Today, within the framework of his official visit to the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, made a keynote speech at the plenary session of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and held a meeting in the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia.

As reported, the day before in the capital of a friendly country Arkadag held talks with the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia Valentina Matvienko, during which the mutual desire of the two states to further promote the development of humanitarian, social, cultural ties, the establishment of women's and youth channels of communication between our countries was clearly demonstrated.

The agreements reached have become clear evidence of the importance of the current visit of the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh in expanding the strategic Turkmen-Russian partnership, which has reached a qualitatively new level in recent years and meets modern goals and objectives. The signed Agreement on the establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission on Cooperation between the Federation Council of Russia and the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan is intended to give a new impetus to fruitful contacts between the legislative assemblies of the two states.

... This morning, the motorcade of the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh headed to the building of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

At the central entrance Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was warmly welcomed by the leaders of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

Opening the plenary session, the Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia noted that a delegation of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan headed by the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, an outstanding statesman of Turkmenistan, is on an official visit to the Federation Council. As Valentina Matvienko emphasized, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was elected President of the country three times. Since 2021, he has been the head of the Upper House of the Parliament of Turkmenistan, enjoying well-deserved authority and respect both in his country and abroad, and officially bears the title of Arkadag, which means mentor, patron of the nation.

Thanks to the wise leadership of Arkadag, the Chairman of the Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of Russia continued, the peacefulness inherent in the Turkmen nation and a benevolent attitude towards other peoples were embodied in the foreign policy of Turkmenistan, which has the status of a permanently neutral state.

“Recently, on the initiative and with the personal participation of our colleague, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, projects to strengthen multilateral parliamentary ties have reached the highest level,” said Valentina Matvienko.

Particular emphasis was placed on the great success of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the States of Central Asia and Russia, held in the hospitable Turkmen capital in May of this year, as well as the Dialogue of Women in the new Ashgabat 5+1 format. Today, as it was emphasized, these initiatives continue to be actively implemented, acquiring new outlines.

- Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is a true friend of Russia, giving a lot of strength and energy to the development of Russian-Turkmen relations. Many landmark projects are inextricably linked with his name, which made it possible to strengthen multifaceted ties between our countries, said the Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

As was emphasized, the decision of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to award Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with a high state award - the Order of Merit to the Fatherland of the fourth degree, was the recognition of the invaluable contribution of the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan to deepening the strategic interstate dialogue.

Noting that the state and public activities of the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan are a role model for the younger generation, Valentina Matvienko gave the floor to Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Representatives of the legislative body of the Russian Federation warmly welcomed the head of the Upper House of the Parliament of Turkmenistan.

Welcoming the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia and members of the Federation Council, Arkadag first of all thanked the Speaker of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko for the invitation to pay an official visit to the Russian Federation and expressed special gratitude for the opportunity to speak from the high rostrum of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, to exchange views on the prospects for strengthening bilateral parliamentary ties, to share mutual experience in lawmaking, to outline areas of cooperation in the international arena.

Before proceeding directly to the topics of the speech, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh conveyed to Valentina Matvienko, all members of the Federation Council the words of greeting, respect and wishes for successful work from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. As noted, the head of Turkmenistan recalls with great warmth the meeting with the Russian delegation during the Inter-Parliamentary Forum "Central Asia-Russia", which was successfully held in Ashgabat in May this year, highly appreciates the unchanging commitment of the Russian side to the development and deepening of bilateral ties.

Close, proactive interaction between the legislative bodies of Turkmenistan and Russia is the most important and integral part of the development of comprehensive cooperation between the two states. In recent years, a lot has been done through the joint efforts of the parliaments of our countries. A stable inter-parliamentary dialogue has been established, mechanisms of professional communication have been launched, delegations are exchanged on a regular basis, Arkadag emphasized, saying that he highly appreciates this work, considering it an important and effective component of strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of the two states.

In this regard, it was noted that Turkmenistan with great respect supported the proposal of the Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia on the establishment of an Inter-Parliamentary Commission on Cooperation at the level of Deputy Chairmen of the Upper Houses of Parliaments of both countries and considers it timely and in the interests of both sides.

Turkmen-Russian parliamentary relations make a significant contribution to the strengthening of peace and stability in the regional and global dimensions. The participation of our parliamentarians in the work of international forums is aimed at creating favorable legal prerequisites and conditions for the successful course of political, economic, humanitarian cooperation, their work enriches the traditional methods of diplomatic activity. It is no coincidence that parliamentary diplomacy is a form of interstate interaction that allows you to effectively resolve various issues by political and diplomatic means and methods.

Continuing the topic, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh expressed his conviction that parliamentary diplomacy is called upon to make a significant contribution to the cause of peace, trust and predictability in the international arena, to give positive impulses to the entire world political agenda, and to prevent the erosion of internationally recognized legal norms , provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, basic international treaties and conventions.

In this context, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said, the role of cooperation between legislators of different countries, parliamentary associations created in the world, first of all, the oldest, largest and most authoritative of them - the Inter-Parliamentary Union, is increasing. Representatives of Turkmenistan and Russia actively participate in its work, speak from a consolidated position on the fundamental and topical issues of modern development, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh stated with satisfaction, expressing confidence that the delegations of our countries in this structure need to consistently increase such interaction, determine priorities in in accordance with the ideas, traditional values and basic attitudes historically inherent in our peoples, firmly defend their state and national interests.

- Populism, the pursuit of momentary political benefits, blind imitation has never benefited either the state or society in the long term, Arkadag said, noting that at the same time, of course, there is no need to fence off really useful practices and experience of international parliamentarism and lawmaking, but to adopt the best and confirmed by life.

Communication in the format of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States is gaining great importance today. In our opinion, this is a very promising direction, said the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh, expressing confidence that the representatives of Turkmenistan and Russia should take joint initiatives on this platform, primarily in matters of strengthening the legal framework for cooperation between the participating States, developing humanitarian, public, cultural ties, establishing women's, youth channels of communication.

Another form of effective interaction is our joint activities within the framework of regional and interregional parliamentary fora. In this context, the importance of two major events held with great success in May of this year in Turkmenistan - the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the countries of Central Asia and Russia and the Dialogue of Women of the States of Central Asia and Russia was stated. At the same time, the high assessment given by all participants to the level of discussions, meetings and negotiations was emphasized.

We especially note the active participation of the representative Russian delegation, headed by Valentina Matvienko, Hero-Arkadag said, expressing sincere gratitude to the Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia for this.

One of the important areas of strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation is trade and economic cooperation. In this regard, the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh noted with satisfaction the positive dynamics of the growth of bilateral trade, the expansion of export-import operations, the implementation of large-scale and long-term economic projects implemented by Turkmen and Russian companies.

Energy, transport, high technologies, industry, trade, and agriculture were singled out among the main areas of joint efforts. In these and other sectors of the economy, a lot of work is being done today, aimed at creating new production capacities in Turkmenistan, building roads and infrastructure, introducing innovations and new technologies in various industries.

- We have always advocated strengthening trade and economic ties between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation, giving them a new quality, bringing these relations to the level of a multifunctional economic partnership, where investment, financial, technological components would play a key role, said Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

In our opinion, the parliamentarians of the two countries should make their contribution to the solution of the above tasks; these are the adoption of new laws regulating modern economic relations, reasonable and balanced harmonization of our national legislations in this part, timely ratification of bilateral economic agreements, mutual consideration at the parliamentary level of issues of economic cooperation. This is a far from complete list of issues that we need to consider in the near future in order to further intensify Turkmen-Russian economic ties, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh emphasized.

In this regard, the conviction was expressed that the clear and well-coordinated work of parliamentarians in these areas will become an important part of the consolidated efforts of the Turkmen and Russian sides to strengthen traditional friendship and cooperation between the two states.

Our current meeting provided a good opportunity to briefly focus on the cultural and humanitarian ties between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Russia. Their deep history, commonality of civilizational roots and worldviews, traditions and customs based on the ideals of peace, goodness and justice, are a solid foundation for the development of multifaceted bilateral relations.

- It is through culture, art, science, education that we can enrich the strategy and content of our partnership, Hero-Arkadag said, continuing that in this regard and taking this opportunity, I would like to emphasize the highly respectful attitude towards the Russian language, literature, cultural and spiritual values of the Russian people in Turkmenistan.

In this context, it was stated with satisfaction that there are dozens of schools teaching in Russian in the country, the only one of its kind Joint Turkmen-Russian General Education School named after A.S. Pushkin, the Russian language is taught in all secondary educational institutions and universities. Today, work is underway on the design and construction of the Russian Drama Theater in Ashgabat in the future, issues related to the creation of the Turkmen-Russian University are being discussed.

– At the same time, from this high rostrum, I would like to express gratitude for perpetuating in Russia in monuments, sculptural compositions, names of institutions the image and name of the great son of the Turkmen people, philosopher, thinker and poet Magtymguly Fragi, whose tercentenary will be celebrated in 2024, Chairman of Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh emphasized.

In view of the foregoing, Arkadag noted, we consider it appropriate to consider the possibility of close inter-parliamentary cooperation on the cultural and humanitarian track, the content of which can be set out in the corresponding medium-term comprehensive program. It was proposed to entrust the development of this document to the relevant committees of the upper houses of the parliaments of the two countries.

Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh also expressed his deep conviction that the parliamentarians of Turkmenistan and Russia are like-minded people who understand their highest responsibility and do everything in the interests of people. We have common goals - peace and development, the growth of the well-being of citizens, the creation of conditions for the maximum disclosure of human potential. And, of course, the further strengthening of the bonds of good neighborliness, friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Russia.

At the same time, the readiness of our country was confirmed to continue in every possible way to support a close parliamentary dialogue between our countries, to promote mutual understanding, a wide exchange of experience and practices of legislative activity, to encourage all constructive ideas and initiatives, which is in the long-term interests of the peoples of Turkmenistan and Russia, is an important part of strategies of interstate partnership.

In conclusion, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked Valentina Matvienko, all members of the Upper House of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation for their active participation and great contribution to this creative process.

The speech of the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan was heard with great attention.

Then the autocortege of Arkadag went to the building of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia. At the main entrance of the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh was warmly welcomed by the Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Volodin.

After the ceremony of joint photography against the background of the State flags of the two friendly countries, negotiations were held between the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan and the Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

Greeting once again and noting that he was glad to see Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and members of the delegation of our country in Moscow, Viacheslav Volodin stated with satisfaction that the current official visit of the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh opens the parliamentary dimension of relations between the State Duma and the Parliament of Turkmenistan.

As emphasized, this first-ever meeting of the head of the national Parliament in the State Duma will give a powerful impetus to the development of inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries. The talks held the day before with the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko and the decisions taken will open up wide opportunities for deepening interaction between the legislative bodies of both states, implementing new formats of cooperation, and will contribute to the further prosperity of Russia and Turkmenistan.

At the same time, Viacheslav Volodin noted the huge contribution of Arkadag to the development of strategic interstate partnership, inter-parliamentary contacts, strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the two friendly peoples.

Then the floor was given to the Chairman of Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan.

Welcoming Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Volodin and members of the delegation, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked for the opportunity to exchange views on the prospects for building up inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries, to share mutual experience in law-making activities.

The productivity of the talks held the day before in the Federation Council and the historical significance of the signed Agreement on the establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission on Cooperation between the Federation Council and the Halk Maslakhaty were especially noted.

In continuation of the topic, the importance of the first Inter-Parliamentary Forum and Dialogue of Women of Central Asia and Russia, held on the initiative of Turkmenistan and under the auspices of the Russian Federation in Ashgabat in May this year, was emphasized..

As noted, today many decisions are required in legislative matters, which opens up opportunities for building partnerships in the legal sphere.

Particular emphasis was placed on issues of bilateral economic cooperation, as well as the existing prospects in various sectors, taking into account the interests of each of the parties. At the same time, it was emphasized that a great deal of work remains to be done jointly for the benefit of our peoples.

Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh identified the scientific and educational sphere as one of the priority areas of interstate cooperation. In this context, it was noted that in our country a lot of attention is paid to the Russian language, starting from preschool institutions and ending with higher educational institutions. Recalling that at the Summit of the Heads of State of the Commonwealth, held on October 14 this year, the year 2023 in the CIS countries was declared the Year of the Russian language as the language of interethnic communication, Arkadag also stated that, by decision of Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Vladimir Putin, next year Turkmenistan will lay the foundation of the Turkmen-Russian University.

Sports were named among the key aspects of the bilateral dialogue. In this context, the existing great opportunities in our country, including modern infrastructure for holding major sports competitions, were noted.

In addition, it was stated that there are broad prospects in the field of youth policy and gender equality.

Speaking about political issues, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh emphasized that Turkmenistan, a neutral country whose legal status was recognized twice at the level of the United Nations - in 1995 and 2015, firmly follows the chosen course. Russia, being a strategic partner of our country, was among the first to support this decision of the Community of Nations, Arkadag said, expressing gratitude for this to the Russian side.

In conclusion, the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh expressed confidence that the results of today's meeting will contribute to the further development and strengthening of relations between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation, friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples. Thanking the Russian side for the hospitality and warm welcome, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov confirmed his firm commitment to constructive joint work and invited the head of the State Duma to visit Turkmenistan at any time convenient for him.

During the meeting, the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in the progressive development of a fruitful Turkmen-Russian dialogue was also emphasized. Particular emphasis was placed on the existence of great potential for further intensification of ties between the legislative bodies of the two countries, as well as the exchange of experience through the organization of joint events.

According to the unanimous opinion of the parties, the expansion of cooperation in the legal sphere is intended to contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations based on the principles of equality, trust and mutual respect.

The subject of discussion was the possibility of participation of the delegation of Turkmenistan in the meeting of heads of parliaments of the countries of the Caspian region to consider key aspects of interregional cooperation. An exchange of views also took place on a number of issues of mutual interest.

In conclusion, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Volodin confirmed their mutual desire to build up fruitful and long-term cooperation, strengthen friendship and trust for the benefit and prosperity of the peoples of the two countries.

The official visit of the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation continues.