As previously reported, on June 27, 2021 President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov arrived to Turkmenistan on an official visit.

On the first day of the visit, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov visited the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan where he got acquainted with the Exhibition of Export Goods of Turkmenistan and participated to the opening ceremony of Turkmen-Kyrgyz Economic Forum where he delivered a speech.

On the second day of the visit, on June 28, in the morning the high guest proceeded from his official residence to the centre of the city where the Independence square is situated. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov welcomed President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov at the venue. The official welcome ceremony was held for the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov at the Independence Square in Ashgabat. Members of the Government delegation of Turkmenistan were introduced to the President of Kyrgyzstan. Members of the Government delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic were introduced to the President of Turkmenistan.

After the traditional ceremony of official photography on the background of the State Flags, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited President Sadyr Zhaparov to the Bilateral Meeting Hall of the Oguzkhan Presidential Palace Complex where Turkmen-Kyrgyz “one-to-one” negotiations had been held.

As was mentioned in the course of constructive talks of the Heads of the two friendly countries, the visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan to Ashkhabad will open the new chapter in the history of interstate relations and will serve as the powerful incentive for further strengthening of traditional partnership and making it strategic.

During the negotiations, the parties noted special significance of holding Turkmen-Kyrgyz Economic Forum within the framework of the current visit, which opened broad perspectives for realization of trade-economic, export and investment potential of Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. The sides shared the visions on number of topical issues of regional and international politics presenting mutual interest.

Then, the negotiations continued in the extended format with the participation of the members of the official delegations of the two countries.

The parties stated the presence of huge potential for long-term interaction between the business circles of the two states. In this context, among the key areas of partnership the textile industry, renewable energy sources, tourism, processing industries, agriculture, as well as transport and transit sector were named.

After the talks in the extended format the signing ceremony was held. The parties signed a solid package of 15 bilateral documents.

Besides that, during Turkmen-Kyrgyz Economic Forum which was held a day earlier, the representatives of the business community of the two countries signed about 20 documents.

After the conclusion of the signing ceremony, the Heads of two states made an address to media representatives.

The Heads of states stressed that an important attention in the talks was paid to the strengthening of peace, stability and security. It was noted that the parties agreed to work closely together in the bilateral format and within international organizations in addressing such pressing issues as combating international terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, illicit drug trafficking.

Having completed the official visit to our country, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov proceeded to Ashkhabad International Airport, from where he left Turkmenistan.

Today, on June 27, 2021, the two-day official visit of President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Nurgozhoyevich Zhaparov to Turkmenistan has started.

During the visit Sadyr Zhaparov visited township Kipchak where he paid tribute to the memory of the first President of Turkmenistan, laid flowers at the Mausoleum and got acquainted with Turkmenbashy Spirituality Mosque.

Then the motorcade of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic came to the Independence Monument of Turkmenistan where the high guest laid the flowers and planted a tree on the Alley of Honorable Guests.

On the same day the high guest took part in the Exhibition of Export Goods of Turkmenistan, which was organized in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. Achievements and export opportunities of the country in oil and gas sphere, energy, chemical industry, transport and communications, industry and production of building materials as well as production of private enterprises were demonstrated at the exhibition.

After that, Sadyr Zhaparov participated to the opening ceremony of Turkmen-Kyrgyz Economic Forum where he delivered a speech.

On June 28, within the framework of the visit, negotiations on the highest level will be held between President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov. During the talks it is expected the discussion of the issues of further development of relations between two friendly countries, prospects of  increase of interaction in political, trade-economic, energy, industrial, transport-communicational, agricultural and water management, scientific-technical and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

Following the visit, it is planned to sign a solid package of documents.

On May 29, 2021, Embassy of Turkmenistan in Georgia with the assistance of Georgian National bicycle federation held the massive cycling race dedicated to the World Bicycle Day, 30^th Anniversary of Independence of Turkmenistan, 140^th Anniversary of Ashgabat, as well as the proclamation of 2021 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.

Representatives of Georgian National bicycle federation, athletes and coaches of Georgia took participation in this event, which was covered by the local media.

 Before the cyclingrace began, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan in Georgia noted in his speech that the World Bicycle Day, widely celebrated in all countries of the world, was established by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution on the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. As the President of Turkmenistan noted, it is a celebration that highlights the importance of such enduring values as peace and solidarity, health and spirituality. It offers great opportunities to develop and popularize sport as a messenger of peace and to establish fruitful cooperation in this field.

The Ambassador also noted that Turkmenistan pays great attention to the development of physical culture and sports, large-scale work is being carried out to improve the health of citizens and to educate a physically strong young generation. Special attention is paid to the development of cycling and holding a mass bike ride has become a good tradition not only in Turkmenistan, but also around the world. Cycling is one of the most popular forms of socially significant events held in many countries around the world in support of various social, sports and environmental projects and ideas.

The participants of the cycling race noted that this sports event is another step in strengthening friendship and cooperation between our countries, as well as promoting sport and a healthy lifestyle.

On the 25th of May 2021, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave a speech at the Global Roundtable on Transforming Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development.  The event took place in a format of a videoconferencing and was chaired by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The event was attended by the heads of states and governments, ministers, heads of major international organizations, experts of academic circles and analytical centers, as well as the representatives of private sector and civil society.

The holding of the roundtable was aimed at the determination of concrete actions and recommendations, which might be implemented at global, regional and national levels for the resolution of problems related to climate change and negatively affecting the attainment of the Global Agenda until 2030.

In his speech, the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to the UN Secretary General for the invitation to take part in the Global Forum and underlined that Turkmenistan completely shares the concerns in regard to the negative effect of the industrial emissions to the environment and consistently stands for close coordination of international efforts aimed at the minimization of present risks and challenges.   

“We are confident that the key factor here should be the steady and total adherence to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change”, said the President.  He added that by joining this fundamental document, Turkmenistan has intensified its constructive cooperation with the UN and other specialized international structures for its comprehensive fulfillment.  

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the adoption in 2019 of the new revised National Strategy of Turkmenistan on Climate Change that has provided all the necessary legal, organizational and technological conditions for the attainment of ecological tasks.  The Head of State noted that adaptive measures are widely implemented in Turkmenistan on restoration of forests and betterment of land use for the mitigation of climate impacts.  In the framework of the Overall National Programme of Greenery Planting “Green Belt”, vast forest belts are settled with the use of advanced water saving irrigation systems.  Just in the current year, it is envisioned to plant 30 million more of young plants.      

In the last years, the carbon content of products produced in Turkmenistan steadily decreases.  To support this statement, the President of Turkmenistan has presented concrete indicators.  

Speaking about the international initiatives of the state on forming a new architecture of global energy security and provision of wide access to unexpansive, reliable and modern energy resources for all, the President noted that “being one of the major resource extracting countries in the world and comprehending its responsibility in this regard, Turkmenistan makes efforts to preserve the balance between the manufacturing goals and missions on saving the environment.”       

He also noted that jointly with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the preparatory work is carried out on the implementation of two major projects on preserving the ozone layer. 

The President has voiced the feasibility of working out a UN Strategy aimed at the implementation of measures for the development of low carbon energy and proposed to prepare an International Roadmap under the UN auspices on the development of hydrogen as one of the priorities in the energy field.   

The current meeting of high level was convened by the UN Secretary General and has completed the series of roundtables held in the recent months by the UN regional economic commissions in the framework of the “Financing for the Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond Initiative” (FFDI).

ПРЕЗИДЕНТ ТУРКМЕНИСТАНА ВЫСТУПИЛ НА ГЛОБАЛЬНОМ КРУГЛОМ СТОЛЕ ПО ПРЕОБРАЗОВАНИЮ ДОБЫВАЮЩЕЙ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОСТИ ДЛЯ УСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ

25 мая 2021 года Президент Туркменистана Гурбангулы Бердымухамедов выступил на Глобальном «круглом столе» высокого уровня по преобразованию добывающей промышленности для устойчивого развития. Мероприятие прошло в формате видеоконференции под председательством Генерального секретаря ООН Антониу Гутерриша.

На встрече приняли участие главы государств и правительств, министры, руководители крупных международных организаций, эксперты академических кругов и аналитических центров, представители частного сектора и гражданского общества.

Проведение круглого стола было нацелено на определение конкретных действий и рекомендаций, которые могут быть реализованы на глобальном, региональном и национальном уровнях, для решения проблем, связанных с изменением климата, негативно влияющих на реализацию «Повестки дня на период до 2030 года».

В своём выступлении Президент Туркменистана Гурбангулы Бердымухамедов поблагодарил Генерального секретаря ООН за приглашение принять участие в глобальном форуме и подчеркнул, что Туркменистан, полностью разделяя озабоченность в связи с негативным воздействием промышленных выбросов в окружающую среду, последовательно выступает за тесную координацию международных усилий, направленных на минимизацию существующих рисков и вызовов.

«Убеждены, что ключевым фактором здесь должна быть неуклонная и всеобщая приверженность Парижскому соглашению по изменению климата» - отметил Президент. Он добавил, что присоединившись к этому фундаментальному документу, Туркменистан активно взял курс на предметное сотрудничество с ООН, другими специализированными международными структурами по его повсеместной имплементации.

Президент Гурбангулы Бердымухамедов отметил принятие в 2019 году новой редакции Национальной стратегии Туркменистана об изменении климата, что обеспечило все необходимые правовые, организационные и технологические условия для выполнения экологических задач. Глава государства отметил, что в Туркменистане широко внедряются адаптационные меры по восстановлению лесов и улучшению землепользования для смягчения климатических воздействий. В рамках Общенациональной программы озеленения «Зелёный пояс» созданы обширные лесные полосы с использованием прогрессивных водосберегающих методов полива. Только в этом году в стране планируется высадить дополнительно 30 миллионов саженцев.

В течение последних лет неуклонно снижается углеродоёмкость производимой в Туркменистане продукции. В подтверждение тому Президент Туркменистана привёл конкретные показатели.

Говоря о международных инициативах государства по формированию новой архитектуры глобальной энергетической безопасности, обеспечению широкого доступа для всех к недорогим, надёжным, современным источникам энергии, Президент отметил, что «являясь одной из крупнейших в мире ресурсодобывающих стран и полностью осознавая в этой связи свою ответственность, Туркменистан прилагает усилия по сохранению баланса между производственными целями и задачами по охране окружающей среды».

Он также отметил, что совместно с Организацией Объединённых Наций по промышленному развитию проводится подготовительная работа по реализации двух крупных проектов по защите озонового слоя.

Президент озвучил целесообразность разработки Стратегии ООН, нацеленной на осуществление мер по развитию низкоуглеродной энергетики и предложил создать под эгидой ООН международную «Дорожную карту» по развитию водорода в качестве одного из приоритетных направлений в энергетике.

Нынешняя встреча высокого уровня, созванная Генеральным секретарём ООН, завершает серию «круглых столов», проведённых за последние несколько месяцев региональными экономическими комиссиями ООН в рамках «Инициативы по финансированию развития в эпоху COVID-19 и в последующий период (FFDI)».

The World Health Day has been celebrated on April 7. Mass cycling ride has been timed to this international date, which is set in National calendar. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has taken part in the ride.

Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, leaders of the Mejlis, heads of military and law enforcement agencies, ministries and departments, capital administrations, public organizations, mass media, universities and youth have gathered next to the Path of Health early in the morning.

Addressing the participants, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has congratulated all on the World Health Day. The head of the state highlighted that this wonderful day embodies high principles of friendship, peace and sports. In this regard, this day occupies special place in national calendar as an important date promoting consolidation of unity and solidarity of people.

Mass public physical training and sport activities held on honor of the World Health Day improve international authority of independent Turkmenistan as the country of health and high spirit, the head of the state said. Social and economic potential of our state, spiritual restoration, wealth of the nation and public health are closely connected to harmonious physical and spiritual development of generations.

Therefore, we attach special importance to development physical training, Olympic movement and sports in general, we deservingly continue such primordial national tradition as upbringing of physical and mentally fit, health generations, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted.

This is visually indicated by the construction of big sport and equestrian complexes, stadiums, sport schools, Olympic village, by formation of modern profile infrastructure meeting the world level in the country.

Further, Turkmen leader highlighted that many bright events have been written in sport chronicle of our independent state. Turkmenistan has become a center of large-scale international and regional competitions. The success of Turkmenistan in this direction has been recognized by competent international organizations.

Being a member of International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, our country makes worthy contribution to development of the Olympic movement in the world. This year, the Olympic village of the capital will host the World Track Cycling Championship and the Davis Cup International Tennis Tournament.

These days, preparation for the above-mentioned big competitions and further strengthening of cooperation is carried out together with international sport organizations, the head of Turkmenistan continued.

Having congratulated the participants of the sport event on the World Health Day again, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished all strong health, wealth and big success in work for improvement of Turkmenistan’s authority.

Further, the head of the state has given start to cycling ride, having headed the convoy of the participants, who were dressed in relative sport outfit. Following the President, everybody have started moving along the routes from the Path of health along Archabyl and Bitarap Turkmenistan Avenues of Ashgabat.

Bright performance of art artistic collectives were expanded on the start point and along the route.

Fosters of the Döwletliler köşgi Palace have joined the participants of the ride near Älem Cultural and Entertainment Center. Young participants of sport and health improving actions have joined the ride on the bicycles presented them by the President of the country.

In the last years, Ashgabat, which is a center of active political, business, cultural and social life of the country according to the status of the main city of the country, has turned into significant center of the world sports.

Powerful modern infrastructure including all necessary for going in for various sports including non-traditional sports for our hot climate like ice-hockey and figure skating, which Turkmenistan citizens learn with big interest and enthusiasm, have been made for short period.

List of the most important sport facilities has been added with big profile facilities in a short period, which did not have analogues in the region until now.

Owing to deeply thought socially oriented policy of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, physical training and sports have gained a big number of supporters in Turkmenistan, which is by right recognized as a country of health and high spirit today.

Major work is carried out under the leadership of the head of the state for assertion of healthy life style in the society, popularization of mass physical training and health improving movement and sport of the highest achievements as well as to establishment of Turkmenistan as big sport country of international level.

Our country puts high humanistic meaning into this activity directly co-relating the following of ideas of the Olympic movement with implementation of the Sustainable development goals, which are aimed at making of the conditions for maximum opening of human potential.

Today, the sports is intended to be an important component of international cooperation while sportsmen – messengers of peace, who assert high ideas of the Olympic movement with their skills and will.

…Meanwhile, the caravan of the participants of the cycling ride led by the President of Turkmenistan has continued moving along beautiful streets of the city.

The head of the state notes that mass sport events held in the country have an educational function in addition to health improving importance promoting the formation of ecological outlook in the society as good ecology and health are two inseparable factors.

The most eco-friendly transport, the bicycle, is an excellent tools for travelling around one’s homeland. At the same time, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov always emphasizes the need of careful attitude to the environment and support of favorable ecological conditions paying close attention to this subject.

Following the route, the cyclists continued riding along Bitarap Turkmenistan Avenue toward the center of the capital, which impresses with monumentality and beauty of its architectural look.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov enters the main square of the country with the Government tribune and finishes the ride.

After sport action, the head of the state has noted that current cycling ride on occasion of the World Health Day is to support further active involvement of the population to mass physical training and health improving movement.

Turkmen leader said that similar activities, which also have an ecological orientation, not only make good effect on people’s health but also support consolidation of the society, inspire people to achieve new success.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that remarkable dates in life of the country and society would be marked this year. On the threshold of the 140^th anniversary of Ashgabat, the emphasis shall be laid upon on maintaining clean city and development of the capital, provision of high level of preparation to the events, the President said addressing instructions to relevant officials.

Saying goodbye to the participants of sport action, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished all success and left the place of event.

***

Cycling rides and various sport events timed to the World Health Day have also been held in all regions of the country.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif, who arrived in Ashgabat within the framework of the Central Asian tour, discussed the key issues of cooperation in the political, trade and economic spheres.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran noted that Tehran supported the foreign policy pursued by neutral Turkmenistan, which is an important factor in strengthening peace and stability in Central Asia.

In this regard, the Turkmen leader thanked Iran for supporting Turkmenistan's international initiatives, including declaring 2021 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust”. The President of Turkmenistan underlined that partnership within the UN allows Turkmenistan to realize its neutral status as an important factor to ensure stability and security in the region. The parties paid special attention to the development of cooperation between the two countries in the economic sphere.

Emphasizing that due to the "open door" policy, the Turkmen market attracts more and more large investors every year, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed the interest of Iranian business in expanding business ties with state and private structures of Turkmenistan.

In this regard, it was underlined the importance to intensify the activities of the Turkmen-Iranian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, as well as to held bilateral meetings at various levels on a regular basis.

The parties also discussed the partnership of Turkmenistan and Iran on important issues of international and regional agenda.

On the 4th of March 2021, the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov participated to the 14th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization which was held via videoconferencing. It is vital to note that the chairmanship in ECO in 2021 has passed to Turkmenistan.

The heads of states and governments of ECO Member States, as well as the chiefs of international organizations, particularly the Energy Charter and the Turkic Council participated to the Summit with the theme of “Regional Economic Cooperation in the Aftermath of Covid-19”.

Speaking at the Summit, the President of Turkmenistan voiced the priority vectors of cooperation in the framework of the chairmanship of the country in the Organization and underlined that the state intends to actively promote the work of ECO with the focus on the development of trade-economic, cultural and humanitarian ties.  It was stated that the unfolding of the transport-transit, energy, industrial and communication potential of ECO is in the center of Turkmenistan’s strategy in its capacity as the chairing country.   

During the Summit, a constructive exchange of views took place on numerous projects of the Organization that are being implemented.  The participants appraised the current state of economic cooperation which is impacted by the global pandemic and considered the opportunities of reestablishing and expanding full partnership.   

The participants of the Summit congratulated the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with assuming the chairmanship in the Economic Cooperation Organization and welcomed the vision of Turkmenistan on intensifying the work of ECO.  The next, 15th Summit of ECO is planned to take place in Turkmenistan.

On December 21, 2020, a telephone conversation took place between President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

 During a constructive conversation, the heads of the two friendly states exchanged views on the state and prospects of interstate cooperation, which meets the fundamental interests of the Turkmen and Uzbek peoples. The parties also discussed the priority areas of the international and regional agenda.

 As noted, regular mutual contacts at the highest and other levels are a clear indicator of mutual trust and respect. All this gives a powerful impetus to the progressive development of interstate relations.

 During the dialogue, the Turkmen leader congratulated his Uzbek counterpart on the successful holding of the meeting of the Council of CIS Heads of States and emphasized the successful chairmanship of Uzbekistan in this structure in 2020.

 As President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted, Turkmenistan highly appreciates bilateral relations with the fraternal Republic of Uzbekistan and attaches great importance to the development of comprehensive cooperation with a neighboring state and a reliable partner.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, thanking for the kind words, noted that the outgoing year had passed under the sign of the 25th anniversary of the permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan, which served to strengthen the foundations of its independence and role on the political map of the world. The high authority of the Turkmen leader has once again confirmed the fact that the world community, represented by the UN General Assembly, unanimously supported his initiative to declare 2021 the International Year of Peace and Trust.

 At the end of the telephone conversation, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev exchanged congratulations on the upcoming New Year 2021, addressing the peoples of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan with wishes of peace, prosperity, prosperity and great success in all good endeavors.

Dear Shavkat Miromonovich!
Dear Heads of the States!

First of all, let me extend my gratitude to President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for organization of current session. I would like to mention his big personal contribution to successful chairing of Uzbekistan in the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2020.

Traditionally, we sum up the outcomes of our joint activity under the CIS, share the opinions about work in coming period.

First of all, I would like to say that despite known current complications, the CIS countries have managed to accomplish the most of planned joint events. Sessions of the Councils of the Head of the Governments, Foreign Ministries, Economic council, during which strategic directions of our cooperation in different sphere have been discussed and important documents have been adopted, were held.

Among the documents, I would make special mention of the Strategy of economic cooperation of the CIS until 2030. We consider this document as timely and current and note its specific details, clarity of set out goals and objectives for long-term period and are ready to joint work for the fulfilment of these objectives.

In this case, it is necessary to highlight that the above-mentioned Strategy is based on the principles of the Declaration on strategic economic cooperation of the CIS state members, which was adopted at the session of the Council of the Heads of the states in Ashgabat in October last year.

We state with delight that we note such directions as transport, fuel and energy complex, communication, industrial cooperation, trade, innovations and technologies among the priorities of economic partnership of the Commonwealth countries.

In general, Turkmenistan stands for giving of new quality to our cooperation, transit to long-term systematic cooperation. We are confident that current potential of the CIS allows us speaking of opportunities of realization of important projects in the mentioned perspective spheres.

At the same time, the territories of the CIS countries are able to become the main routes of economic partnership on the continent, the routes, which are connecting links in Europe – Asia direction in wide understanding.

In this context, we highlight the importance of promotion of economic interests of the CIS beyond geographic borders of the Commonwealth, integration of neighboring countries and regions to our joint projects. First of all, this is related to establishment of transport and transit infrastructure, optimization and increment of supply of energy carriers, construction of new communication lines.

In particular, we see big opportunities of cooperation in these directions in Caspian region, formation of the system of combined logistic with participation of the landlocked countries.

In this regard, we suggest to review perspectives of use of Turkmenbashy International Seaport as well as modern commercial fleet of Turkmenistan.

Last year, conceptual foundations of multilateral cooperation in Caspian Sea have been put and specific measures of giving long-term character to it have been planned at the first Caspian Economic Forum in Turkmenbashy.

Many countries and big foreign companies show interest in participation in the forum. We think that Caspian direction has to take proper place in the plans of the Commonwealth and be considered as a zone of priority economic partnership.

Esteemed Heads of the States!

This year has passed under combating coronavirus infection, which has become a serious challenge for our healthcare systems.

I think it is necessary to highlight that the CIS states could have establish the channels of cooperation between medical, sanitary, customs and other services in this complex conditions, having demonstrated high responsibility, solidarity and mutual support in front of new challenge.

Using the opportunity, I would like to extend sincere gratitude to President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin for his big personal contribution to solution of this common problem, which has improved the authority of Russian leader in the world arena.

I am confident that we have to follow these principles in coming period of combating the pandemic and recovery the consequences. We look forward for detailed review of specific measures proposed to the UN on formation of the mechanisms of scientific and medical cooperation, establishment of international specialized centers, which would develop new methods and practices of combating dangerous virus infections.

I think that the Commonwealth states could have an initiative role in this work, to show example of efficient cooperation, exchange of practice and joint researches in medical sphere.

In general, Turkmenistan is confident in the necessity of closer cooperation and consolidation of efforts of the CIS countries in the world arena and under big international structures, especially under the UN.

We think that the Commonwealth states could make significant contribution to stabilization of the situation, restoration and strengthening of the role of international law and the UN Charter, to provide support in creation of the atmosphere of trust and predictability in the relations between the states on the background of complex situation in the world politics.

In this regard, it is important to adopt the Joint Statement of the Heads of the CIS country members on occasion of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Organization.

As is known, 2021 has been announced as International Year of Peace and Trust at the initiative of our country by the UN General Assembly. We see this decision as a good reason to resume serious and responsible dialog on modern world order and international relations.

We propose to think over the filling of the dialog with practical and specific content.

In this context it is planned to hold High-level International Conference dedicated to strengthening of peace, security and provision of sustainable development in Ashgabat next year.

I would like to invite you to participate in this Forum!

Few days ago, Turkmenistan has celebrated a remarkable date of its modern history – the 25th anniversary of international recognition of the status of permanent neutrality.

Taking the opportunity, I would like to express gratitude to the heads of the states who sent congratulations addressed to our country and people. Such position is a big support for us and stimuli for development of international cooperation based on the principles of god neighborliness and peace-loving, confirms the correctness of the foreign course of Turkmenistan and its compliance with long-term interests and goals of the CIS.

In this regard, we think it is efficient to continue a practice of mutual support in the UN General Assembly. During its last session, Turkmenistan has made number of initiatives aimed at strengthening of the role of preventive diplomacy and realization of the principles of neutrality during solution of international issues.

We are grateful to the Commonwealth states, which have joined to the establishment of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for peace, security and development under the UN and highly appreciate their position.

Dear Heads of the State!

Turkmenistan is confident of the presence of the CIS big potential in economic and social development, humanitarian and cultural cooperation, in positive effect on regional and global processes. The Commonwealth proves its viability and ability to deal with challenges and threats with responsibility, its relevance as an important tool of interstate dialog.

Our country is determined to continue close cooperation under the CIS, active participation in realization of the provision of signed documents.

Finishing my speech, I would like to express gratitude to Uzbekistan for skillful chairing of the CIS in 2020 and wish success to the Republic of Belarus, which takes over the chairmanship in the next year.

I would like also to extend words of gratitude to Head of the Executive Committee – the CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev for efficient coordination of our work and input to successful organization of the current session.

Let me congratulate you, dear participants, on coming New year, wish strong health and success to you and peace, wealth and prosperity to the people of the Commonwealth states

The Leader of the Nation participates in the session of the Council of the Heads of the CIS countries

Today, on December 4, 2020, the opening of a mosque constructed in the township of Akina of the Andkhoy etrap of Faryab province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan took place as a friendly gesture from the Turkmen side to the Afghan people.

 As is known, in accordance with the Resolution of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the construction of a mosque for 500 seats started on November 2018. This decision was taken within the framework of support provided by Turkmenistan to achieve stability and security in Afghanistan, including humanitarian assistance to the brotherly Afghan people.

 The opening ceremony was attended by a representative Turkmen delegation headed by the Chief Mufti of the country Y. Khojagulyev, which also included the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan H. Ovezov, Consul of Turkmenistan in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif B. Kabaev, imams of Mary and Lebap velayats of the country and representatives of the Turkmen media.

 On behalf of the Afghan side, the ceremony was attended by the Minister of Hajj and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Qasim Halimi, khyakim of Jovzjan province Lotfullah Azizi, khyakim of Faryab Nakibullah Faik province, representatives of the above Ministry and the IRA Foreign Ministry branch in Mazar-i-Sharif, representatives of departments and state services of the township of Aqina , as well as numerous Turkmens living in these regions.

 The opening of the mosque on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan is especially symbolic. Turkmenistan, being a neutral state, whose status is enshrined in the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly, is doing a tremendous job to promote political and diplomatic, trade-economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation in the entire region.

Turkmenistan pays great attention to the stable development of the neighboring country and renders fraternal solidarity and active support in its integration into the peaceful course of development.

 Also, today, in honor of the opening of a new spiritual facility for the Afghan people, a humanitarian cargo was sent from Turkmenistan to the Afghan provinces of Jovzjan, Herat and Faryab, consisting of medicines and medical supplies and means, household, textile and food products produced in Turkmenistan.

 A representative delegation from Turkmenistan, as well as high-ranking officials of various departments of Afghanistan, took part in the delivery ceremony of humanitarian aid in the township of Turgundi, Herat province.