Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system to consider draft documents, as well as a number of other issues.

First to speak was Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova, who informed about the activities of the national parliament to improve the country’s legislative framework.

As was reported, currently, working groups in association with representatives of ministries and sectoral departments are preparing drafts of a number of new laws, and amendments and addenda are introduced made to current legal instruments in accordance with modern requirements.

At the same time, concrete steps are taken to strengthen relations with the parliaments of foreign countries and authoritative international organizations. Thus, deputies of the Mejlis participated in a working meeting on issues of ensuring human rights, organized by the Representative Office of the International Organization for Migration in our country.

People’s representatives are carrying out active work to explain to the general public the content of national legislation, the significance of 2024 in the socio-political context, as well as to popularize the literary heritage of Magtymguly Fragi.

Summing up the information provided, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that new laws required by the present time must be developed. Legal regulations must reflect the effectiveness of the current domestic and foreign policy, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized, highlighting the urgency of further relevant steps in this area.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the preparation by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, jointly with ministries and sectoral departments, administrations of velayats, and the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, of the draft “Program of the Socio-Economic Development of the country for 2024”. This document was developed pursuant to the “Program of the President of Turkmenistan on the Socio-Economic Development of the Country for 2022–2028” and the State Budget for 2024.

In accordance with the draft Program, during the year it is planned to implement measures aimed at ensuring macroeconomic stability and strengthening the economic power of the Homeland, sustainable GDP growth, and the development of industries and regions. There are also plans for bringing industrial enterprises to the full production capacity and creating new jobs in the velayats.

The top priorities include an increase in export destinations by enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy, the development of import-substituting industries, and the growth of production of environmentally friendly, high-quality agricultural goods and foodstuffs. Along with this, work will be continued to render state support to agricultural producers, maintain food abundance, provide high-quality transport, housing, communal, social and other types of services to the population, as well as promote the dynamic development of small and medium-sized businesses, create favorable business environment, and improve public-private partnership.

Having heard the report, the head of state noted that the implementation of the measures outlined in the draft Program of the Socio-Economic Development of the country for 2024 is designed to promote sustainable growth of the Homeland in the economic and social aspects, strengthen the capacity of industries and regions, and improve the employment and living conditions of the population. In this regard, the deputy prime minister was instructed to once again analyze the macroeconomic indicators specified in the Program for the current year, production plans for all sectors of the economy, and socio-economic growth indicators for velayats and cities.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Amanov reported on the measures being taken by the State Corporation “Türkmengeologiýa” to explore and identify deposits of drinking water.

As was reported, the state is creating all the conditions for the successful implementation of groundwater exploration work using modern technology.

In this regard, specialists of the State Corporation conduct detailed hydrogeological exploration in the regions.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the exploration and identification of drinking water deposits is an urgent objective. In this context, emphasis was placed on the importance of conducting relevant work on a scientific basis. At the same time, emphasizing the importance of the State Corporation “Türkmengeologiýa” carrying out effective activities, the head of state ordered to strengthen its material and equipment resources, as appropriate.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev reported on the progress of seasonal agricultural campaigns in the regions of the country.

As was reported, preparatory work is well underway in the cotton fields of the velayats, including lands plowing, leveling and planning. In order to gather a bountiful harvest in future, wheat crops are continuously cared for in accordance with agro-technical standards.

Measures are also taken to develop livestock farming, including increasing the number of animals and ensuring their warm and well-fed wintering.

Along with this, practical steps are taken to create additional water reserves in reservoirs for irrigation of agricultural crops, rational and efficient use of water resources, and improve the land reclamation condition. Irrigation canals and drainage networks are cleaned in the regions of the country.

The report also covered activities in progress to maintain the ecological safety of the environment, in particular, through expanding the area of woodlands and turning the country into a blooming garden.

Summing up the report, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted that special importance must be attached to preparing lands for sowing in areas allocated for cotton, and treatment of wheat fields.

Emphasis was also placed on the need to collect a sufficient amount of water in the country’s reservoirs for irrigating crops.

Stressing that the winter season is currently ongoing, Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed the deputy prime minister to carry on work to ensure a warm and well-fed wintering for livestock in farms.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on the draft Investment Program of Turkmenistan for 2024.

As was reported, all conditions are created in the country for the development of the construction sector. The innovative urban planning policy is successfully carried out during the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State, and significant investments are made in the construction of buildings and facilities for various purposes using advanced world technologies.

On the instruction of the President of Turkmenistan, a draft Investment Program for 2024 has been developed in association with the relevant ministries, departments, the khyakimliks of the velayats, and the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag. It provides for the implementation of important and large-scale projects of international and regional importance, including the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, a new airport in the Balkan Velayat, a combined power plant with a capacity of 1574 MW, the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat international high-speed motorway, and a bridge across the Garabogaz kol Gulf. The second construction phase of the first “smart” city of Arkadag in the country and in the Central Asian region will also continue.

In order to improve the living conditions of the population, large amounts of investment will be made in the construction of social facilities, in particular, residential houses, healthcare institutions, general education schools and kindergartens, highways, water, gas, energy supply and communication systems, and water treatment facilities. In this context, the deputy prime minister presented the draft Decree “On approving the Investment Program of Turkmenistan for 2024” for consideration by the head of state.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov specified that the Investment Program for 2024 includes comprehensive measures aimed at developing industrial sectors, creating new enterprises, further strengthening food abundance, and ensuring social protection of the population.

In order to successfully implement the practical steps provided for in the Investment Program for the current year, the head of state instructed the deputy prime minister to once again review the presented draft.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Atdayev reported on the progress of preparing the Work Plans of the ministries and departments of the trade complex for 2024.

The report included information that in accordance with the “Program of the President of Turkmenistan on the Socio-Economic Development of the Country for 2022–2028” measures will be taken to maintain the abundance of consumer goods and stable prices in the markets. In this regard, the development of the digital economy and e-commerce are identified as priority areas.

Particular attention will be given to the efficient use of production capacities of the textile industry, increasing the range and quantity of products, and improving the carpet weaving art.

According to the prepared Work Plan, the State Commodities and Raw Materials Exchange has been charged with introducing advanced methods of conducting electronic trade, and the country’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry was instructed to organize exhibitions and conferences using modern technologies.

Along with this, it is planned to take measures to further develop the private sector, as well as to expand trade and economic relations with foreign countries, increase trade turnover and exports of goods, and successfully execute the State Budget.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pointed out the role of the trade complex in development of the national economy, instructing the deputy prime minister to keep under strict control the implementation of the Work Plans for 2024 by ministries and sectoral departments under his supervision.

Further, Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova reported on the Work Plans of the Ministry of Culture and cultural institutions, according to which a number of events and creative competitions are scheduled for the current year on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the birth of great Eastern thinker and classical poet Magtymguly Fragi, and as part of festivities to celebrate the motto of 2024 “The Fount of wisdom of Magtymguly Fragi” and the declaration of Anev city as the cultural capital of the Turkic world.

As was reported, there are plans for taking further steps to strengthen international cultural cooperation, restoration, reconstruction and scientific study of historical and cultural monuments. Negotiations are scheduled for organizing Days of Culture of Turkmenistan abroad and Days of Culture of foreign countries in our state.

Along with this, it is planned to take measures aimed at strengthening the material and equipment resources of specialized institutions, improving the skills and computer literacy of employees, and introducing new technologies. Relevant work will be carried out in order to achieve the goals arising from state programs and the Digital Economy Development Concept, including the promotion of multilateral and national nominations to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

As was reported, there are plans to organize the international film festival “Gorkut ata” in November this year. Moreover, various television broadcasts will be prepared about important events in our country, the successes in carrying out the current policy and new achievements for demonstration on television channels of foreign countries.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted that this sector has a significant role in preserving, studying and popularizing in the world the spiritual values and cultural heritage of the people. In this regard, the deputy prime minister was instructed to properly prepare for the events scheduled for the year “The Fount of wisdom of Magtymguly Fragi”, to be held to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great poet and thinker, as well as the Week of Culture in the city of Arkadag. The head of state ordered to keep the implementation of the prepared Work Plans under strict control.

Then the deputy prime minister reported on the events scheduled on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Aykhan Hadjiyev.

As was reported, there are plans to organize an exhibition on the 100th birthday of this outstanding representative of fine arts to show his works, and the Forum “Pyragydan ruhlanan ussat” with the participation of Turkmen artists, students of specialized educational institutions, as well as foreign guests.

Having heard the report, the head of state ordered to ensure the high organizational level of events to commemorate the anniversary of Aykhan Hadjiyev.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Amannepesov reported on the Work Plans for institutions in the field of science, education, healthcare, sports and public organizations for 2024, prepared in accordance with the instructions of the President of the country and the present-day requirements.

Thus, in the field of education, reforms will be continued aimed at raising an educated generation, improving curricula and programs, enriching the content of textbooks, and strengthening the material and equipment resources of this system. Along with this, it is planned to organize competitions and contests among students and schoolchildren in various subjects, in particular, an international mathematics competition among schoolchildren in the “smart” city of Arkadag.

Work will be carried out In the healthcare sector as part of the State Program “Saglyk” on the consistent introduction of advanced methods for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, an electronic document management system, and modern digital technologies in medical institutions. Much attention will be paid to preparations for the international exhibition and scientific conference “Healthcare, education and sports in the period of the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State”.

Particular importance will be further attached to the development of sports and the Olympic movement, the education of healthy, physically developed youth, the training of high-class athletes and national teams of Turkmenistan for the 33th Summer Olympic and 17th Summer Paralympic Games, which will be held this year in Paris (Republic of France).

Measures will also be taken in the country to develop fundamental and applied science, innovative industry, high technology and the scientific system and attract young people to this work. This all is aimed at fostering a new generation of specialists and scientists conducting active production and scientific activities in accordance with international standards.

According to the Work Plan, in the occasion of celebrating this year the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly, the outstanding Turkmen poet and thinker of the East, there are plans for holding the International Scientific Conference “Magtymguly Fragi and Human Cultural Values”, as well as the third Turkmen-Chinese scientific and innovation forum.

As was reported, the objectives related to promoting the high achievements of the Homeland and increasing its international prestige were taken into account when developing plans for upcoming work. A number of cultural events and meetings are scheduled for popularizing national traditions and spiritual and moral values passed on to us by our great ancestors.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the important role of science, education, healthcare, sports and public organizations in comprehensive development of the sovereign Homeland. In this regard, the head of state pointed out the need to ensure strict control over the implementation of activities provided for in the Work Plans of the above-mentioned institutions for the current year. The deputy prime minister was also instructed to properly prepare and conduct at a high level the first international mathematics competition among schoolchildren, to be held in the city of Arkadag in March this year.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the development of Turkmenistan’s partnership with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

As was reported, strengthening relations with international organizations, in particular the OSCE is one of the main directions of the state foreign policy. Currently, our country effectively collaborates with this Organization in political, economic, environmental and humanitarian areas. Appropriate joint work is carried out to organize forums, consultations and other events for the practical implementation of international initiatives and promoting the priority positions of Turkmenistan, as well as strengthening cooperation in various fields.

In this context, a number of proposals for further development of the partnership with the OSCE were presented to the head of state for consideration. In particular, a proposal was made to hold an international conference “The Role of Neutral States in Strengthening Security and Trust in the Region of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe” in Ashgabat in the first half of this year in order to reveal the important role of the Homeland’s neutrality status in maintaining peace, security and sustainable development. It is planned to invite permanent representatives of the OSCE member states to participate in the event.

The agenda will include issues such as the main directions of the “Global Security Strategy” initiated by Turkmenistan, as well as the use of important mechanisms of neutrality in settling various international crises through political and diplomatic means, and the revival of the culture of political dialogue.

Another proposal was made to organize a visit of the OSCE Secretary General to our country in March of this year with the aim of developing and enhancing relations between Turkmenistan and this organization.

Moreover, urgent issues in this field include stepping up the participation of our state in activities ongoing to combat terrorism within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and to build up partnership with the Counter-Terrorism Committee under this Assembly. In this regard, it is proposed to organize a visit of the Vice President of the PA and the head of the above-mentioned Committee to our country in April this year.

The deputy prime minister, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered to hold a regional meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Ashgabat in May of this year in order to strengthen bilateral cooperation regarding support for Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy with the participation of members of the parliament.

Specifying that the comprehensive development of relations with reputable international organizations, including the OSCE, is one of the priority directions of our country’s foreign policy, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the proposals presented.

Having focused on the importance of further strengthening the partnership with this Organization in all areas, the head of state instructed the deputy prime minister to ensure a high level of implementation of the planned events.

Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakyev reported on the work in progress aimed at strengthening the country’s cybersecurity, training high-level specialists in this field and in information technology, and developing national production in this area.

In this regard, a relevant Decree was submitted to the head of state for consideration.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that one of the present-day requirements is strengthening the country’s cybersecurity and training high-class specialists in this field. Having signed the Decree “On planned measures to step up work to ensure cybersecurity in Turkmenistan”, the head of state sent it to the Agency director by a digital system, giving a number of specific instructions.

Then the head of Agency reported on national electronic communications systems.

As was reported, practical steps are taken to develop the digital economy, aimed at introducing advanced technologies in the country and constantly expanding the range of digital services.

These include the Duralga mobile application, launched by the “Türkmenawtoulaglary” Agency jointly with private enterprises.

Furthermore, in order to increase the number of national electronic communications systems, a new video hosting “Belet Video” has been created at the production base of the “Türkmenaragatnaşyk” Agency, which includes regularly updated scientific, educational, musical, training and information materials.

The report included information on the establishment of the “Electronic Government” system and the introduction of an information exchange system in the X-Road architecture format, which is successfully used in world practice. As was reported, the selection of the supplier is currently carried out jointly with the United Nations Development Programme.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov specified that with upgrading the national electronic communications systems, the volume of Internet traffic in the country is constantly increasing. In this regard, the instruction was given to continue work to meet the needs of citizens for digital services.

A number of other issues of the state policy were also discussed at the meeting, on which appropriate decisions were made.

Concluding the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished everyone sound health, family wellbeing and great success in work for the prosperity of the sovereign Homeland.