The Exhibition of Economic Achievements of Turkmenistan, dedicated to the celebration of the 28th anniversary of the country's independence, began in Ashgabat today. Traditionally held on the eve of the main holiday of the Turkmenistan, the economic review has become a kind of report of the year, clearly illustrating the impressive successes of the national economy.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, the Turkmenportal correspondent was lucky to meet a native of Turkmenistan, a well-known astronaut, Hero of the Russian Federation, and the holder of the highest state award of Turkmenistan, the Order of the Star of the President Oleg Kononenko. The astronaut kindly agreed to answer the questions of our correspondent.

– Oleg Dmitrievich, it's nice to see you in Turkmenistan. How long have you arrived?

– I flew from Moscow to Ashgabat literally three hours ago, and immediately plunged into the atmosphere of the holiday. Before that, as you probably know, I flew into the space expedition. She was quite complicated, intense. There were very difficult spacewalks. Overall it was very interesting.

– We, as ordinary people, are interested in: what is it like to be outside of gravity?

– Weightlessness is a wonderful state. All astronauts are adults, with a good education, but in zero gravity behave like children. Because the state is amazing when you can fly like a bird.

– You were born in Turkmenabat. Planning to visit your hometown?

– Unfortunately, I don’t know my program yet, I just flew in, so I can’t say anything yet.

– Are you planning to fly into space yet?

– We must first recover from the last expedition. Of course, I would like to go on the fifth flight.

– Please, tell us how Turkmenistan looks from space?

– Very beautiful. I photographed both Ashgabat and my hometown of Chardjou, which is now called Turkmenabat, from outer space. They look bright and beautiful! Photos you can find on the website of Roscosmos. My photo of Ashgabat is on the site,I was uploaded it. I did not uploaded Turkmenabat photo because it is my dear city, I did not want to spread it.

– What are your plans during your current visit to Turkmenistan?

– Take part in a holiday dedicated to the Independence Day of Turkmenistan.