Nurlanbek AZYGALIEV,

 Deputy Chairman of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic 

— We express our gratitude to the Turkmen side for the initiative to establish a new dialogue platform “The Role of Parliamentary Cooperation in Strengthening Peace and Dialogue” between the Parliaments of the participating countries of the Group of Friends of Neutrality. The Kyrgyz Republic supported the initiative of Turkmenistan at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly to declare 2023 the “International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace” and became its co-author. The support and adoption of the Resolution on this is an additional confirmation of the commitment of all UN member states to strengthening the traditions of the peoples of the world, based on peace and mutual trust.

I would like to emphasize the commitment of the Kyrgyz Republic to the generally recognized principles of international law. Today, in an era when the world is faced with various conflicts, establishing and maintaining dialogue is becoming increasingly necessary. Here parliamentary activity as one of the main forms of representation of the people, plays an important role. This contributes to the development of democracy and the principles of the rule of law.

Indeed, parliamentary diplomacy is one of the effective tools for the development of interstate relations. For regular cooperation between parliaments of different countries is significant in strengthening a sustainable international community.

Hamda al Sulaiti,

Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Council of the State of Qatar

Today we held the first international meeting organized at the parliamentary level by the Group of Friends of Neutrality, established at the initiative of Turkmenistan. This meeting is a continuation of the first conference for ambassadors and ministers. We exchanged views and shared experiences during the first meeting of the heads of Parliaments of the member countries of the Group of Friends of Neutrality “The Role of Parliamentary Cooperation in Strengthening Peace and Dialogue.

We in the State of Qatar strive to promote peace and understanding through constructive dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions, and through the promotion of the values ​​of tolerance and cooperation. To this end, the State of Qatar has established national organizations dedicated to promoting a culture of peace, promoting dialogue and other activities, and condemning and eliminating violence and extremism at the national, regional and international levels.

These include various international events to strengthen relations between peoples, cultural and social exchanges, including sports competitions. These goals were achieved during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the Asian Football Championship, which finished in the first ten days of this month.

We will be able to achieve our goals for the implementation of all issues related to the consolidation of peace, our activities and legislative tasks through cooperation at various inter-parliamentary platforms.

Tanzila NARBAEVA,

Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan

— I am confident that the first meeting of the heads of Parliaments of the member countris of the Group of Friends of Neutrality “The Role of Parliamentary Cooperation in Strengthening Peace and Dialogue,” held at the initiative of Turkmenistan, will further strengthen relations between the legislative structures of the countries of the Central Asian region.

Turkmenistan has made a historical turn in the modern world in commemoration of the principles of positive neutrality. The experience achieved by the country in this direction since acquiring the status of Neutrality is exemplary. The authority of the Turkmen state, which managed to attract the attention of the international community with its diplomatic principles “Peace through development”, “Dialogue is a guarantee of peace” is increasingly growing. At the initiative of the country, important steps have been taken in the development of cooperation between the parliaments of Central Asian countries.

Uzbekistan was among the first to support the policy of neutrality and put forward international initiatives, in particular, the creation of the Group of Friends of Neutrality. Currently, through dialogues held between various structures of the member countries of this group, positive decisions are made in the field of international issues. The conclusions following from the Protocol of the meeting indicate the beginning of a new stage in the development of parliamentary diplomacy, aimed at promoting the principles of neutrality, humanism, peace, achieving mutual understanding, sharing experience, as well as comprehensively strengthening Turkmen-Uzbek friendly and fraternal relations.

Valentina MATVIENKO, 

Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation

Firstly we express our sincere gratitude for organizing at a high level the first meeting of the heads of Parliaments of the member states of the Group of Friends of Neutrality “The Role of Parliamentary Cooperation in Strengthening Peace and Dialogue.” Also I would like note that Turkmenistan guided by the policy of neutrality, makes a great contribution to the development of multilateral relations not only in the Central Asian region but throughout the world.

The Russian Federation respects the Neutrality status of Turkmenistan, which established its foreign policy principles. Our country is one of the co-authors of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan” adopted on December 12, 1995. Russia also became a member of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development in 2020, that is, at the time of its creation. On December 12 of each year, as throughout the world, Russia celebrates International Neutrality Day.

It is not out of place that the words “The role of parliamentary cooperation in strengthening peace and dialogue” were chosen as the motto (phrase, rule ) of this meeting. I wish you continued success in our joint efforts to build trust as Friends of Neutrality.

Martin CHUNGONG,

Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union

— Turkmen neutrality is an invaluable role in ensuring world peace and in contributing to global security through the tools of dialogue and mutual understanding. We highly appreciate the actions of the country's legislative body in this direction. I would like note that the Inter-Parliamentary Union fully supports the establishment of inter-parliamentary dialogue among member countries of the Group of Friends of Neutrality, established at the initiative of the country.

Great importance is attached to the initiatives of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in the fight against difficult situations in the world, various threats and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. A large role is given to positive decisions achieved through parliamentary diplomacy on issues such as the protection of universal human values, ensuring human rights, freedoms and gender equality. Turkmenistan as a country carrying out positive legislative reforms, actively introduces international experience into the activities of the legislative body.

There is increasing interest at the international level in the Group of Friends of Neutrality, created at the initiative of Turkmenistan. This is clearly evidenced by the increase in the number of member countries of the Group from year to year. Continuation of meetings of the heads of parliaments of the member countries of the Group of Friends of Neutrality, which are of particular importance in strengthening peace and dialogue throughout the world, will contribute to the expansion of ties in this direction. A dialogue of this format will turn into a convenient platform for putting forward effective proposals for positive solutions to important problems of the present era.

Dmitry SHLAPACHENKO,

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan

— The first meeting of the heads of Parliaments of the member countries of the Group of Friends of Neutrality «The Role of Parliamentary Cooperation in Strengthening Peace and Dialogue», organized in the Turkmen capital, is an important international event based on the requirements of the present era. Turkmenistan committed to the principles of neutrality, demonstrates high activity in making a worthy contribution to the implementation of resolutions were adopted by the UN General Assembly in particular, to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. We highly appreciate the international initiatives of Neutral Turkmenistan as a country fully committed to peacekeeping policies and calling on the states of the world to participate in activities in this direction.

The status of permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan, having basic foundations, was twice recognized by the UN and officially preserve in the Constitution of the country. This status is exemplary for states that aim to find solutions in the name of peace and non-interference in the internal issues of countries. The nature of the country's commitment to the principles of neutrality and the activities carried out to commemorate it demonstrate on the international platform the power of neutrality in increasing stability in a currently tense world and strengthening global security. I would like to especially note the role of the country’s legislative body and the Ombudsman’s Office in participating in the implementation of tasks arising from the norms of international law between Turkmenistan and the UN. UN structures through the exchange of experience consistently provide assistance to the legislative body of Turkmenistan in the development of national legislative acts in accordance with international standards. It is a great satisfaction that the laws in n force in the country reflect such important areas as supporting youth initiatives, ensuring gender equality, creating opportunities for the development of a system of public services, combating statelessness, efficient use of land and water resources and environmental protection. 

Kaha IMNADZE, 

Head of the UN Regional Center for

Preventive diplomacy for Central Asia

The neutral policy of Turkmenistan is a doctrine that promotes peace in all aspects. The principle of reconciliation of neutral policies has a great importance. Neutral states create conditions on their territory for peaceful negotiations between conflicting sides and contribute to the achievement of agreements. Because their neutrality is not self-isolation, but serves as a tool for active participation in the period of globalization of the world.

In this context the concept of «positive neutrality» of Turkmenistan currently becomes more important than ever. Being a permanently neutral state, Turkmenistan has become a reliable and effective partner of the UN in maintaining and strengthening stability in the region, developing good neighborly relations and regional cooperation.

On December 10, 2007, the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia was opened in Ashgabat. Preventive diplomacy and neutrality are complementary concepts. The creation, at the initiative of Turkmenistan within the United Nations, of the Group of Friends of Neutrality in the interests of peace and security has become effective in promoting the principles of sovereignty in resolving international issues and developing dialogue as a guarantee of peace. As a result of the active actions of this group, the role of neutrality in strengthening peace and sustainable development is increasingly increasing. I am confident that today’s discussions in the future will be effective in opening up new opportunities for developing cooperation between parliamentarians in this direction.

On February 15, 2024, the first meeting of the Heads of Parliaments of the member countries of the Group of Friends of Neutrality titled «The role of parliamentary cooperation in strengthening Peace and dialogue» was held in the Mejlis of Turkmenistan in a hybrid form.

The purpose of the meeting is to familiarize the parliamentary representatives of the member countries of the Group of Friends of Neutrality which was established in 2020 with our accumulated experience in ensuring the peace and security of the country, developing multilateral effective and equal cooperation, as well as supporting the humanitarian policy of our country through parliamentary diplomacy, partner countries in realizing peacemaking opportunities. It consists of exchanging ideas, developing new communication tools and collecting the efforts of Parliaments in this area.

At the first meeting of the Heads of Parliaments of the member countries, directions for promoting the principles of neutrality, strengthening effective cooperation in ensuring global peace, security and prosperity, and developing stable political and diplomatic instruments were discussed.

The meeting participants emphasized that the humanitarian policy based to the Permanent Neutral status of Turkmenistan, which had recognized in 1995 and 2015 by the United Nations under the leadership of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Respected President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is being implemented in practice and is an example in ensuring global peace, security and sustainable development for the countries of the world.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Mr.Kakha Imnadze, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Mr.Dmitry Shlapachenko, the Chairman of the Council of the IPA CIS, Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Ms.Valentina Matviyenko, the Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Ms.Natalya Kochanova, the Chairman of the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana Mr.Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Chairman of the Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Mr.Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena,  the Deputy Toraga of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr.Nurlanbek Azygaliev,  the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Morocco Mr.Hassan Benomar, the Deputy Chairperson of the Shura Council of the State of Qatar Ms.Hamda bint Hassan Al-Sulaiti, the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Mr.Sholban Kara-ool, the Chairman of the Committee on Inter-parliamentary Relations of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ms.Aigul Kuspan, the Director for Relations with Parliaments and External Relations of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Ms.Anda Philip have presented their statements.

The Secretary General of the IPU Mr. Martin Chungong, the Chairman of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China Mr.Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ms.Tanzila Narbaeva sent video messages to the meeting.

At the end of the meeting, the Outcome Document was adopted. This document emphasizes the important of the role of the first meeting of the heads of parliaments of the member countries of the Group of Friends of Neutrality in the development of parliamentary cooperation, as well as the efforts and contribution of an independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan to strengthening peace and dialogue.

Today, President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country, Army General Serdar Berdimuhamedov has held a regular meeting of the State Security Council. The agenda included the results of work done by the country’s military and law enforcement agencies in January 2024. Priority objectives have also been identified to maintain security and stability in our independent Homeland, strengthen the material and technical resources of security agencies, and further improve their performance.

The first to speak was Secretary of the State Security Council, Minister of Defense B. Gundogdyev, who reported on the practical steps taken since the beginning of the year to strengthen the defense capability of the National Army. Separate topics of the report covered the implementation of the Armed Forces Development Program and the training of highly qualified military personnel.

The report included information on the work in progress to improve the service and living conditions of the Homeland defenders, in particular, the social facilities that had been commissioned.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov specified that Turkmenistan, committed to its status of positive neutrality, steadily follows the principles of peace, good neighborliness and broad international cooperation, which are reflected in the successfully implemented defensive Military Doctrine. Having identified the use of a digital system and enhancing the theoretical and combat training of Armed Forces personnel on an ongoing basis among the urgent areas of activity, the President of Turkmenistan gave a number of specific instructions to the State Security Council Secretary, Minister of Defense.

Prosecutor General B. Muhamedov reported on the results of work done in January this year in order to oversee the strict implementation of legislative regulations. Information was also provided on the progress of introducing advanced technologies and upgrading the material and technical resources of supervised units.

Summing up the report, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country’s Armed Forces emphasized that the key duties of this agency are the prevention, suppression and elimination of violations of laws, rights and freedoms of citizens. For the proper fulfillment of assigned powers, the training of professional personnel is important, the President of Turkmenistan said, giving specific instructions to the head of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

In the course of the meeting, Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov appointed N. Allanazarov as the Ashgabat City Prosecutor, releasing him from the post of Akhal Velayat Deputy Prosecutor.

Minister of Internal Affairs M. Hydyrov reported on the measures taken during the period under review to prevent road accidents, ensure fire safety, and maintain law and order. The progress in implementing the Accountable Structure Development Program was also reported.

Reporting on the practical steps taken to create the effective service and adequate living conditions for employees, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs informed about the opening in the past month of complexes of administrative buildings for supervised services and residential buildings in the city of Ashgabat and in the velayats.

Having heard the report, the head of state emphasized the need for the active introduction of new methods and wider use of the digital system for the proper fulfillment of the powers assigned to this agency. The main responsibilities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are the prevention of crimes, ensuring traffic safety, as well as carrying out measures to comply with the fire safety requirements, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country specified, giving the minister relevant instructions.

Chairman of the Supreme Court B. Hojamgulyev reported on work carried out by the reporting units in January this year, the comprehensive steps being taken to improve the national judicial system, as well as professional skills of employees. The report also covered the opening of a new residential building for department employees.

Summing up the report, the head of state focused on the role of this institution as an effective mechanism of state protection, including all areas of legal regulation. Furthermore, it was emphasized that the focus must be on issues related to ensuring legality, justice and order, eliminating the causes and conditions that led to offenses. Speaking about the importance of strengthening the personnel of the department, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov gave specific instructions to the head of the Supreme Court.

Then Minister of National Security N. Atagarayev reported on the activities of the Ministry headed by him since the beginning of the year to maintain socio-political stability in the country, reliable protection of the successes achieved by the Homeland over the years of independence, and fulfillment of the instructions given earlier by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country. The report also covered the progress of implementing the Development Program for this institution and introducing a digital system into its departments.

Having heard the report, the head of state focused on the priorities facing the Ministry of National Security. In particular, the importance of actively applying new technological developments in everyday work and constantly improving the skills of employees was emphasized. Pointing out the need to carry out coordinated activities with other law enforcement agencies to counter the challenges of our time, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov gave the minister a number of specific instructions.

Chief of the State Border Service Ya. Nuryev reported on the results of work done by the units under his supervision in January this year. The report included information on comprehensive measures taken to reliably protect the land and sea borders of the Homeland and strengthen the material and technical resources of border units.

Summing up the report, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country specified that, having declared the sacred borders of the Homeland as the frontiers of friendship and brotherhood, Turkmenistan maintains constructive dialogue and fruitful cooperation with all states, primarily with neighboring countries. In order to fulfill the powers entrusted to this body, it is necessary to further improve performance of the border troops and create all conditions for effective service, adequate life and leisure of military personnel, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, giving specific instructions to the service chief.

Then Minister of Adalat M. Taganov reported on the work done over the specified period, including the preparation of proposals for updating national legislation and the events organized to explain current regulations to the population.

Having heard the report, the head of state emphasized the need for further comprehensive development of the country’s legislative framework. In this context, the importance of studying best practices in the legislative field and active participation in the development of draft regulations was stressed. One of the main requirements of the time is to improve the legal culture of Turkmen people, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, giving a number of instructions to the minister.

Then Chairman of the State Customs Service M. Hudaykulyev reported on the activities carried out since the beginning of the year and the fulfillment of the instructions given earlier by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country on the technical re-equipment of reporting units and strengthening human resources.

Summing up the report, the head of state emphasized that taking into account the increase in cargo transportation through Turkmenistan, it is necessary to ensure compliance with established requirements for the inspection of goods imported into the country. Having focused on the key areas of the long-term work plan of the Service, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov ordered to keep under control the issues of upgrading the material and technical resources of customs terminals.

Chairman of the State Migration Service A. Sazakov reported on the practical steps taken during the indicated period aimed at effectively achieving the priority goals set before the institution. The report included information on the progress of implementing the relevant Development Program and the fulfillment of the instructions given by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country.

Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized that the key aspects of the Service’s activities are ensuring the interests and safety of citizens, respecting their rights to movement within the country and abroad. To perform the assigned responsibilities at the proper level, it is necessary to follow the fundamental principles of national legislation, taking into account the positive experience of foreign countries in the field of migration, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, giving instructions to actively use advanced information technologies in work.

Summing up the meeting, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country’s Armed Forces pointed out that in accordance with the Military Doctrine, which is exclusively defensive in nature, measures are consistently taken to maintain a high level of security and integrity of our independent, permanently neutral Homeland, and enhance its defense capability. At the same time, practical steps are taken to further improve the service and living conditions of the Homeland defenders and members of their families, the head of state continued, emphasizing that work in these areas will be continued in the future.

Several other issues were also considered at the meeting of the State Security Council, on which appropriate decisions were made.

At the end of the meeting, President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country, Army General Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the participants sound health, prosperity and great success in responsible service for the peaceful and happy life of the people.

On February 13, 2024, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the head of the Italian company «Leonardo S.p.A.» Stefano Pontecorvo.

During the meeting, S.Pontecorvo noted that the Italian leadership attaches great importance to strengthening the bilateral partnership, whereas the readiness of «Leonardo S.p.A.» was confirmed to further development of cooperation with Turkmenistan.

The head of state emphasized that Italy is one of Turkmenistan’s important partners in Europe and bilateral relations demonstrate progressive dynamics. In this context, confidence was expressed that the negotiations planned during the current visit of the head of «Leonardo S.p.A.» to Ashgabat, will contribute to the expansion of effective business cooperation.

At the meeting, it was emphasized that our countries successfully interact both on a bilateral and multilateral basis, within the framework of various international organizations. Evidence of this is Italy’s support for the initiatives put forward by our country aimed at ensuring global peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

In course of the discussion of priority areas of cooperation, it was stated that productive contacts between Turkmenistan and Italian companies in the trade and economic sphere, energy, private sector and other fields contributed to building up a solid potential for interaction.

During the negotiations, it was noted that Turkmenistan is ready to consider specific proposals from «Leonardo S.p.A.» to tap the potential of satellite communications.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on behalf of the people, the Government of Turkmenistan and on his own behalf, sent heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, and all the brotherly people of the country on the occasion of the National Holiday of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Revolution Day.

“We highly value the established multifaceted relations between Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran and declare our readiness to further develop cooperation based on the age-old traditions of good neighborliness,” the message says.

Taking advantage of this pleasant opportunity, the President of Turkmenistan expressed sincere wishes for good health, happiness and prosperity to President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, and peace, progress and well-being – to all the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

На совещании, проведённом в Меджлисе Туркменистана, были рассмотрены результаты деятельности, проведённой в 2023 году. В 2023 году последовательно проводились сессии Меджлиса Туркменистана, приняты 49 законов Туркменистана, 52 постановления Меджлиса Туркменистана, разработанных в соответствии с комплексными программами по модернизации законодательно-правовой базы нашей страны.   

На совещании заслушены отчёты о проводимой работе в комитетах Меджлиса исходя из принципов Конституции Туркменистана и принятых государственных программ, с целью модернизации законодательной базы нашего государства, приведения к общепризнанным нормам международного права и определены задачи, стоящие перед депутатами по дальнейшему совершенствованию законотворческой деятельности. 

С целью торжественного празднования 300-летия со дня рождения великого мыслителя и поэта-классика Востока Махтумкули Фраги в год «Кладезь разума Махтумкули Фраги», прославления богатого и ценного культурного наследия Махтумкули Фраги, ознаменования данной даты, было отмечено о значимости Закона Туркменистана «Об учреждении юбилейной медали Туркменистана «Magtymguly Pyragynyň 300 ýyllygyna», подписанного Аркадаглы Героем Сердаром, а также утвержденной постановлением «Программы  социально-экономического развития Туркменистана и инвестиций в 2024 году».

Также были рассмотрены результаты встреч с членами парламентов государств мира, представителями посольств иностранных государств, международных организаций в нашей стране, проведённых в связи с обсуждением вопросов двустороннего сотрудничества, рабочих визитов представителей Меджлиса в иностранные государства.

На совещании было обращено внимание на эффективное продолжение деятельности по исполнению поставленных задач, данных Аркадаглы Героем Сердаром на расширенном заседании Кабинета Министров, пропаганде успехов, великих рубежей, достигнутых под руководством уважаемого Президента Аркадаглы Герой Сердара, Героя-Аркадага, инициатив выдвигаемых нашей страной на международном пространстве, разъяснению среди населения содержания принятых законов. 

В завершении совещания депутаты заверили уважаемого Президента Аркадаглы Герой Сердара, Героя-Аркадага о том, что приложат все усилия для совершенствования и модернизации национального законодательства нашей страны на основе национальных традиций туркменского народа и позитивного мирового опыта.