President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held regular video conference session of the Cabinet of Ministers where current subjects of the state life have been discussed, the State news agency of Turkmenistan reports.

Having announced the agenda, Turkmen leader noted that according to the tradition, pardoning action of sentenced people who sincerely regretted in their criminal deeds usually takes place on the threshold of big holidays. Such actions are held regularly in the country and the government follows traditions and humanity and mercifulness of the ancestors.

In this regard, the floor was given to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Chairman of the Commission for Citizenship and Pardoning and the President of Turkmenistan Ch. Amanov who reported on work of the Commission on pardoning of the convicts in honour of the Night of Omnipotence.

Having listened to the report, head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the Orders according to which 1,192 citizens of the country and 210 foreign citizens would be released from further imprisonment on occasion of the Night of Omnipotence and send it to the Vice-premier by electronic document management system, having given relative instructions.

Further, the President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the country called Mammetkhan Chakiyev and requested him and heads of law enforcement structures to take relative measures for pardoned to be released from prisons as soon as possible and come back home to their families.

The President of Turkmenistan requested hyakims of the velayats, etraps and cities as well as other officials to take care of employment of pardoned citizens.

Coming over to the subjects of the agenda, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave floor to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushikov who reported on development of the Draft Resolution on the State Budget 2021, the main directions of social and economic development and investment programme of the country.

It was informed that the Programme of the President of Turkmenistan for social and economic development of the country in 2020–2025 is the main guidance during development of the documents. At the same time, it is planned to define the order and timeline for preparation of relative reports and information by profile departments and administrations.

Real capabilities and expected forecasts would be taken into account during development of the main financial plan. The State budget would be aimed at stable development of all branches of the economy, increment of profitability of production, rational use of investment potential, introduction of digital system and new technologies as well as continuation of works for provision of the government support to entrepreneurship, improvement of wealth of the people.

At the same time, Chairman of the central Bank M. Annadurdiyev was called to the session.

Summing up the report, the President requested the Vice-premier to have a meeting and discuss current situation in the world economy. It was highlighted that it is necessary to study opportunity of review of current foreign currency operations and to develop the draft relative resolution of the Government as a temporary measure.

The Head of Turkmenistan highlighted that at present time, it is necessary to transfer not 50 percent but full amount of foreign currency, which comes from facilities and organizations providing export of goods as well as from private companies, Stabilization Fund. This amount has to be compensated in national currency.

Having ordered to establish commission for procurement of necessary commodities, medicine, construction equipment and other, the President ordered this structure to review the exchange financial resources of these facilities and organizations into foreign currency for this purpose. In this context, the Vice-premier received three days for fulfilment of this assignment.

Having signed the Resolution on development of the draft State budget 2021, the President of Turkmenistan sent it to the Vice-premier by electronic document management system.

Speaking of the utmost objectives of banking sector of the country, the Head of the State noted the necessity of provision of stable development of this sphere based on introduction of digital technologies of financing, improvement of efficiency of the assets and risks management system. It is necessary to continue work for support of stable exchange rate of manat, improvement of quality and increment of number of services, the President highlighted, having given the Head of the Central Bank with relative orders.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredov reported on the situation in the sphere under his supervision. It was reported about measures for enhancement of level of gas production at 30 wells at Döwletabat gas deposit of the State Concern Türkmengaz. It was noted that foreign partners carry out relative work for this purpose.

Summing up the report, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted the necessity of steadfast expansion of production potential and diversification of oil and gas complex, having ordered to take measures for its implementation.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiyev reported on seasonal field works in the regions. It was mentioned that care of the cotton as well as preparation to the wheat harvest are carried out these days.

Measures for readiness of 156 reception facilities to the start of the harvest are taken. This year, it is planned to use 220 grain harvesters operated by 4,440 operators working in two shifts. 460 service and maintenance teams provided with mobile workshops, welding machines and vehicles for transportation of fuel have been formed up.

It is proposed that transportation of collected wheat to reception facilities would be carried out by 11,100 trucks. All conditions for comfortable rest of the farmers are made at the field camps.

The Vice-premier presented Draft Resolution on measures for organized wheat harvest in Turkmenistan in 2020 to the Head of the State for review.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave instructions for improvement of management sphere of agricultural sector, introduction of effective financial and economic mechanisms stimulating work of tenants and land owners.

Having signed relative Resolution, the President of Turkmenistan sent it to the Vice-premier by electronic document management system and gave assignments on provision of timely solution of set objectives.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Shamuhammet Durdulyyev reported on work for overhaul and modernization of facilities of production association “Maryazot” by attraction of investments.

It was informed that designed production capacity of Maryazot PA of the State Concern Türkmenhimiýa is 450,000 tons of ammonium nitrate per year. The facility includes two ammonium production line. Overhaul and modernization of the main production lines of the facility are required due to wear of outdated technological equipment to bring it back to designed output capacity.

Relative works funded through investments of Russian companies were provided by the Protocol of the 11th session of Intergovernmental Turkmen–Russian Commission for economic cooperation in Ashgabat in May 2019.

Proposals from number of joint stock ventures of Russian Federation takinginto account their experience in modernization of nitrogen fertilizer facilities are thought to be appropriate on this project. Representatives of these companies have visited Maryazot PA and inspected the conditions of production facilities as well as given estimated forecast on bringing of the facilities to designed production capacity.

According to recommendations, it is planned to make an overhaul and reconstruction, having provided ammonium, nitrogen acid, ammonium nitrate production lines, as well as to install the unit for chemical water treatment and other auxiliary facilities with necessary equipment and spare parts.

Completion of this work would save from import of ammonium nitrate and would bring the production to design capacity and would allow making new nitrogen mineral fertilizers.

In this regard, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov approved presented proposals and highlighted productive character of cooperation with Russian Federation, which companies take active part in projects in Turkmenistan.

"Russian is our strategic partner. Today, our countries demonstrate thoughtful approach to definition of new formats of cooperation, which is built on equal, beneficial base", - the Head of the State said, having noted activity of Intergovernmental Turkmen–Russian Commission for economic cooperation.

The Head of the State highlighted that growth of trade volume indicates big potential of trade and economic partnership. In this aspect, the President requested the Vice-premier, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov to coordinate work of the Commission.

The Vice-premier presented Draft Resolution on construction of systems of internal and external water pipeline, irrigation, sewage, rainwater, drainage and mud diversion systems as well as roads in new, modern administrative centre of Ahal Velayat to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for review.

Having signed the Resolution, the Head of the State sent it to the Vice-premier by electronic document management system, having given relative assignments for fulfilment of outlined objectives.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov reported on procurement of cargo and passenger locomotives by Türkmendemirýollary Agency.

It was informed that specialists of the agency have analysed technical characteristics of leading foreign producers of railroad equipment.

It is proposed to by two units of cargo and passenger locomotive each produced by JSC Transmashholding (Russian Federation) for successful solution of objectives of profile structures, improvement of equipment and facility provision and improvement of service quality.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that modernization and strengthening of equipment and facility base of railway transport including improvement of quality of services is one of priority directions of development strategy of the industry.

The Head of the State noted with delight steadfast and fruitful character of cooperation with Russian companies supplying modern equipment to our country. "Turkmen–Russian relations are bright evidence of effective partnership, which is based on experience and multidimensional potential", - the President said.

Taking into account that specialists of Türkmendemirýollary Agency have analysed technical and operational characteristics of locomotives, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov ordered to continue working in this direction. It was highlighted that railway equipment has to meet weather and climate conditions of our country.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Chary Gylyjov reported on work for implementation of social and economic strategy in trade complex. Information about situation in the structures under his supervision, in particular about measures for increment of trade, development of private business and internaitoanl cooperation, has been presented.

Having listened to the report, the Head of the State pointed out importance of further modernization of this sphere, improvement of quality of services, introduction of the world practice and legal regulation of trade activity, making of conditions for activation of entrepreneurship and encouragement of private initiative for improvement of competiveness of industrial complex of the country, effective use of innovative technologies in this direction. The President requested the vice-premier to hold these subjects under permanent control.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bahargul Abdyyeva reported on preparation to celebration events on occasion of the Constitution and Turkmenistan National Flag Day.

Having reported on various cultural events and celebration concerts timed to remarkable day in the capital and all regions, the Vice-premier presented relative programme to the President of Turkmenistan for review.

Summing up the report, the Head of the State noted importance of the holiday in honour of the main symbols of the state and ordered the Vice-premier to hold all events on high level.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Purli Agamyradov reported on planned events on occasion of the end of educational year, in particular on preparation of organized ceremony of the Last bell.

It was informed that cultural events would be organized at the main squares of the capital and regions where numerous graduates, teachers and personnel of the sphere would gather on May 25.

During events, distinguished talented school students, prize winners of international contests would receive commemorative gifts on behalf of the Head of the State. Participation of school graduates of the capital and regions in flower laying ceremonies to national symbols is also planned.

Having listened to the report, the Head of the state noted importance of planned activities on high organizational level.

Minister of Health Protection and Medical Industry Nurmuhammet  Amannepesov reported on the situation in the sphere under his supervision as well as on decision of Emergency Commission for combating of spread of diseases on holidays of the citizens this summer.

It was mentioned that steadfast work for modernization of equipment and facility base of the industry, implementation of innovative methods and advanced technologies, training of qualified specialists are carried out. Active establishment of relations and exchange of practice with medical centres and big scientific and education facilities of foreign countries is continued.

At the same time, programmes of health protection have been developed and are successfully implemented according to recommendations of the World Health Organization taking into account national legislation. Measures for prevention, diagnostic and treatment of various diseases are taken.

The Minister informed that according to the assignments given by the Head of the State at the offsite session of the Cabinet of Ministers in Avaza National tourist zone on May 5, the Emergency Commission for combating of spread of diseases has studied in details organization of tourism and holidays in summer period at Caspian Coast, in Avaza and other regions of the country.

Taking into account complicated epidemiological situation related to the pandemic of COVID-19 as well as in accordance with scientific forecasts on the second phase of outbreak of coronavirus, it would reasonable to limit cultural events n Avaza National tourist zone as well as swimming in Caspian Sea in summer season.

Readiness of Turkmenistan to autumn and winter period when seasonal diseases are naturally activated has been noted. Proper measures for their prevention are already taken.

Addressing the members of the Government, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that at present time, when complicated tense situation is in the world due to the spread of coronavirus infection, it is our duty to protect health of the citizens and provide their wealthy life.

In this regard, the Head of the State continued, it is necessary to follow recommendations of the Emergency Commission for combating of the spread of diseases.

Thus, it is necessary to limit tourism, holidays and swimming in Avaza and Caspian Sea. During summer holidays, it is necessary to provide the rest of children in health improving centres of Ashgabat and regions on high level. It is necessary to organize physical training , sport and cultural activities for interesting holidays, the leader of the nation stated.

The President of the country focused on the necessity of making of proper conditions and expansion of capabilities for comfortable holidays and treatment of the citizens in summer period in sanatoriums of the Ministry of health Protection and Medical Industry like Archman, Yyly Suw, Bayramaly, Farab, Mollagara, Dashoguz, Berzengi. Head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has also ordered to prepare health improving centres of the ministries and departments to coming season.

Full medical services have to be provided to Turkmen citizens in summer period. It is necessary to make disinfection in all heath improving and entertainment centres of the country. In this regard, the President of the country gave assignment to make necessary reserve of medicine and medical supplies.

The Head of the State requested to organize recreation activity and treatment of the citizens in sanatoriums Energetik and Nebitchi in Balkanabat, Mirap and Jennet in Turkmenabat, Gazojak in Darganata etrap, Lebap Velayat, Melhem, Garagum and Shatlyk in Mary Velayat.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov reported on development of the Plan of readiness of Turkmenistan to combating of severe infectious disease and measures of fast response, which was presented to the Head of the State for review.

As is known, the United Nations Secretary General proposed initiative on consolidation of efforts in combating of sever infectious disease. The UN General Assembly has also adopted number of important documents in this direction. It includes two special Resolutions and three Plans in the sphere of international cooperation and solidarity in combatign the pandemic of COVID-19.

In this regard, relative ministries and departments together with the Representative Office of the UN Permanent Coordinator in our country as well as with Representative Office of the UNDP, UNICEF, UNPF, WHO, World Bank, International Migration Organization and other structures had meetings on the level of heads and specialists in April–May. It resulted in development of the Draft Plan of readiness of Turkmenistan for combating severe infectious disease and response measure.

This plan has been reviewed at the regular session of Emergency Commission for combating of the spread of diseases on May 10. Prevention of the above-mentioned infection in Turkmenistan, its spread as well as support of rates of social and economic development of the country on proper level during pandemic period are the main goals of the Plan.

According to the Plan, which also specifies order and mechanisms of cooperation with Who and other partners, proper measures are provided for realization in number of directions. It includes provision of high level and modernization of equipment and facility base of health protection system for combating infectious diseases, regular renovation of relative equipment and supplies on scientific and methodological base, implementation of advanced international practice.

This plan is also aimed at provision of readiness of profile national personnel, their professional improvement taking into account the trends of development of the world medicine, at improvement of quality of work of medical personnel in the most required specializations, in particular virologists and immunologists, following the situation in the world.

In addition, the document provides improvement of scientific, methodological and regulatory base of health protection sphere based on international practice and following recommendation of WHO. Development of priority spheres of national medicine is outlined among one of the directions of the Plan. In this aspect, special attention is to be paid to intensification of scientific and research activity together with international and regional partners, wide practical implementation of innovative approaches and digital technologies.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov approved presented Plan and highlighted that care of the health of the population is invariable priority of the state policy of independent neutral Turkmenistan.

Having noted that taking an active position in consolidation of efforts of the world community in counteraction of dangerous modern challenges and threats, Turkmenistan is invariably committed to multidimensional strategic cooperation with the UN, including in such vital sphere as health protection, the President gave relative assignments to the Vice-premier, the Head of the foreign Ministry.

Further, Deputy Chairman of he Cabinet of Ministers, the Foreign Minister reported on measures for expansion of cooperation of our country with the World Trade Organization. in this context, it was reported on work that has been carried out for receiving of the observer status in the WTO by Turkmenistan.

It was mentioned that the Government Commission for study of matters related to the membership of Turkmenistan in WTO has been established by the Resolution of the Head of the State in July 2019.

Following outcomes of its sessions as well as consultations with representatives of the above-mentioned organization and international experts, it seems to be reasonable for Turkmenistan to participate in the World Trade Organization as observer as the first measure.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that integration of Turkmenistan to the world trade and economic system is an important factor of expansion of export potential of the country, stimulation of market relations as well as productive partnership in investment sphere.

Having approved proposal of the Government commission on joining of Turkmenistan to WTO as observer, the President signed relative Resolution and sent it to the Vice-premier, the Foreign Minister, by electronic document management system, having given speifiic instructions for activation of work in this direction.

Further, Speaker of the Mejlis G. Mammedova informed the Head of the State about activity of National Parliament on modernization of legal and regulatory framework of the country.

It was noted that at present time, development of draft laws and new editions of legal acts is carried out at present time at the same time, work for amendment and addendums of relative regulatory and legal acts regulating different spheres of life of the state and society is carried out.

Work of the Commission for development of final draft Constitutional Law on Amendments and Addendums of the Law of Turkmenistan based on thorough study and compilation of all proposals is activated.

Summing up the information, the President highlighted the necessity of coordinated activity for development of the final draft of Constitutional Law on Amendments and Addendums of the Law of Turkmenistan, which adoption would be an important step toward further democratization of the state and society.

Addressing the participants of video conference session as well as to all countrymen, the Head of the State said that we would brightly celebrate the Constitution and Turkmenistan National Flag Day on May 18.

The main Law of the country and the State Flag are national heritage. 28 years ago, when the Constitution of Turkmenistan was adopted and the State Flag was approved, the foundation of democratic, legal and temporal order of our independent state has been laid.

Congratulating the participants of the session and all countrymen on the Constitution and Turkmenistan National Flag Day, the Head of the State addressed wishes of strong healthm happy and wealthy life and success in work.

Summing up the outcomes of video conference session of the Cabinet of Ministers, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that important subjects of the state life have been reviewed and important decisions were made.