The Mejlis of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the country's Deputy corps, which specified the key activities of the national Parliament this year, the State news Agency reported.
Members of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of military and law enforcement agencies, ministries and industry departments, political parties, public organizations, and the media were also invited to the meeting.
Addressing the audience with a keynote speech, the President noted that our country has a wonderful national tradition – to consult with the people, to be guided by their opinion, starting any responsible business. In the course of today's meeting, following this wise tradition, the tasks of further comprehensive development of our independent neutral state in the Year "Turkmenistan – homeland of Neutrality" will be discussed.
As President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed, neutrality is our great asset. Its value is recognized by the world community. It is a doctrine that ensures the triumph of peace and friendship, humanism and goodwill, cooperation and progress.
Therefore, having such a legal status, our main task is to ensure the comprehensive prosperity of our native country, which has chosen an exemplary path of a democratic, legal and secular state, the Turkmen leader said.
As the head of Turkmenistan further noted, the current meeting will not address issues of the country's economic situation and international issues, which were discussed in detail at the recently expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers devoted to the results of the past year.
Last year, which was held under the motto "Turkmenistan is the birthplace of prosperity", the national Parliament, working closely with the Cabinet of Ministers, relevant ministries and industry departments, carried out large-scale legislative activities. Along with further improvement of the legal framework of our democratic state, the scope of work carried out by deputies in electoral districts is systematically expanding. This contributes to the formation of a legal culture, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.
A lot of work is also being done to approve and develop democratic initiatives in the country, and to fulfill Turkmenistan's international obligations in the field of human rights.
Continuing his speech and focusing the attention of the meeting participants on a number of tasks that need to be solved in the near future, the head of state noted that this year there is a lot of work to be done to improve domestic legislation.
As you know, in order to increase the role and expand the powers of the country's Parliament, the second session of the “Halk maslahat” of Turkmenistan, held on September 25, 2019, announced the implementation of constitutional reforms.
The Working group established under the Constitutional Commission receives many such proposals from various departments and enterprises, as well as from citizens. Taking part in meetings, meetings, and assemblies held everywhere, the people actively discuss these issues, which clearly demonstrates the full support of the society for the initiative to switch to a qualitatively new, bicameral system of representative legislative bodies of state power, the President stated.
Only through constant cooperation between the government and society can we build a harmoniously developing state from the point of view of modern geopolitics. Therefore, in the next few days, it is necessary to publish and submit for public discussion until July of this year the draft of all changes and additions that will be made to the Basic Law, and the final draft of the constitutional Law – for consideration at the next meeting of the “Halk maslahat”, the head of state said.
In the context of the preparation of this Law, the President further noted that proper work should be done to improve the law of Turkmenistan "on the “Halk maslahat” of Turkmenistan", the law of Turkmenistan "on the Mejlis of Turkmenistan", to make appropriate changes and additions to the Law "on local representative bodies of state power", as well as to the Electoral code of Turkmenistan.
According to the head of state, the protection of citizen’s rights and freedoms is one of the main areas of legislative activity of the national Parliament. The Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted The law "on administrative procedures". It establishes the legal framework, principles and rules for the activities carried out by the administrative authorities of the country in connection with the adoption, execution or cancellation of administrative acts.
However, in order to establish the legal basis for consideration of an administrative case in the courts, as well as in accordance with modern requirements and international standards, it is advisable to develop a draft Administrative procedure code.
In this context, the President noted that, guided by the country's humane policy, in particular, in the field of criminal law relations, it is necessary to remove offenses that are not such a great threat to the state and society from a number of certain offenses that are subject to criminal responsibility, to transfer them to the category of administrative offenses.
It is also necessary to continue working on the preparation of the Criminal code of Turkmenistan in a new version, the head of state said, focusing the attention of the meeting participants on the need to improve this Code in accordance with the country's Constitution and generally recognized norms of international law.
According to current international experience, giving a humane character to criminal law relations that provide for exemption from criminal liability, it is necessary to provide for an increase in the amount of fines imposed for such acts, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said. It is also necessary to prepare and adopt a new version of the Arbitration procedure code.
In addition, based on current requirements, it is necessary to continue working on the preparation of the Civil code in a new version. In this regard, the head of state expressed the expediency of setting out the rules of private international law in this Code in accordance with international experience.
At the same time, the need to prepare and adopt a draft law of Turkmenistan "on crime prevention" in this direction in order to regulate public relations in the field of prevention of violations of law and order was stressed. The law of Turkmenistan "on prevention and liquidation of emergency situations" should also be improved and brought into line with modern requirements.
One of the most important tasks President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov outlined is the development of the national economy, reducing the impact on it of complex political, economic and financial situations in the world. Therefore, we need to continue working on the broad use of the potential of private entrepreneurship in all sectors of the economy, its state support, and the sustainable development of the financial and economic system. It is important to systematically analyze and, if necessary, improve legislative acts in this direction, the head of state stressed.
At the same time, it is necessary to continue taking measures to modernize the national legislation in such important areas as improving insurance services, supporting manufacturers of import-substituting products, and creating additional jobs, the head of Turkmenistan said.
As the President stressed, we face such important tasks of improving information and communication services, including the quality and stability of Internet services, and developing the information and communication system. In this aspect, an important task for the development of the digital economy in the country is to improve its legal framework.
In order to ensure favorable conditions for attracting investments, including foreign ones, first of all, it is necessary to improve legislative acts that create appropriate legal, financial and other conditions, the head of state stressed. At the same time, the law of Turkmenistan "on foreign investments" should be brought up to date, providing for incentives to create enterprises equipped with advanced technologies and producing competitive products.
We also need to work on modernizing and developing the infrastructure that has been created in certain regions and corners of our country, and attracting entrepreneurs to this activity.
In addition, in order to attract investment, introduce advanced technologies and equipment, create production facilities for the production of competitive goods and additional jobs, and activate foreign economic activity, it is necessary to improve the relevant laws governing these works, the President said.
In order to stimulate the creation of new jobs, it is expedient for velayat and etrap hyakimliks to form industrial, agricultural and other zones in the regions of the country. At the same time, it is necessary to provide favorable legislative conditions for their activities, to provide an opportunity for the population of velayats and etraps to work in them, the head of state noted.
In this aspect, we need to work on legislative acts regulating the allocation of land for the construction of production facilities, housing and other facilities. It is also important to accelerate the construction of affordable residential buildings for the population, the President said.
It is necessary to ensure the construction of multi-floor buildings in velayat and etrap centers. When considering these issues, it is necessary to simplify the process of allocating land plots, create legal guarantees for the sale, lease or other form of operation of houses built by entrepreneurs.
In this context, it was noted that it is expedient to review the powers of the hyakims of the velayats to adopt resolutions on the allocation of land plots for construction to individuals or legal entities. It will also be appropriate to conduct appropriate work on the analysis of the code of Turkmenistan "On land", the Laws "On shared construction of residential buildings and other real estate objects" and "On local Executive authorities".
In continuation of the topic, the head of state stressed that the modernization of the activities of state administration bodies, the introduction of the e-Government system will contribute to the successful implementation of the country's social and economic development Program for 2019-2025 and other programs. The Concept of developing the digital economy in Turkmenistan in 2019-2025 should serve as their effective implementation. Speaking about this, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused the attention of the deputies on the need to work on creating a reliable legal basis for the digitalization of the domestic economy.
As stated by the head of state, another legal document is required - "On electronic document, electronic document circulation and digital services". Thus, improving management efficiency can be achieved through the introduction of an electronic management system and document management.
As you know, the head of state further noted, the Government attaches great importance to the development of the intellectual property system. In this direction, the corresponding Program for 2015-2020 was adopted, according to which the Laws "On trademarks" and "on appellations of origin of goods" were adopted last year.
State regulation of intellectual property rights is an integral part of the normal use of intellectual property, and therefore work should continue on the preparation of the draft law provided for in the Program. In this context, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also spoke about the feasibility of developing draft laws "On firm names" and "On scientific discoveries".
Noting that all reforms and programs implemented in Turkmenistan are aimed at improving the welfare of the population, the President stressed that special importance should be attached to laws aimed at social and domestic protection of the population.
Any reform in the sphere of social protection must be legislated. In this regard, it is necessary to provide for the introduction of appropriate changes to the Code of Turkmenistan on social protection of the population, the head of state stated.
The President noted that Turkmenistan attaches special importance to the development of mass physical education, the Olympic movement and sports. The creation of modern sports facilities and the recognition of the Motherland as a world sports power is our greatest success in this direction.
Speaking about this, the head of state instructed the deputies to carry out appropriate work on making changes and additions to the existing laws as part of the measures taken to develop physical culture and sports, introduce the principles of a healthy lifestyle.
At the same time, the attention of the parliamentarians was focused on another important issue. So, due to the development of modern computer and information systems, children and teenagers, as well as people of different ages, spend a lot of time on a computer, phone or tablet. This lifestyle causes health problems. The solution of this issue is an urgent task of the state and the whole society. In this regard, the President noted the need to increase the effectiveness of attracting children and adolescents to various sports.
Addressing the deputies and members of the Cabinet of Ministers, the head of state noted that they should raise the level of explanatory and educational work related to the formation and support of a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, sports, education of love for national culture, language, literature and history.
This is not only the task of ministries, departments and complexes, it is of epochal significance, and therefore this work must be done together. On the above-mentioned issue, it would be appropriate to study the experience of other countries and, if necessary, introduce provisions in domestic laws that meet national principles, the President stressed.
As the head of state further noted, the tasks defined by the National program for the implementation of the world health organization framework Convention on tobacco control for 2017-2021 in Turkmenistan are being successfully solved. The law of Turkmenistan "On protection of citizens' health from the influence of tobacco smoke and the results of using tobacco products" was adopted. As in other legislative acts, it also defines specific provisions aimed at combating tobacco Smoking.
A national program for the prevention of harmful effects of alcohol for 2018-2024 and a Plan for its implementation have also been adopted. The legislation in force in the country aimed at preventing the harmful effects of alcoholic beverages on human health and approving the principles of a healthy lifestyle has been supplemented by the law of Turkmenistan "On the prevention of the harmful effects of alcohol". In this context, it was noted that the above-mentioned laws and the work carried out in the country to implement them are evaluated by international experts as an example for other States.
In continuation of the topic, the President made a separate emphasis on the need to adopt a special law on the prevention and prevention of various types of infectious diseases. In this regard, the head of Turkmenistan pointed out the importance of creating all social and legal conditions and their guarantees for preventing the spread of various infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Noting that the Labor code of Turkmenistan was adopted in 2009, the head of state noted that fundamental changes have been made in the structure of the economy over the past period. In this regard, in order to ensure the integrity of this legislative act and create favorable conditions for its application, it is necessary to start preparing a new version of the Labor code.
Stressing that decent education of the young generation is the key to our success, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the need to pay great attention to family values.
It is in the family that the foundations of national pride, respect for other peoples, and the success of our state and society are laid. In this regard, the President spoke about the need to make appropriate changes to the Family code of Turkmenistan that meet the requirements of the time.
Currently, the country has created an educational system that can provide citizens with modern education and provide the economy with qualified specialists in various fields, the head of state said. The country's socio-economic development strategy and the global changes taking place in the world require us to make appropriate changes to educational policy, changes and additions to national legislation, improve the financing processes, manage the structure of this system, and other aspects.
In this regard, the President noted that large-scale programs of infrastructure transformations in rural areas are planned. The material and technical base of rural educational institutions has been significantly strengthened. Now we also need to address the issue of providing rural schools and pre-school institutions with qualified specialists.
At the same time, it is necessary to improve the quality and expand the types of educational services provided in the country. Having improved the work of secondary educational institutions, in addition to schools with in-depth study of foreign languages, it is necessary to open schools of technological direction, create special classes in which gifted children should study. In this context, the deputies of Parliament are necessary to carry out the work on modernization of the relevant legislation, the President said.
Addressing parliamentarians and members of the Cabinet of Ministers, the head of Turkmenistan also noted that first of all it is necessary to take all measures to preserve, restore, study and develop our rich cultural heritage.
We must popularize our rich history, culture, art, and literature that keeps up with the times through foreign languages that young people have mastered, the President said.
In 2019, effective work was carried out to develop the national culture, preserve and promote the national heritage. The inclusion of the Turkmen national art of carpet making in the list of intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO last year is a clear confirmation of our successful work in this direction. We must continue to pay great attention to the development of national culture, because it is our spiritual wealth, the head of state said.
In this aspect, in order to carefully preserve the national heritage for future generations, develop the spiritual and linguistic culture of the people, the Mejlis should focus on improving legislation in this area, the President stressed.
We attach special importance to the modernization of the agro-industrial complex, as it contributes to the transformation of our country into a developed industrial state with advanced technology. In continuation of the topic, the President noted that it is becoming important to use new organizational and legal forms in agricultural production in accordance with international experience and the requirements of the time, national characteristics. Therefore, agriculture should be an important platform that opens up wide opportunities for the development of small and medium-sized businesses.
Private investment should be the basis for creating modern agricultural production and new jobs. Guided by these tasks, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan should provide for amendments to legislative acts related to the provision of benefits to agricultural producers, the head of state stressed.
During the transition of the national economic complex of the country to market relations, one of the important directions of development of the rural economy is to improve, as well as bring up to the modern level of standards governing land relations in agriculture. Based on this, the President stated, it is necessary to continue working on drafting a new version of the code of Turkmenistan "On land".
Our independent state is known as a country that promotes environmental well-being in the region and around the world and implements policies to ensure it. Speaking about this, the President instructed to carry out appropriate work on the adoption of the law of Turkmenistan "On environmental information".
It should regulate the procedure for providing information about the state of water resources, atmosphere, soil, fauna and ecology, important indicators for mandatory assessment of factors that can have a negative impact on the environment and human health, as well as measures aimed at protecting and prudent use of the environment. In this regard, the head of state noted that it is expedient to pay attention to issues related to the collection, use and dissemination of information on the environment through digital systems when developing the draft law.
As the President stressed, the dynamic development of the economy requires a consistent increase in the power of the country's energy sector. In order to ensure the sustainable development of the electric power industry as one of the spheres of the national economy, it is necessary to adopt the law of Turkmenistan "On renewable energy sources".
It was also noted that by launching international initiatives of universal importance, our neutral state attracts the attention of the world community. Legal relations that arise as a result of Turkmenistan's active integration into international relations also require improvement of national legislation in this direction. The main task here is to provide timely legal assistance to our international initiatives and promote them.
It is advisable to modernize the laws regulating the activities of consular and migration services, determining the procedure for providing international assistance in emergency situations, as well as legally defining the standards of migration work related to the development of tourism in accordance with modern requirements.
The head of state noted that, in particular, the Law "On consular institutions of Turkmenistan abroad" should be revised. We also need to draft a new Law "On providing international assistance during emergencies".
In addition, after studying the proposals of ministries and industry departments to improve national legislation, it is necessary to develop draft laws on amendments and additions to the laws of Turkmenistan "on migration" and "on the migration service".
At the same time, the Mejlis should continue to work to ensure the legal framework of the country's international relations. In this context, among the main tasks, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov outlined the implementation of measures to develop relations with the parliaments of various countries, give them a systematic character, and cooperate with international organizations, primarily structures that are part of the UN. It is necessary to continue taking appropriate steps in this direction in accordance with the Concept of Turkmenistan's foreign policy for 2017-2023.
One of the main tasks of the President also identified the achievement of the effectiveness of local self-government bodies. From this point of view, it will be appropriate to carry out appropriate work on the preparation of the draft law of Turkmenistan "On local self-government bodies". It should include provisions related to improving the activities of genesh and improving the quality of services provided to the population.
Addressing the participants of the meeting, the head of state touched upon the plans for the further development of the country, first of all, to ensure the strong social security of the people. In order to strengthen the country's economic power and bring it to the level of the developed countries of the world, increase its economic potential, and improve the well-being of the people, a number of socio-economic programs have been adopted. For their full implementation, the Mejlis and the government of Turkmenistan and the entire public need to work hard.
It is necessary to create a legal framework for all reforms envisaged in this direction, adopt new legislative acts and consistently improve existing laws, the President continued.
The priority tasks are also to focus these legislative acts on improving the efficiency of industries in a market economy, promoting entrepreneurial initiatives, switching to a digital system, stimulating investment activity, privatizing state property and creating joint-stock companies.
We must also carry out effective work to improve the social and living conditions of the population, develop industrial sectors of the economy, science, education and culture, the head of state said. Specific measures should be taken to improve agricultural management and carry out structural reforms, rational use of land and water resources, environmental protection, and the introduction of healthy lifestyle principles.
It is necessary, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said, to carry out appropriate work on active cooperation in the field of international relations, democratization of social and political life. We must pay great attention to the organization and conduct of elections, the development of local government bodies, as well as local self-government bodies and democratic institutions, and take a more thoughtful approach to achieving the effectiveness of their work.
An important direction in these issues is the improvement of legislation. A significant place in their decision is given to deputies, who, as people's deputies, must make a worthy contribution to strengthening the foundations of civil society by developing perfect legal acts, the head of state stressed.
Summarizing the above, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the adoption of laws that meet modern requirements and the preparation of important decisions create broad prerequisites for improving and strengthening the legal system of the independent Turkmen state.
As you can see, we face big and important tasks, the head of state noted, expressing firm confidence that they will be successfully solved. The speech of the Turkmen leader was heard with enthusiasm and met with thunderous applause.
Then the floor was given to the Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan G. Mammedova, who, expressing gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the support provided to the activities of the national Parliament, noted the historical significance of the current meeting.
Speaking about the special nature of today's meeting, the head of the Mejlis noted that the tasks outlined in the speech of the head of state are aimed at protecting the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of citizens, maintaining the unity and cohesion of society, creating conditions for improving the well-being of the population, and strengthening the legal framework. In this context, it was emphasized that the activities of the Deputy corps will be aimed at legislative support of the socio-economic development of the country, the introduction of digital technologies in the economy.
Special emphasis was placed on the fact that the work on making changes and additions to the Constitution in connection with the transition to a new bicameral system of the Parliament will be carried out taking into account the recommendations of the head of state and the requirements of the time.
The head of the Mejlis assured President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov that the people's deputies will continue to make a worthy contribution to the ongoing reforms together with the Cabinet of Ministers, relevant ministries and departments, as well as local self-government bodies.
At the end of the meeting, the head of state wished the participants great success in their work, and after saying goodbye to the audience, left the event.
Then the meeting of deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan continued in a working format. Priority issues of further legislative activity were put on the agenda in the light of new important tasks set for the Deputy corps by the President of the country.
Among the most important events in 2020 are the 25th anniversary of the permanent neutrality status of our country, as well as a meeting of the “Halk maslahat”, which will include a draft of the constitutional Law of Turkmenistan "On amendments and additions to the Constitution of Turkmenistan" after a national discussion.
In this regard, priority will be given to preparing for the transition of the national legislative system to a bicameral one, analyzing and summarizing proposals submitted to the Constitutional Commission, conducting educational work, and explaining to the General public the essence and significance of the constitutional reforms being implemented in the country.
In conclusion, the deputies assured that they will apply their knowledge and experience in order to successfully solve all the tasks set.
