Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov conducted a working visit to Balkan velayat, during which he participated in the solemn commissioning ceremony of the new dry-cargo vessel Gadamly. The vessel was constructed at the "Balkan" shipbuilding and ship-repair factory in Turkmenbashi city.
The head of the state arrived at the capital’s International Airport, from where he took off for Turkmenbashi city.
After a short flight, the presidential airliner landed at the International Airport of Turkmenbashi, where a warm and ceremonial welcome was rendered to the head of the state.
In recent years, as a result of successful realization of the program for socio-economic development of the country's regions, Balkan velayat has been developing harmoniously. In this regard, the construction of the dry-cargo ship by Turkmen specialists - an event of great value for national economy- became a significant milestone. It serves as further evidence that the transport and logistics system of our country is reaching a fundamentally new level of development.
From the airport, the head of the state proceeded toward the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi city.
Located at the important crossroads of the continent, Turkmenistan now effectively utilizes its geopolitical and geoeconomic potential. A great importance is placed on the construction of transport and transit corridors, which promotes an increase in the volume of international goods turnover in the region and facilitates an active integration of the country into global economic relations. In this context, issues connected with an active use of the possibilities of the International seaport, located on the coast of the Caspian Sea, remain at the centre of the state's attention.
The works conducted here strengthen Turkmenistan's position in the region as an important transport and transit corridor. The modernization of all structures within the transport and logistics system in the country creates necessary preconditions for sustainable development and the strengthening of security across the Eurasian space. This progress opens new possibilities for the revival of the Great Silk Road, which throughout history has connected countries and peoples.
As known, in 2017, at the initiative of National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Resolution on "Strengthening the links between all modes of transport to achieve sustainable development goals". The fact that this document was prepared in co-authorship with 74 countries confirms the universal importance of the initiatives put forward by Turkmenistan. Under the initiative of Hero-Arkadag, the UN General Assembly adopted a number of resolutions in the sphere of transport and transit routes.
The favourable geographical position of Turkmenistan and successful realization of its foreign policy strategy have ensured the transformation of our fatherland into an international transport centre and the largest logistical hub in the region. Consequently, our country consistently puts forward initiatives aimed at adjustment of constructive cooperation with all interested countries and all-around use of the potential of the Turkmenbashi international seaport.
Performances by workers of art and culture enhanced the festive atmosphere. The mass cultural events organized for the commissioning of the new dry-cargo ship Gadamly, built at the "Balkan" shipbuilding and ship-repair factory, filled the annals of significant events of this year—held under the motto "Independent neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful winged horses” .
Then, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov delivered a speech.
First of all, the head of the state warmly congratulated all participants of the current solemnity on the occasion of the commissioning of the new dry-cargo vessel Gadamly in the international seaport of Turkmenbashi in Balkan velayat.
As was marked, during the Era of Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state, program activity on the development of the transport and communication complex is carried out in our country and the material and technical basis of the transport sector is consistently modernized. Arkadagly Hero Serdar underlined that with a view to develop the transport and logistics system of Turkmenistan and perfection of the national maritime branch, effective work is implemented to further expand transit and international cargo transportation.
Turkmenistan plays a key role in the development of transnational transport and transit corridors by routes East-West and North-South. In this plan, a powerful transport and logistics system has been generated, including new railway and automobile lines, modern airports of international class, and the international seaport of Turkmenbashi, the head of the state continued his speech.
Neutral Turkmenistan, actively advancing its "transport diplomacy," supports effective cooperation with international organizations. Since 2013, the UN at the initiative of our country has adopted six resolutions in the field of international transport cooperation, receiving a broad support from the world community. In 2016, Ashgabat hosted the first Global Conference of the UN on Sustainable Transport. At the same time, Turkmenistan regularly hosts international conferences and exhibitions aimed at developing transport and logistical cooperation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated.
Today, all efforts are made for the revival of the ancient Great Silk Road in a new format, the President of Turkmenistan added, making an emphasis on the fact that an effective work is conducted by the 'Balkan' open joint-stock company of the "shipbuilding and ship-repair factory," whose launch in 2018 with the blessing of Hero-Arkadag became a significant event in strengthening the economic power of our country.
As was underlined, currently, the factory’s activity brings an essential contribution to the development of the sea and river transport branch. The "Balkan" shipbuilding and ship-repair factory has received several international certificates, which is significant for the construction of modern cargo vessels.
During his speech, Arkadagly Hero Serdar noted that the vessel Gadamly is intended for the transportation of dry cargoes. Its load-carrying capacity is 6,100 tons, and it is equipped with modern technologies capable of transporting 240 containers of 20 tons each. Our specialists in cooperation with Korean partners successfully realized the shipbuilding project.
The head of the state also pointed out that this year, Turkmen specialists together with Korean partners will put into operation one more cargo ship—the Menzil and expressed confidence that the commissioning of cargo vessels in Turkmenistan will considerably expand the possibilities of the national sea merchant fleet.
These works will increase the volume of cargoes shipped and delivered and transit goods through the international seaport of Turkmenbashi. "I am convinced that these vessels, which will ply between the Caspian littoral states, will bring a worthy contribution to the development of the economy of our fatherland," Arkadagly Hero Serdar said.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov sincerely congratulated everyone on the commissioning of the Gadamly and wished employees of the Public Service of Maritime and River Transport sound health, family well-being, and great success.
Then, the floor was then given to the President of the company "Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology" (Republic of Korea), Mr. Choi Yong Wook who took part in the ceremony on the occasion of this historic event.
First of all, the guest expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan and Hero-Arkadag for the opportunity to take part in the celebration. Having congratulated all with successful completion of construction of the dry-cargo vessel Gadamly, he underlined that this historical event shows that Turkmenistan has taken a path of harmonious development in all areas, especially in the transport and logistics sphere.
As was marked, the construction of the new dry cargo vessel in the Balkan shipbuilding and ship repair plant speaks of clear results of joint efforts. It attests to the fact that the enterprise, which is one of the main structures of Turkmenbashi international seaport, has obtained an opportunity to build modern vessels capable to carry out international transportation. All this clearly speaks of presence of technical opportunities at the enterprise necessary for successful realization of international projects and strengthening of the position of our country in global marine industry.
The head of the Korean company Mr. Choi Yong Wook handed over special international certificates to the "Balkan" factory for advanced engineering developments and high-quality installation work.
Then, the floor was given to the manager of the company "Bureau Veritas Marine and Offshore" (France), Mr. Samat Kamalov, who expressed his words of gratitude to the President and Hero-Arkadag for the warm reception in the Turkmen land and high level of planned events. The solemnity organized on the occasion of the commissioning of the new dry cargo vessel is a historic event not only for Turkmenistan but also for the entire region.
The guest underlined that it is a great honour for him to hand over special certificates to the "Balkan" factory and the vessel, confirming its conformity to high international standards, including those in the field of ecology. It speaks clearly of the obvious results of the strategic approach of the enterprise to shipbuilding taking into account the advanced world practice, and interest in development of the given area.
The current historic event opens for Turkmenistan wide opportunities for efficient use of international transport transit corridors. Turkmenbashi international seaport recognized as an important link of East-West and North-South transport corridors regularly strengthens its status of regional significance.
Then, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approached the gangway of the Gadamly. There, children in maritime uniform who recited poems met the head of the state. Having thanked the children, the head of the state handed them gifts and satisfied their request to be photographed for memory.
Then, chairman of the Public Service of Maritime and River Transport A. Shanazarov reported to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the full readiness of the Gadamly for departure.
Having accepted the report, the head of the state familiarized himself with the technical features and the conditions created on the vessel, which completely correspond to international maritime standards. The participation of local specialized experts, engineers, and technical personnel in specialized training seminars enhanced their qualification levels, ensuring that the construction of the new vessel is carried out in accordance with high international standards.
The captain of the vessel, on behalf of all workers, expressed deep gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero-Arkadag for the state support in construction of the new dry cargo vessel and opportunities created for fruitful work. He also underlined that the conditions created on the vessel fully meet international standards.
Arkadagly Hero Serdar noted that extensive activities are carried out in our country to enhance logistical efficiency, and international relations are expanded to actively adopt leading global experience in this field. This necessitates that all port structures operate in accordance with modern requirements.
Having congratulated the captain with the commissioning of the new vessel into operation, the head of the state wished the captain further success.
Then, upon the captain’s request, the President of the country gave his blessing for the commissioning of the dry cargo vessel Gadamly. With the blessing of Arkadagly Hero Serdar, the captain pressed the special button to actuate the main engine. The ship's hooter sounded as an acknowledgment of the continuation of centuries-old maritime customs in the spirit of modernity.
Wishing everyone great success once again, the head of the state disembarked from the dry cargo vessel 'Gadamly' onto the square where musical and song performances were taking place.
Members of the Cabinet of Ministers congratulated Arkadagly Hero Serdar and Hero-Arkadag on this historically significant event, the commissioning of the dry cargo vessel Gadamly into operation. As noted, this served as another confirmation that our country actively utilizes international transport corridors and carries out consistent work to improve the transport and logistics infrastructure.
The President of Turkmenistan underlined that this event is a result of efforts applied in all spheres of national economy as well as in development of international transport-transit corridors.
Noting that work in this field will continue, the head of the state wished everyone success and left the venue.
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Following the noble traditions created by our wise ancestors, national ceremonies were observed on the occasion of the commissioning of the new vessel into operation. Under songs and music, respectable mothers performed the custom ak zat alnyňa ýagşy, sprinkled the new ship with white flour. The burining of yuzarlik and the tying of an alaja on the ship's wheel served as a testament to the continuity of national traditions.
To honour this historically important event, a celebratory sadaka was given, marking the successful commissioning of the dry-cargo ship Gadamly.
