Priority issues of public life, as well as drafts of a number of documents were considered at the first meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers in 2021, which was chaired by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov via digital communication. The meeting was also attended by the hyakims of the velayats and the city of Ashgabat.

According to the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper today, the focus was on the results of the development of industries, plans for the further socio-economic development of the country, as well as the program of events planned to be held in honor of the glorious anniversary date of the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Motherland and the motto of this year.

The first word was given to the chairman of the Mejlis G. Mammedova, who informed about the activities of the parliament on further systematic modernization of national legislation.

It was noted that at present, work continues to strengthen the legal framework for key areas of development of the state and society. Draft laws are being developed in the field of strengthening the rule of law, protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, supporting entrepreneurship and enhancing public-private partnerships, improving education and health systems, and further improving the social and living standard of living of Turkmen citizens.

The deputy corps of the national parliament pays great attention to the preparation of normative legal acts for the election of members of the Halk Maslahaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan.

In cooperation with ministries and sectoral departments, proposals are being developed to introduce appropriate changes and additions to the current laws of Turkmenistan.

Preparations for the elections of members of the Halk Maslahaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, scheduled for the last Sunday of March this year, have been launched. In this regard, a work plan was approved for the coordinated activities of the Central Election Commission together with the velayat election commissions and hyakimliks.

Deputies of the Mejlis, using the opportunities of the media, are conducting explanatory work among the population about the importance of the decisions of the Halk Maslahaty to create a bicameral structure of the legislative representative body of the country, as well as the socio-political significance of 2021, held under the motto "Turkmenistan - Homeland of Peace and Trust", the implementation of the plans.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to further improve the national legislative framework, taking into account the modern realities of state development. The Mejlis must legally support the work to improve the social and living conditions of the native people.

Speaking about the importance of the high organization of the upcoming elections of the Halk Maslahaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, the head of state noted that the deputies should widely expand their propaganda and agitation activities in the field. The election campaign should reflect the unity and cohesion of the Turkmen society, the loyalty of our country to the democratic path of development, the leader of the nation said, focusing on this the attention of the head of the Mejlis and the hyakims of the velayats.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the preparation for a working trip of the delegation of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Building up and strengthening friendly and fraternal relations with the closest neighboring countries is one of the key vectors of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's foreign policy strategy. Afghanistan is one of the countries with which Turkmenistan maintains a good-neighborly and equal dialogue.

Under the leadership of the leader of the nation, our state is taking large-scale, long-term measures to develop the economy and restore the social sphere of the IRA.

Evidence of this is the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline, the laying of power transmission lines and fiber-optic communication along the TAP route, the supply of electricity to Afghanistan on preferential terms, the laying of steel highways from Turkmenistan to the Afghan side, the provision of humanitarian aid, assistance to the people of the neighboring country in the field of education and health care, noted the Deputy Prime Minister.

Within the framework of the report, it was reported about the preparation for a working trip, scheduled for January 8-9 this year, of the delegation of Turkmenistan to the city of Kabul to discuss issues of further development of bilateral relations.

During the visit, it is planned to hold the next 6th meeting of the Turkmen-Afghan working group on security issues, as well as political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries. In addition, it is envisaged to hold negotiations with the leadership of Afghanistan and officials of the relevant government agencies.

During these meetings, issues related to the events planned for the next week will be considered. As reported, on behalf of the head of state, together with the Afghan side, drafts of a number of documents have been prepared for signing during the visit scheduled to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the international relations of our state are being built in accordance with the "Concept of the foreign policy of neutral Turkmenistan for 2017-2023", where the main task is to improve the legal framework of multilateral contacts.

These works, aimed at expanding interaction with foreign countries and authoritative organizations, including with neighboring Afghanistan, are carried out taking into account the strategic plans of Turkmenistan in international politics and the present, the leader of the nation said.

Turkmenistan will continue to pay great attention to the socio-economic revival of the neighboring country in terms of the ongoing work to build up the established dialogue with the IRA, the head of state continued.

Speaking about the planned working trip of the delegation of Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of the issues brought up for discussion by the meeting participants. In this regard, having signed the Order on sending a delegation of Turkmenistan with a working trip to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the head of state handed it over to the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs on the electronic document management system and addressed a number of relevant instructions in this regard.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova reported on the work carried out to prepare cultural events for national holidays and significant dates to be celebrated this year, held under the motto “Turkmenistan - Homeland of Peace and Trust”.

The Leader of the Nation was presented with a draft Resolution “On the establishment of an Organizing Committee for holding high-level celebrations and events on the occasion of the glorious holiday - the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence”.

This document was prepared in accordance with the instructions of the leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, given during a video conference with leaders of the cultural sphere. Relevant ministries, sectoral departments, hyakimliks of velayats and the city of Ashgabat will take part in the organization of festive events dedicated to the anniversary of the independence of the Motherland.

Summarizing the report, the President of the country emphasized the historical significance of the upcoming significant date - the 30th anniversary of the acquisition of state independence of Turkmenistan, which has achieved tremendous success in all spheres of life during its sovereign development.

The head of state gave the deputy prime minister and hyakims specific instructions on how to hold all the planned events at a high level. They should clearly reflect the original traditions and customs of the Turkmen people, their creative energy.

Having signed the Decree “On the establishment of the Organizing Committee for holding high-level celebrations and events on the occasion of the glorious holiday - the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence”, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent it to the Deputy Prime Minister via the electronic document management system.

The leader of the nation also ordered to pay special attention to international events enriching the relations of Turkmenistan with foreign states with new content, contributing to the strengthening of the bonds of friendship and multifaceted cooperation with the countries of the world community, and the wide popularization of the heritage of the Turkmen people.

Then the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov reported on the ongoing preparations for the commissioning of the Akina-Andhoy railway in Afghanistan, as well as the Ymamnazar-Akina and Serhetabat-Turgundi international fiber-optic communication system.

In accordance with the instructions of the head of state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the implementation of major regional projects in the field of transport, communications and power engineering, all the planned work on the opening of a number of facilities was completed on time.

These include a 30-kilometer railway line between Akin-Andhoy stations in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, a 500 kV power transmission line Kerki (Turkmenistan) - Andhoy (Afghanistan) with a length of 153 kilometers, as well as the Ymamnazar international fiber-optic communication system and transit flows ( Turkmenistan) - Akina (Afghanistan) and Serhetabat (Turkmenistan) - Turgundi (Afghanistan).

In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister presented a draft Action Plan planned in the Lebap velayat for consideration by the leader of the nation.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the Turkmen-Afghan relations, which have ancient roots, are invariably built on a good-neighborly, mutually respectful basis.

The leader of the nation noted that Turkmenistan pays unremitting attention to the traditional dialogue with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, providing all-round support in its revival, advocating the settlement of the situation in the neighboring state exclusively by peaceful, political and diplomatic means.

Consistently following the principles of friendship, peacefulness and mutual assistance, our Fatherland makes a significant contribution to the development of the socio-economic infrastructure of Afghanistan, rendering assistance to the fraternal people in strengthening the foundations of a creative life.

As President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized, a key condition for political stability in Afghanistan, its socio-economic recovery, successful integration into the system of regional and world economic relations is the implementation of large infrastructure projects with the participation of the Afghan side in such strategic areas as energy, transport and communications.

By actively developing cooperation in the electric power industry, Turkmenistan is consistently increasing the supply of electricity to Afghanistan. It is noteworthy that the planned opening on the territory of Afghanistan of the Akina-Andhoy railway, power lines, the Ymamnazar-Akina and Serhetabat-Turgundi international fiber-optic communication system, in addition to their functional purpose, will contribute to the strengthening of integration processes in this part of the Asian region.

As the head of state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued, it is also important to involve Afghanistan in projects to create a large-scale transport and transit infrastructure in the region, including rail and other types of transport.
Interaction is purposefully carried out on the implementation of the Lapis Lazuli transport corridor project (Afghanistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey). All these projects have become a confirmation of the constructive, long-term nature of the bilateral partnership aimed at achieving concrete results.

Today, a resurgent Afghanistan is looking for additional markets for its agricultural products and trade and transit routes. Thus, the Akina-Andhoy railway line will open up new opportunities for the development of the economy of the neighboring country, the revitalization of its small and medium-sized businesses, and the entry of Afghan products to the world market.
It should be especially noted that the construction of the railway on the Afghan territory was carried out at the expense of the Turkmen side, including our human and material resources, the leader of the nation emphasized.

We will continue to provide all-round assistance and support to neighboring fraternal Afghanistan, said the head of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, addressing the Deputy Prime Minister with a number of instructions to ensure a high level of celebrations on the occasion of the commissioning of the planned facilities. 

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredov reported on the implementation of the “Program for the Development of the Oil and Gas Industry of Turkmenistan for the Period up to 2030” year, built at the Malay field in the Lebap velayat.

Having listened to the report, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized that the energy policy of our country, which has significant reserves of hydrocarbon resources, is aimed at the comprehensive development of the oil and gas complex, its dynamic integration into the global energy system.

One of the priorities of this strategy is to increase the export of natural gas to world markets. In this area, large projects are being successfully implemented, which are of great importance both from the point of view of enhancing interstate trade and economic ties, and in the context of solving global problems in the field of environmental protection.

In this context, the leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure a high level of measures on the occasion of the commissioning of a new gas compressor station at the Malay field.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of commissioning new industrial and socio-cultural facilities.

Noting that all the jubilee objects are symbols of the rapid development of independent Turkmenistan, its confident steps along the path of grandiose transformations of the era of power and happiness, the leader of the nation instructed the relevant leaders and hyakims to strengthen control over the progress and quality of work being carried out on construction sites, ensuring their completion in the strictly established time schedule.

Then the chairman of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs D. Hudayberdyev was invited to the meeting of the Government by direct video link, who reported on the projects entrusted to the representatives of the private sector of the national economy.

Noting the active participation and contribution of representatives of domestic business structures in the implementation of comprehensive transformation programs and strengthening the economic power of the Motherland, the head of state instructed to ensure high quality of work at facilities entrusted to entrepreneurs, which must be commissioned strictly on time.

Further, the Minister of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan R. Rejepov reported to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the state of affairs in the department headed by, at the facilities scheduled to open on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of independence, in particular, modern textile complexes being built in Kaahki and Babadayhan etraps of Ahal velayat.

Noting the importance of large light industry enterprises under construction, the commissioning of which will directly serve to increase the export potential of the domestic textile industry and address important social issues, in particular, the creation of new jobs, the leader of the nation pointed out the need to ensure proper control over the progress and quality of ongoing construction, giving specific instructions.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov reported on the state of affairs in the accountable structures, the implementation of the instructions of the leader of the nation on the privatization of state-owned enterprises.

The Vice Prime Minister reported that the Ministry of Finance and Economy, together with subordinate organizations, hyakimliks of the velayats and the capital, analyzed state-owned enterprises and prepared a list of a number of objects subject to privatization.

Based on the results of the work carried out, the President of Turkmenistan was presented with an appropriate list, which was considered in the prescribed manner at a meeting of the interdepartmental central commission under the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

After listening to the report, the head of state Gurbanguly Berdimumamedov noted that the country has achieved a dynamic growth of a socially oriented economic sphere, which is based on various forms of ownership and provides for a gradual transition to market relations.

In order to deepen cardinal reforms in this area on the basis of the active introduction of effective management methods, the formation of various ownership structures for the management of enterprises in the sectors of the national economic complex, a phased privatization of objects is being carried out.

The steps taken in this direction contribute to an increase in the share of the non-state sector of the national economy, the leader of the nation noted. Having approved the proposal presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and the corresponding list, the President of the country ordered to keep under constant strict control the solution of the designated tasks.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov reported on the measures taken by the Ministry of Textile Industry to purchase cotton fiber in 2021.

The Vice Prime Minister reported that taking into account the textile complexes under construction in the Kaahki and Babadayhan etraps of the Ahal velayat, more than 145.5 thousand tons of cotton fiber, 8,500 tons of fine-staple cotton, 200 tons of ulyuk and 200 tons of lint are needed.

Currently, in accordance with the instructions of the head of state, the provision of enterprises with raw materials for industrial processing is carried out at fixed prices from the volumes of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, as well as from the state reserve fund.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that the textile industry, which is one of the main segments of the industrial sector of the national economy, faces important tasks to increase the volume of products, form new, high-tech complexes, create processing enterprises for the production of competitive products based on the effective use of local raw materials.

Recalling the importance of programs for the industrialization and digitalization of the country, the production of import-substituting and export domestic goods, the creation of new jobs, the head of Turkmenistan stressed that the products must meet all quality and environmental standards.

For these purposes, textile enterprises need to be equipped with advanced high-tech equipment, the leader of the nation continued, noting the importance of clear implementation of the priority tasks in this direction, and addressed specific instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Geldinyyazov reported on the state of affairs in the areas under his supervision, and also submitted a draft Resolution "On approval of the State program in the field of state youth policy of Turkmenistan for 2021-2025" for consideration by the head of state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The adoption in August 2013 of the Law of Turkmenistan "On State Youth Policy" opened a wide path for transformations in this area, as well as through the support of the young generation from the state.

The main objectives of the developed Program are: increasing the knowledge of young people about constitutional, socio-economic rights and freedoms, legal rights and obligations, ensuring the active participation of young Turkmen citizens in modern transformations in all spheres of the state and society, in important social events, further improving their social living standards, creating complex legal, social, economic and organizational conditions.

Activities within the framework of the Program will be aimed at the formation of a perfect personality who knows and appreciates the history of his people, culture and humane traditions of their ancestors.

Also, a draft “Action Plan for the implementation of the State Program in the field of state youth policy of Turkmenistan for 2021-2025” was developed.

Then President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov called the chairman of the Central Council of the Youth Organization named after Makhtumkuli Y. Ovezberdiyev on a live video link, who reported on measures to comprehensively support young people, ensure their legal and social protection.

The largest public organization took an active part in the development of the State Program in the field of state youth policy of Turkmenistan for the next five years, which will become a guideline for further work.

The “State program in the field of state youth policy of Turkmenistan for 2021-2025” and the Action Plan for its implementation provide for a whole range of important tasks.

This is ensuring the social protection of youth, raising the level of explanatory and educational work carried out in the youth environment, aimed at educating in the spirit of love for national culture, language and literature, history, and encouraging young people to international scientific cooperation.

An important place in the draft documents is taken by the issues of promoting the formation of a segment of young entrepreneurs, improving the legislative framework in the field of youth and studying the practice of other countries in this direction, providing rural schools and preschool childcare institutions that meet the requirements of the time with highly qualified specialists, and supporting young families.

Having listened to the reports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the exceptional importance of creating a favorable environment for the comprehensive development of the younger generation, the fullest disclosure of its intellectual and creative potential, as well as personal growth.

As noted, the state youth policy implies the formation of a system of social, economic, political, organizational and legal measures aimed at the exercise of rights and freedoms, support for young citizens of Turkmenistan, and public organizations and relevant state structures should be actively involved in this work.

Along with patriotic education and instilling love for the Motherland, great attention should be paid to explaining and conveying to young people the fundamental ideas of historical development and modern directions of state policy, the essence of the grandiose transformations of the current era of power and happiness.

Only by educating young people who are thinking, deeply respecting universal and national spiritual and moral values, striving for new knowledge, we can confidently look into the future, the leader of the nation emphasized, emphasizing that it is necessary to continue to provide comprehensive support to the young citizens of the country.

Young people should be provided with ample opportunities for quality education, spiritual and physical development, a conscious choice of a specialty in accordance with existing interests, ensuring the employment of young people and applying the professional knowledge they have acquired in production, public service, in the scientific and creative spheres, the head of Turkmenistan said. to the Deputy Prime Minister the corresponding instructions.

It was also indicated the need to expand cooperation with international organizations to establish mutual exchange of experience in this area and develop new joint programs.

Emphasizing the importance of widespread popularization among young people of age-old traditions and customs, national foundations, the head of state noted their importance in educating the young generation.

Speaking about the importance of the ongoing reforms in the education system, the Turkmen leader emphasized that this work is aimed at developing high morality, inspiration, an inquisitive mind and a desire for knowledge among young people, since science and education from the basis of human development, determine the future of any state, the fate of the people. 

For these purposes, the country is building high and secondary schools, kindergartens, health and entertainment centers equipped with modern equipment, interactive multimedia technologies, the widespread use of which is aimed at enriching the content of the educational process and improving its quality to the world level, the development of digital education in the country.

The youth should actively participate in all events of the year, held under the motto "Turkmenistan is the Motherland of Peace and Trust" and marked by the glorious 30th anniversary of independence, the leader of the nation noted, having addressed appropriate instructions in this regard.

Having approved the submitted project, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the Resolution and gave instructions to the relevant leaders for its implementation.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiev reported on the seasonal field work in the velayats, as well as on preparations for the spring sowing campaign.

Currently, all agrotechnical measures for the care of winter cereals are being carried out. On the areas sown with wheat, taking into account their vegetative state, the corresponding work is being carried out.

This year, in order to grow a rich harvest of cotton and other agricultural crops in the country, the velayats, in accordance with scientifically grounded agro-technical terms, are preparing for the spring sowing, in particular, the agricultural lands of the regions for this season.

At present, repairs and preparation of agricultural machinery and equipment that will be used during the sowing campaign are being carried out in etrap maintenance enterprises and farmstead associations.

Also, to provide cotton growers in the spring sowing season with sowing material at the velayat cotton ginning enterprises, systematic work continues on the processing of seed cotton and the procurement of high-quality seeds.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov drew attention to the issues of increasing the yield of wheat, cotton and other agricultural crops, improving the reclamation state of arable lands, and providing them with irrigation water.

The head of state emphasized the importance of comprehensive strengthening of the food segment of the national economy, meeting the population's demand for high-quality domestic food products.

In this context, the Deputy Prime Minister, as well as the hyakims, were given specific instructions, including to pay special attention to the effective development of farmland allocated to tenants from special land funds created in the regions, to introduce advanced agricultural techniques in agriculture and to continue the development of the greenhouse sector.

At the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, other issues of state life were also considered, on which relevant decisions were made.