Today, a telephone conversation took place between the head of the Parliament of Turkmenistan Gulshat Mammedova and the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko.

The speaker of the Federation Council congratulated the country's leadership and all Turkmen citizens on the upcoming 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality.

Expressing deep respect and sincere wishes for further success to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation highly appreciated the contribution of the leaders of Turkmenistan and Russia to the development of fruitful relations between the two countries and peoples.

Matvienko stressed that thanks to the efforts Of the President of Turkmenistan, closer and more active cooperation within the framework of the inter-parliamentary Assembly of the CIS member States became possible, and conveyed special gratitude to the Turkmen leader in this regard.

The speaker of the Russian Federation Council invited the delegation of Turkmenistan to take part in the next meeting of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly in November this year and at the III Eurasian women's forum, which will be held in September 2021 in St. Petersburg. Women parliamentarians, representatives of Executive authorities, international organizations, global corporations, business circles, and the scientific community will attend it.

The speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation welcomed the transition to a bicameral system of the Supreme legislative and representative body of Turkmenistan and the implementation of an important constitutional reform in the country as a well-thought-out and balanced step, wishing success in organizing the work of the chambers of the National Council of Turkmenistan.

The speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation noted the important role of the parliaments of the CIS countries in enhancing dialogue in the Commonwealth, partnership and friendly relations and expressed hope for continued effective interaction in the future. In this context, it was proposed to hold online meetings between parliamentary friendship groups.

During the conversation, the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic was also touched upon. The parties confirmed their commitment to join forces in the fight against the spread of a dangerous viral disease and in strengthening the capacity of health systems, the state news Agency of Turkmenistan reports.