Today, the capital has hosted the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation, an initiator of organization of which is Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The flower-laying ceremony at the Monument to the Constitution of Turkmenistan took place before the Forum.

Upon completion of the ceremony, participants of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation made their way to the Congress Centre of Turkmenistan.

After the ceremony of official joint photographing, a solemn opening of the meeting of the Forum took place in the Congress Centre.

Addressing heads and members of delegations with an opening remark, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sincerely welcomed all in the capital of neutral Turkmenistan and thanked them for accepting the invitation to take part in the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation. The fact of its organization in Ashgabat we consider as token of respect for our country and Turkmen people and recognition of a constructive contribution of Turkmenistan in the strengthening of friendship and mutual understanding between our countries, establishment of efficient formats of close and mutually beneficial partnership in the spheres of policy, economy, culture and humanitarian areas, the Hero Arkadag said.

The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh expressed confidence that all the present in that hall shared such approach and it answers strategic goals of leaders of our countries, highlights objective needs and main interests of peoples and serves purposes of their development and wellbeing.

Then, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan gave the floor to Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko.

The Speaker of the Upper House of the Parliament of the Russian Federation expressed confidence that taking into account a growing role of parliamentary policy in the modern world of such format, which united heads of countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation, today is more demanded. In fact, a new page opens in the history of inter-parliamentary cooperation in CIS and as a whole in the Eurasian space. The Ashgabat forum is urged to become a new significant element in the system of parliamentary partnership, ensuring an opportunity for a direct dialogue of parliamentarians of countries on most topical issues of the region, which is more important taking into account the scale of inter-state interaction in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres.

In this connection, Valentina Matvienko expressed confidence that the work of parliamentarians on the margins of the Forum will enable them to attach to all these areas a new depth, a new impulse and traditional mutual understanding and trusted relations between members of parliaments of participating countries will be able to find common approaches to solution of many urgent issues.

Then, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov again addressed the gathered and welcoming them again in Ashgabat, expressed his gratitude to heads and members of legislative bodies for participation in the work of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation.

Beginning his speech with a short excursion to the national history, Hero Arkadag noted that the Turkmen parliament is of the same age with our independence. But, the essence and character of national parliamentarianism take their roots from the depth of antiquity.

Continuing his speech and stating that the format of inter-parliamentary cooperation between countries of Central Asia and Russia proposes solution of numerous various tasks, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov developed upon most important ones of them.

Chairperson of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh outlined facilitation to strengthen peace, stability and security in the region as an unconditional priority of joint work. There is no doubt that the spirit of goodly neighbourhood and cooperation within Central Asia as well as in relations with Russia should not only maintain but also strengthen, develop and become an absolute priority for a long-term period.

Hero Arkadag expressed firm confidence that today the parliamentary diplomacy should become an instrument of peace, cooperation and mutual understating in which its main goal, meaning and designation is seen. Namely, in such role our international parliamentary activity is demanded now as never before. And here we should work of initiatives, bravely, propose the world new ideas and approaches aimed at neutralization and prediction of conflicts, search of ways of rapprochement of positions. In this regard, it is expedient to use more actively channels of inter-parliamentary of friendship Groups and direct them to solution of concrete tasks.

The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh also drew attention of participants of the Forum to the Aral problem, which directly concerns all countries of Central Asia as founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. Turkmenistan highly appreciates the fact that several years ago, the Russian Federation officially declared its interest and readiness to participate actively in overcoming the Aral ecological disaster.

By such strategic areas as transport, energy, industrial cooperation, one should create and involve mechanisms of international legal support, work upon rapprochement and harmonization of national legislations, elimination of legal and other barriers, which make partnership and business contacts difficult. We expect from parliamentarians demanded and operative solutions, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh said.

Hero Arkadag expressed confidence in necessity of development and strengthening of these values, creation of accurate, clear and firm legislative bases, which will ensure the political, and spiritual safety factors to move ahead in accordance with our views and sovereign chosen models of state and public structures.

The most important, and may be, a decisive fact here is culture and education. The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan called participants of the Forum to use the parliamentary leverage actively to develop and strengthen cooperation in the given areas and to formulate conditions for closer cultural interaction and creation of joint educational programs and projects, contacts between creative and scientific circles. At that, it was made sure that we have things to be proud of and to suggest each other.

Further, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan gave the floor to Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Maulen Ashimbaev.

Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan also pointed out that today legislative bodies play a great role in political systems of our countries. At present, the constitutional reform is realized in Kazakhstan and in accordance with it, the role of parliament and local representative bodies of the state grows significantly in the country.

Development of medical diplomacy, rather new area that has assumed more importance in recent years, was outlined as one of the key issues of the agenda of the Forum. The unparalleled pandemic of COVID-19 has made a great damage to the health and economies of countries. As Maulen Ashimbaev underlined, interaction and exchange of experience in the healthcare sphere can become one of the important areas of medical diplomacy in the upcoming period. Kazakhstan is always ready for this cooperation.

Further, the floor was given to Chairman of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic Talant Mamytov.

The head of the Parliament of the friendly country confirmed that Kyrgyzstan along with neighbouring countries stands for strengthening of regional cooperation, peace and stability in Central Asia and its position in the international area.

Further, in the solemn meeting of the Forum, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave the floor to Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko.

The unique geopolitical location of Central Asia as a bridge connecting the West and East, North and South, predetermines a special significance of its transit potential. Like in all times of the great Silk Road, through the territories of the region many transport and energy corridors pass, international trade is developed actively. Central Asia involves more and more actively in world economic, political processes owing to its enormous resource, economic, and human potentials.

The format “5+1” already has proved itself well at the level of heads of foreign policy departments of our countries and now it assumes a parliamentary dimension. In this sphere successful experience of bilateral contacts, in particular, those established by channels of friendship groups was gained. In this connection, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation also proposed to think over closer interaction between profile committees, commissions of our parliaments, expressing confidence in resultativeness of such work.

The humanitarian sphere, cooperation in the spheres of science, education and culture where we have a rich potential, make a significant contribution in the maintenance of relations between Russia and countries of Central Asia.

In her speech, the speaker of the Upper House of the Parliament of the Russian Federation also noted the initiative of Turkmenistan to declare the year 2021 as international year of peace and trust. Support of this proposal by UN testified to the high evaluation of the policy of our country by international community. As was underlined, choice of its own path by Turkmenistan, the policy of permanent positive neutrality, which it has, now pursued for 30 years, also deserves respect.

Further, the floor was given to Chairman of the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan Rustam Emomali.

Chairman of the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan expressed confidence that cooperation of national parliaments in the format “Central Asia–Russia” has a great significance and facilitates further development of inter-state cooperation, achievement of Sustainable Development Goals within the framework of the 2030 Agenda.

In his speech, it was also underlined that in the current post-pandemic period it is rather important to adopt necessary joint solutions for revival of trade and economic relations and increase in mutual trade. One should attach special attention to spheres of industry and energy.

Further, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave the floor to Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva.

Cooperation with Russia also expands actively proceeding from the principles of openness, mutual trust, respect and taking into account interests of each other. In the same area, it was noted that today, cooperation of Uzbekistan with countries of the region and the Russian Federation has been brought to the level of strategic partnership. There is no doubt that personal efforts and political will of leaders of our countries will serve a basis for it.

Uzbekistan is interested in the growth of volume of mutual trade, full realization of existing significant potentials of economies of countries of the region and the Russian Federation. The deepening of cooperation in spheres of technologies, innovations, “green” economy as main sources of long-term economic growth are also considered important.

The head of the Upper House of the Parliament of Uzbekistan also made an emphasis on the importance to attach attention to cooperation in youth affairs, including academic, student exchange, and organization of festivals, forums, and sports competitions with participation of representatives of the younger generations of our countries.

Further, the floor was given to Dmitriy Kobitskiy, Secretary General of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

The guest marked that organization of the current forum speaks of common interest and efficiency of dialogue platform as well as a growing inter-regional integration.

Development of the national system of healthcare of Turkmenistan on the basis of the Saglyk state program in accordance with international standards and through formation of high class infrastructure presents a significant interest.

The youth policy also lies within the sphere of humanitarian partnership of parliaments of countries of the Commonwealth. Establishment of the CIS Youth Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in 2012, in which young parliamentarians of all countries entering IPA CIS participate, became a concrete result of cooperation. Availing of the opportunity, Secretary General of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States invited representatives of Turkmenistan to the joint dialogue on the margins of this structure.

At the end of the solemn meeting of the Forum of countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan addressed the gathered with a concluding remark.

As Hero Arkadag noted, in the course of the current meeting, important interesting and informative discussion on development of modern parliamentarianism took place, ways of strengthening of inter-parliamentary links were outlined, perspectives and priorities of further cooperation were determined.

At the end of the meeting, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed his sincere acknowledgment to all participants of the Forum for the work carried out.

Upon completion of the solemn meeting, the ceremony of signing of bilateral documents took place.

Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko put their signatures on the Agreement on cooperation between the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

Further, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan Rustam Emomali put their signatures on the Agreement on cooperation between the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan and the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Further, on the sidelines of the program of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum the ceremony of awarding took place in the Great hall of the capital “Maslakhat koshgi”.

Eldar Allahyar oghlu Guliyev informed that the Council of Elders of the Republic of Azerbaijan has adopted the decision unanimously on awarding Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov the Golden Order of “Honored Elder”.

The following floor was given to founder and editor-in-chief of the Azerbaijan Dunyasy international magazine, chairman of the Dede Korkut National Foundation Eldar Ismail oglu Ismayilov.

Underlining an outstanding contribution of Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in the development of the friendly interstate dialogue as well as in the strengthening of universal peace, constructive regional and international cooperation, the guest informed on the decision to award him the National Prize "For the Sake of Peace on Earth" and the Golden Order of "Ulu Türk".

In a solemn atmosphere, founder and editor-in-chief of the Azerbaijan Dunyasy international magazine, chairman of the Dede Korkut National Foundation Eldar Ismail oglu Ismayilov handed Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov the National Prize "For the Sake of Peace on Earth" and the Golden Order of "Ulu Türk" as well as relevant certificates, expressing his warm congratulations and best wishes in this connection.

Further, during the ceremony, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko and Secretary General of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States Dmitriy Kobitskiy were asked to come out onto the stage.

Then, Secretary General of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States informed that for his service in development and strengthening of parliamentarianism, contribution to the development and improvement of legal basis of functioning of the Commonwealth of Independent States, strengthening of international relations and inter-parliamentary cooperation it was decided to award Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Türkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov a jubilee medal instituted on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly. In this connection, the relevant document was read out.

To the applauds of participants of the ceremony, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko handed Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Türkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov the jubilee medal “CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly-30 years” and relevant certificate.

Further, addressing Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov informed that on behalf and at the instruction of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, it is a great honour for him to hand her the Order “For contribution in development of cooperation“ . This high state award is a sign of great respect and recognition of her indisputable service in strengthening of relations of friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between our countries and peoples successively.

Chairwoman of the Mejlis of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan G.Mammedova reads out the related Decision of the President of Turkmenistan.

In a solemn atmosphere, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan hands the Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation the Order “For contribution in development of cooperation“ .

In the second half of the day, the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation continued its work in the format of plenary sessions on the following topics: “Legislative body of state power: modern experience and cooperation”, “Medical diplomacy: exchange of experience is a reliable way forward”, “Regional cooperation for the sake of environmental well-being and sustainable development”.

The significance of further intensification of fruitful cooperation between national parliaments of participating countries of the current multilateral meeting that will facilitate development of well-balanced solutions to topical issues of modernity, strengthening of traditional relations of friendship, mutual understanding and trust between our countries and peoples, development of multifaceted interstate, regional and inter-regional partnership that meet the interests of common wellbeing and progress, was outlined in speeches of speakers.

The results of the meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation were summed up at its final meeting and found their refection in the final document, the Ashgabat Declaration.

On behalf the Turkmen side in honour of participants of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation an official dinner, which was accompanied with performances of workers of art of our country, was given.