The document will detail the capabilities of both refineries and outline perspective directions of further development as well as optimum variety of petroleum products, which are on high demands in the world markets, which can be produced at the facilities of the refineries. Proposals on improvement of competiveness of production, establishment of environmentally friendly facilities will also be prepared.
Having highlighted an important role of fuel and energy complex in the economy of Turkmenistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov pointed out the importance of steadfast improvement of production and export potential of the facilities of petrochemical industry.
The Head of the State ordered to provide an integrated approach to the elaboration of the strategy of development of Turkmenbashy Refinery Complex including comprehensive economic analysis of new projects, schedules of their gradual implementation, capacity of technological and auxiliary installations, which are to introduced to production lines of the complex, possible sources of investments, logistics, long-term forecasts of demands of petrochemical products at regional and European market.
Relative orders have also been given to the Vice-premier regarding the diversification of raw material supply to Turkmenbashy Refinery Complex including from foreign countries and use of innovative technologies during development of new projects.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers D. Amangeldiyev reported on the work for transit to digital system of payments for power consumers.
The Vice-premier informed that relative clearing centre provided with modern equipment and programme software has been founded at the facilities of the State Energy Control of Ashgabat. It has electronic database of the consumers in the capital including the address, volumes of consumed energy, period of payment, etc. It is possible now to pay using mobile phones, terminals and internet. Similar centres are planned to be opened in all velayats until the end of the year.
Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that at present time, programme work for digitization of all spheres of national economy, implementation of scientific developments to production, which has special importance in modernization of the activity of the branches according to time requirements, is carried out in the country.
Further, the Head of the State has focused the attention of the Vice-premier on the strengthening of control of construction works in the country and on their completion according to deadline. It is necessary to handover completed facilities to the balance of organizations or facilities for provision of proper operational condition, the President highlighted, having given number of assignments on this account.
Having expressed discontent with the condition of rural roads between the etraps in the regions, Turkmen leader has focused on the importance of comprehensive, considered and rational approach to the organization of road works, which are necessary to be carried out based modern scientific recommendations. It is necessary to make plans of modernization of existing and construction of new roads, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said, having ordered the Vice-premier to hold under control these subjects.
Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakiyev made report on the outcomes of the 10th session of Intergovernmental Turkmen – Kazakh Commission for economic, scientific, technical and culture cooperation.
The agenda of the meeting included wide range of subjects related to the implementation of interstate agreements as well as priority directions of further development of productive partnership between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.
The Vice-premier informed that number of specific measures for diversification of the partnership in trade and economic sphere, increment of volumes of mutual trade has been outlined during the talks. In this context, the necessity of taking of additional measures for intensification of export and import operations and expansion of the variety of goods and services as well as establishment of direct contacts between economic entities of both states has been noted.
Mutual interest in comprehensive improvement of cooperation in energy, agriculture, ecology, textile and food industry, health protection, education, culture and sports has been expressed.
Relative protocol has been signed by the outcomes of work of the 10th session of Intergovernmental Turkmen- Kazakh Commission for economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.
Having stated with delight that recently, the partnership between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan has significantly been activated and gained new specific content, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the presence of considerable potential for development of the expansion of efficient cooperation in all directions.
Highlighting the importance of study of new capabilities of intensification of international trade and economic relations, the Head of the State pointed out the necessity to put all efforts for practical implementation of achieved agreements on development of productive cooperation between two countries and gave number of specific assignments to the Vice-premier on this account.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov reported on the preparation of the event dedicated to the 11th anniversary of the foundation of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs including exhibitions and fairs of the producers.
188 members of the Union specialized in such spheres as industry, agriculture, construction and building materials, processing and food industry, transport, logistics, tourism, education, trade and services, information and communication technologies and many other directions will take part in the review.
The conditions made in the country for entrepreneurs and industrialists, programmes of development of private sector implemented on the Government level give opportunities for establishment of modern productions by implementation of high technologies and innovative practice. High quality production made by Turkmen businessmen at these facilities not only saturate local market but also conquer firm positions at foreign channels of sale.
Achievements and new goals of Turkmen entrepreneurs, in particular related to the implementation of innovative technologies, digital systems and implementation of measures for development of private sector will be discussed at the conference timed to the anniversary of the UIET.
After, the information about organization of the exhibition place of Turkmenistan at the World Exhibition EXPO 2020, which would be held in Dubai, has been presented. The Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Affairs held an international tender, which selected project proposal of Tekmil private company – the member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.
The area of Turkmenistan exhibition hall at the EXPO 2020, which will be held under slogan “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” will be 1,581 square meters. According to the terms of Organization Committee of the Exhibition, it is planned to build two-storey hall on 976 square meters.
It is proposed to demonstrate 3D video about historical, cultural and natural attractions, economic achievements of Turkmenistan in all spheres with audio in Turkmen, English, French, German, Russian and Arabic languages at the first floor of the building using digital system.
The exposition of export goods from Turkmenistan is planned to be organized on the second floor. It would also has place for business forums and meetings as well as all necessary conditions for cultural events.
Giving instructions for high level organization of coming exhibition and conference of the UIET, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that economic potential of national business is growing by the increment of its production resources and implementation of innovative technologies.
Non-governmental sector plays significant role in modernization and diversification of the branches of national economy, increment of volumes and expansion of the variety of high quality, competitive production, provision of food abundance and growth of export potential of the country, the Head of the State highlighted.
The President noted the importance of attraction of the attention of the world business circles to the achievements of our entrepreneurs, investment potential of Turkmen business. Coming review has to be not only the demonstration of success but also integrated event, which would support the promotion of products and services of private facilities in the world markets, definition of the most topical directions of expansion of innovative process in local business.
The President also highlighted the appropriateness of the participation of Turkmen producers in international exhibitions and business forums that open new capabilities of the implementation of huge export and investment potential of the country and advertisement of Turkmen products in the world market.
Having noted existing practice in this direction and necessity of permanent enrichment of this practice, the Head of the State said that Turkmen exposition at EXPO 2020 has to present versatile and expressive image of Turkmenistan, success and achievement of our country and national heritage.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov reported on the subject of preparation of children health improving centres in Gyokdere, Avaza and velayats.
It was informed that the Ministry of Education prepared the plan for relative works, which have been already started on sites. According to the plan, specialists of National Education Institute conduct staged training of personnel of children health improving centres. Experienced teachers, medics and mentors will be working in the centres. Integrated programme of cultural and mass, sport and health improving activities, which will be held in children centres, is under development. After, the Vice-premier reported on the activity in science and educational spheres related to the implementation of intellectual systems and latest information and communication technologies according to the Concept of development of digital economy in 2019 – 2025.
It was noted that at present, active work for digitization of educational system, training of qualified specialists in the sphere of information and communication technologies is carried out. Organizational working committee has been established for the fulfilment of the Concept of development of electronic education.
Training programmes, which are already carried out at the departments of improvement of qualification of the universities and educational centres, have been developed for improvement of computer knowledge of relative specialists.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov ordered the Vice-premier to hold control the implementation of planned measures for digital reforms, changes in the systems of training with the aim to specific result, which have tobe practically implemented in order to accelerate the transit of the economy to digital system.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Abdieyva reported on the preparation of the events dedicated to National Spring Holiday.
It was mentioned that it is planned to hold number of events, which would reflect original rites and traditions of Turkmen people as well as modern achievements of the country in development of culture and arts in the capital and velayats.
As per traditions, the main events will be held in Nowruz valley, Ak Bugday etrap, Ahal Velayat in March 21. It is planned to organize cultural and mass events based on the books of the President of Turkmenistan dedicated to history and culture of Turkmen people as well as Nowruznama book.
Having listened to the report and focusing on the importance of the spring holiday, which origin goes deep to millenniums, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted its educational significance and consolidating role.
Turkmen leader noted that National Spring Holiday has absorbed the culture of people on all levels from ethical standards to music, verbal traditions and dances. All of these was crystalized into unique complex of traditions and rites including the knowledge of nature, the place of human in the world, opinion on the elations with environment.
The Head of the State continued that this holiday has always had a deep meaning. Everlasting phenomenon of Nowruz, which continues its high mission to bring the beauty, kindness and joy to people, in our days, is in its consolidating mission, the President said.
In this regard, the Head of the State noted that International Nowruz Holiday opens new ways for cooperation of the states for peace and stability supporting the strengthening of trust, understanding and friendship with foreign countries, especially with neighbours.
Having focused on the necessity of cultural and mass celebration events in the cities and towns of the country inspiring our people to new wonderful deeds and great achievements, the Head of the State gave specific assignments on this account to the Vice-premier.
Prosecutor General B. Atdayev reported on current activity of the prosecution authorities as well as on the results of inspections of work carried out in the country. Information about detection of number of violations during care of existing green plantation has been presented.
Having listened to the report, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed the Prosecutor General with specific assignments on strict control of the compliance with existing national legislation on implementation of tree planting strategy.
After, the Prosecutor General reported on the measures for the organization of the session of the Commission for citizenship and pardoning under the President of Turkmenistan related to the pardoning on occasion of national holidays. The Head of the State noted that pardoning is held in our sovereign state for consolidation of the unity and solidarity of Turkmen society and every family and guided by the principles of mercy and humanity dictated by the ancestors. In this regard, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the country ordered to hold the session of the Commission.
Having highlighted that number of remarkable events are expected in life of our country, the President of Turkmenistan requested the heads to take care of national tree planting campaign and celebration events dedicated to National Spring Holidays on high level.
Finishing the session of the Cabinet of Ministers, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished all participants strong health, family wealth and great success in work.
