The SPEECH of The President of Turkmenistan H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly

Esteemed Mr. President,
Esteemed Mr. Secretary General,
Esteemed Heads of Delegations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I heartily greet you and congratulate on the opening of the sixty-sixth session of the UN General Assembly.

I congratulate esteemed Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser on the election President of the sixty-sixth session of the UN General Assembly and believe that the General Assembly under his leadership will successfully and fruitfully work. Let me express gratitude to the President of the 65th session Mr. Joseph Deiss for his effective activity on this post.

Availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to congratulate once again Mr. Ban Ki-moon on the re-election UN Secretary-General and wish him great success.

Esteemed Mr. President,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As in previous years, this forum is the continuation of the process of elaborating the adequate approaches to complicated phenomena of the modern world, searching for an appropriate response to the issues of global significance. The need to take systematic measures through the identification of clear goals, the vision of the prospects and the choice of effective international mechanisms for achieving these goals becomes more evident.

Turkmenistan formulates these goals as follows: peace through development. Today these concepts cannot be considered separately. It is direct interrelation between peace and development that opens up wide opportunities to consolidate the political will, intellectual and material resources of the Community of Nations.

This is essential for the development of modern sustainable, stable and at the same time flexible and balanced framework of international relationships in the political, economical and humanitarian spheres. This is an ambitious objective, and we believe that the responsibility for implementing it, first and foremost, lies with the United Nations. This is Turkmenistan relies on whilst forming its approaches to ensuring stable peace and security, achieving the Millennium Development Goals and promoting humanitarian cooperation.

Viewing the strict compliance with the Charter of the United Nations as a fundamental condition for long-term peace and strategic stability, Turkmenistan steadily and consistently pursues the policy of peace, good neighbourliness and active contribution to the peaceful processes. We deny strongly the use of military force as an instrument of foreign policy and interstate relations.

We believe that the solutions found through force have no prospects and neither eliminate sources and reasons for contradictions nor ensure adequate responses to many problems which emerge in the post conflict periods in most cases.

Therefore, Turkmenistan attaches paramount importance to settlement of any situation by peaceful means and methods. In this context and strict compliance with the fundamental documents of the United Nations we suggest that the current session start drafting the Declaration on the priority use of political and diplomatic tools to tackle international issues which will be presented to the UN General Assembly for further consideration. To our point of view, adopting this Declaration will enable to considerably minimize the use of force for resolving contradictions in intergovernmental relations and reduce the relevant risks and threats to global stability and security.

We have put forward a number of initiatives at the regional level to maintain peace and stability in Central Asia and the Caspian Sea Basin. These initiatives were welcomed positively. In our opinion, the new step must be the high-level forum on security in Central Asia and the Caspian region.

Turkmenistan offers to host this forum in the next year. We believe that the establishment of the Advisory Board on peaceful development in and the Caspian region may become one of the political outcomes of this forum.

Esteemed Mr. President,

When speaking about the need to ensure security on a global scale we mean not only its political component. Global security is viewed as a holistic framework based on the combination and indivisibility of key factors defining the vectors which define modern global development.

This is a solution to economic, energy, environmental, food and humanitarian challenges. It is also obvious today that global security cannot be provided unless peace and cohesion at the national and regional levels are achieved.

Therefore, Turkmenistan aims its efforts to provide utmost support for the sustainable development processes, achieve the Millennium Development Goals and create the effective models of multilateral collaboration to address urgent global challenges. One of these challenges is reliable and stable transit of energy to world markets.

Our proposals on this matter have found support from the international community that is reflected in the Resolution of the General Assembly adopted in 2008. I believe the time to start elaborating specific measures for addressing energy transit issues has come.

With the view of concerting efforts of the UN Member States involved actively in building the international legal framework for the sphere of energy transit Turkmenistan considers it appropriate to establish a new mechanism – the Interregional Energy Dialogue under the aegis of the United Nations assuming that the Organization will actively facilitate creating this format of cooperation which is transparent and open for all. We see states of Central and South Asia the Caspian, Black Sea and Baltic regions, the EU and Middle and Near East, Russia, China, all states, companies and international financial institutions concerned as its participants.

The awareness of the commonality of long-term development goals and the willingness of the UN Member States to jointly seek to achieve them serve today as a determinant for sustainability of the global economic system.

The serious effects of the global financial and economic crisis once again necessitated concerting efforts to form viable models and realistic plans oriented towards the interests and needs of all countries of the world. Turkmenistan intends to actively participate in this process and promote an exchange of successful experience our country has accumulated in a number of areas of social and economic development. We stand ready to do it through the relevant UN bodies, particularly through the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Our country nominates itself for the membership in this authoritative body for 2013-2015. We are thoroughly preparing for this work, and if elected we will spare no efforts to fulfil the assigned tasks in a proper manner.

Turkmenistan will also participate in the Rio+20 Earth Summit in 2012. We view it as a landmark in the process of further advancement towards the goals for sustainable development, and we intend to address this forum with a number of specific proposals.

In the context of maintaining sustainable economic growth I would like to dwell on such a crucial component like development of modern transport infrastructure.

Over several years, our country together with partners in the region is actively working to promote the ambitious projects aimed at optimizing traffic flows on the Eurasian continent. We believe it to have great prospects given the tremendous potential of the north-south, east-west transport corridors.

The effective use of these corridors may offer a powerful impetus to foster economic and trade relations on a continental scale. We suppose that the UN will be able to play a critical role in coordinating international cooperation in the sphere of transport. In this regard Turkmenistan suggest that the current session start drafting the UN Special Transport Development Programme, which involves the exploration of the opportunities for transit and transport between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, Central Asia and the Middle East.

Esteemed Mr. President,

The environmental sphere is a priority aspect of international cooperation of Turkmenistan.

We respect the initiatives and decisions adopted during the Summits on Climate Change in Copenhagen and Cancun.

We expect the constructive international dialogue on this issue to be continued during the Meeting in Durban in November this year.

We are convinced of the need to concert efforts in this sphere at global, regional and national levels, the need to coordinate collaboration of each of states with the UN.

In this context I would like to emphasize that Turkmenistan is working on the important document – the National Climate Change Strategy which we intend to present to the relevant UN bodies as a contribution to our joint efforts as soon as it is completed.

We believe that in the context of closer multilateral cooperation it will possible to start forming the systematic mechanisms in this sphere during the current session.

For this purpose Turkmenistan proposes to establish a specialized institution – the UN Interregional Centre on Climate Change. We stand ready to provide it with necessary infrastructure in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat.

An urgent issue which goes far beyond the region is the environment of the Caspian Sea. Here, we are also convinced of the need to fill global efforts to conserve the unique natural wealth of the Caspian Sea with a specific content. In this regard, we put forward the proposal to establish the Caspian Environment Forum as a permanent body addressing the environmental issues in the Caspian Basin and elaborating relevant proposals and recommendations.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Achieving the goals for sustainable development is directly related to addressing humanitarian issues, promoting the human rights, creating the opportunities for self-realization for everyone and guaranteeing a dignified and happy life to people.

In this regard, our country will further cooperate with the UN agencies that deal with humanitarian issues in order to implement the provisions of the UN conventions on human rights.

Turkmenistan as a permanent member of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner for Refugees will actively contribute to implementing the measures for protecting and providing support to refugees.

We consider it useful to carry out the work together with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on the dissemination of Turkmenistan’s experience in granting citizenship to refugees and stateless persons and for this purpose to organize the international meeting involving all parties concerned in Ashgabat in 2012.

Esteemed Mr. President,
Esteemed Members of Delegations,

The tasks set to our Organization are complex and ambitious. However, they are realistic and achievable because we have the common goal to make the world a better, fairer and more humane place to live.

We share the values and overall responsibility. We are united with an aspiration to move forward.

We rely on the profound experience accumulated over decades of the existence of the United Nations, on the will, intellect and wisdom of the Community of Nations. These constitute the elements of our overall success.

Today, every country makes its own unique contribution to the progress and advancement of mankind.

This opens up vast opportunities to generate and implement new ideas, elaborate the innovative models of cooperation to address key challenges of modern times.

Turkmenistan stands ready to most actively contribute to these activities abiding by the the strategic policy of close and comprehensive cooperation with the United Nations.

Thank you for your attention.

PRIORITY ISSUES OF TURKMENISTAN AT THE 66TH SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

PREAMBLE

The foreign policy of Turkmenistan s to ensure peace, security and development, and resolution of related issues of global, regional and international importance.

Turkmenistan maintains its relations with foreign countries and international organizations keeping in mind principles of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit.

Traditionally, every year beforethe opening of the forthcoming session of the UN General Assembly Turkmenistan officially circulates among the UN member states its position on major foreign policy issues.

Turkmenistan’s foreign policy efforts at the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly will be concentrated around the following 5 areas:

1. Political issues;

2. Economy;

3. Energy;

4. Ecology;

5. Humanitarian aspects;

POLITICAL ISSUES

In international politics Turkmenistan will firmly adhere to the principles of strengthening of peace and security. At the same time the country’s stance will be based upon holistic approach towards and indivisibility of security.

From geopolitical point of view such an approach is based upon the unity of national, regional and global security. From the point of its content this means that such aspects of security like military-political, socio-economic, energy, water, food, humanitarian etc. are closely interdependent.

In Turkmenistan's view any incidents on face of the globe must be resolved though application of peaceful means and methods.

With this in mind the Turkmen Side will introduce a proposal to draft a Declarationon priority application of political and diplomatic means for resolving international issues which later should be laid down for consideration by the UN General Assembly.

While at the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly Turkmenistan will actively participate in the international events and put forward a number of initiatives related to security aspects for the Central Asia and the Caspian Sea region having in mind importance and need of peacekeeping and ensuring of security in the regional context (in correlation with global processes). Since the time immemorial both the regions form a single historic and geographic dimension, and naturally they require elevated ternational attention for establishment of meaningful security guarantees.

In this connection, on June 24, 2010, Ashgabat hosted the “International Conference on Disarmament Issues in Central Asia and the Caspian Sea Region” initiated by the President of Turkmenistan. The Ashgabat Meeting formed a reliable platform for development of specific measures and further exchange of ideas on common security issues.

In order to continue this process at the regional level during the forthcoming 66th Session, Turkmenistan will propose to consider its request for hosting the Forum on Security in Central Asia and in the Caspian Sea Basin in 2012 in Turkmenistan.

As one of the political outcomes of the Forum creation of the Advisory Council on Peaceful Development of Central Asia and Caspian Sea Region will be proposed.

Also, the UN Conventions against terrorism, organized crime and illicit drug trafficking, as stipulated by the initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan, will be implemented duly.

Particularly, Turkmenistan as a member of the UN Committee on Narcotic Drugs will initiate the process to form UN Universal Strategy against Narcotic Drugs.

ECONOMY

A major challenge that theinternational community faces at present is the creation of effective mechanisms to fight the consequences of financial and economic crisis and determine main trends for development of perspective global economic system.

In this context,Turkmenistan in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank as well as other international financial institutions will propose to host in Ashgabat a High-Level International Conference «Globalization of Financial System and Regional Dimensions of Sustainable Development».

Considering the fact that transport and communication are the backbone of the global economic system Turkmenistan will introduce the process of acceleration of international efforts for enhancing «North-South» and «East-West» transport corridors.

In this context, during the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly it is proposed that a Special UN Interregional Program on Development of Transport may be elaborated.The key points of such a Program could be increasing of prospects of the «Central Asia - Persian Gulf» communication chain, as well as the development of transportation linkages between the Caspian-Black Sea Region.

ENERGY

Considering the relevance of energy issues, it is proposed that the implementation of Turkmenistan's initiatives announced at the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly will further be carried on.

In order to consolidate the UN member-states’ efforts who actively participate in development process of international legal regime for energy sufficiency,Turkmenistan considers as appropriate creation of a new mechanism - Inter-Regional Energy Dialogue under the aegis of the UN. In this regard, Turkmenistan expects the UN’s respective departments will promote such a Dialogue between the countries of Central Asia, Persian Gulf,Caspian Sea and Black Sea nations,China, Russia, as well as others.

ECOLOGY

Among priority issues of international activities of Turkmenistan a special emphasis will be devoted to the further development of cooperation of Turkmenistan with the United Nations’ecology and environmental protection programs.

First of all, the issues of climate change will be of primary concern.

It is proposed that establishment of the UN Inter-Regional Centre on Climate Change may be considered during the 66th Session. It is appropriate that one of such Centers be established in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

The ecology of the Caspian Sea remains to be of utmost significance. In order to substantiate this particular activity Turkmenistan will propose establishment of the UN Forum on the Caspian Sea Ecology as a permanent stage for consideration of environmental protection issues in the Caspian Sea and elaboration of the appropriate proposals and recommendations.

HUMANITARIAN ISSUES

At the 66th Session of the UN GA Turkmenistan will continue working closely with the UN humanitarian bodies with the objective of implementing the UN Conventions on Human Rights at the national level.

All the resources available within the projects and programs of the UNDP, UNHCHR, UNHCR, UNICEF and other UN Agencies will be utilized to full extent.

Being a permanent member of the Executive Committee of the Program of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Turkmenistan will actively promote practical implementation of measures protecting rights of refugees.

It is worth mentioning that Turkmenistan’s experience on naturalization of refugees and stateless persons could jointly be popularized with the UNHCR hence an international meeting with participation of all concerned parties be organized in 2012 in Ashgabat.

Yet another major area of prime concern will be cultural and humanitarian cooperation. In this regard interaction with the UNESCO is intensified.

CONCLUSION

All the abovementioned presents the core of Turkmenistan’s principle stance at the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly.

They will serve as a sound foundation for further development of cooperation of Turkmenistan with the United Nations and the rest of the world.

PRESS RELEASE

On November 05, 2010 the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in a solemn bookmark of first phase of new Olympic city - unique and unprecedented multifunctional sports complex, which will be built in an area of 157 hectares near the already existing Olympic stadium.

As was marked by the Head of the state in his statement at the opening ceremony, 2 billion US dollars will be allocated for construction of the first stage Olympic city. The first phase of construction will include more than 30 projects such as the Ice palace for engaging in hockey with 10 thousand audience, covered cycle track for 6 thousand spectators, bowling arena, badminton and table tennis, covered arena for 15 thousand audience for all types of sports and gymnastics, covered arena for 5 thousand audience for all types of wrestling, heavy athletics, fencing and boxing, medical center, practice halls for the different types of sport, hotels with 500 and 800 rooms including a press-centre, covered swimming pool for 5 thousand audience, covered tennis court and many others.

In the near future besides different sport complexes, halls and platforms for ordinary sportsmen this Olympic complex will also contain Paralympics center for disabled sportsmen, the Olympic village which will consist of twenty 12-floored buildings with the living capacity of 12 thousand people in them. The comfort of sportsmen and audience such as cross walk and single-rail road to the shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, cafe, consumer services and parking places was also foreseen in this project.

The architecture of the Olympic city shows the special attention of the Turkmen leader towards the development and progress of sport in Turkmenistan. Here we can also see the combination of aims related to development of sport at nationwide level with modern approach of hosting international sport competitions.

The initiation of this project by the Institute of sport and tourism – center of trainers and sporting staff of country, gives a significant sense.

In general the construction of the Olympic city may be named as epochal event in the newest history of modern independent and neutral Turkmenistan, the state, whose foreign-policy is based on combination with ancient history of nation and with its traditions and customs.

The President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in his foreign-policy doctrine, which has got recognition and support all over the world, relies on age-old Turkmen traditions, one of which is caring about the young generation. The President’s social policy, the meaning of which can be explained by such simple and at the same time deep words - "Healthy nation - the strong state" is directed towards education of physically healthy and youth with high moral standards.

The President of Turkmenistan on his own example was able not only to lead away the youth to the active and regular sport, but also due to his excellent physical form could get up at the sources of national sporting motion the scale of which in the near times grow up to the Olympic heights.

By heading the National Olympic committee of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has put the development of Olympic progression in the row of priority state tasks. Within the framework of realization of the "National program of President of Turkmenistan on reformation of common social conditions of population of villages, settlements, cities of regions and region centers up to a period to 2020" there has been planned the buildings of more than 200 sport schools for 75 thousand seats, over 100 sporting constructions, and also reconstruction of 70 already operating schools. The presence of sporting halls, grounds and pools in all the projects of educational and preschool establishments of country, has become obligatory.

The "Open-door policy" realized by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov enabled Turkmenistan not only to participate and win in large regional and international competitions but also to begin combined work for organization of similar sport forums in the country.

Self-weighted, pragmatic and independent foreign policy, aspiring to the open and mutually beneficial partnership with all states of the world, internal stability, development of national economy, up-rise of prosperity of population and most important – the friendly and confident relationships with the different countries of the world – this is what determines today's Turkmenistan.

Therefore the beginning of construction of the Olympic city is well-timed fact, which is coming logically from general conception of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for further development of the modern Turkmen state.

VARIETY OF INTERESTS - UNITY OF PURPOSE

Turkmenistan puts forward model of international relations for security and progress

On September 30, 2010 the President of Turkmenistan gave the press conference on the outcomes of the recent visit to New York, where the Turkmen leader had participated in the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly and put forward the new global peace building initiatives and held a series of bilateral meetings and political consultations. Correspondents of the foreign news agencies and leading international periodicals and Turkmen journalists, editors-in-chief of national newspapers and journals, directors of TV and radio channels and journalism students took part in the conference held at numerous requests of Turkmen and foreign journalists.

Ladies and gentlemen, Dear journalists,

I am very glad of our new meeting in this hall with Turkmen and foreign journalists. As you know, we have met today to discuss the outcomes of the recent visit of the Turkmen government delegation to New York, the United States, where we participated in the 65th session of the UN General Assembly. As is known, it has become a good tradition in our country to organize meetings with representatives of mass media. In my speech at the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly, I stated the principles and views of our country on the critical foreign policy issues. Also, our proposals and our views on these issues were widely supported by leaders of several countries, authoritative international organizations. Also, Turkmenistan’s standpoints and initiative in this field were discussed during numerous bilateral meetings. The programme of our visit in the United States was full of events, while staying in New York there was no possibility of complying with the most of the requests for meetings and talks made by participants of the 65th session of the UN General Assembly.

Dear representatives of mass media, Dear journalists,

I believe that through your efforts the dialogue about the intense interest of the international community in our country will continually extends. Now, I am going to answer your questions about the outcomes of the participation of the Turkmen government delegation in the 65th session of the UN general Assembly. If you have any questions, please, ask.

Igor Sasin (Frans Press Agency, France):

- Dear Mr President, in your speech at the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly you put forward several concrete proposals aimed at addressing urgent issues of global and regional development. What motivated these foreign policy initiatives, and what you think should be done to implement them?

- First of all, I would like to emphasize that all proposals and initiatives put forward by Turkmenistan, including those stated in my speech at the UN General Assembly are based on the thorough and objective analysis of current processes, an understanding of cause-and-effect relations that lead to certain events and challenges.

We are the realist, and therefore we are not inclined either colour the reality or dramatize it too much. We state our vision of problems and offer and offer concrete solutions to them. Proceeding from the firm belief that any state regardless of the area of territory, economic or military potential is able to make a positive contribution to sustainable and progressive development of human civilization, to progress and wellbeing of billions of people living on our planet, to the guaranteed peaceful future for the present and future generations. Towards the end of the last century ideological confrontation of two systems, geopolitical rivalry between two superpowers which assigned, by and large, a role of extras to other countries came to an end. No marking lines exist today on a global scale, and any attempts to restore them including through over accentuating the dubious theory of ‘the clash of civilizations’ are groundless and futile. Yes, today’s world is complicated, diverse, but it is common. Such are the objectives goals set to the community of nations, they are common too. To achieve them is possible, feasible, but with one fundamental condition that is in a couple of words can be stated as peace and security. Therefore, all intentions and aspirations of Turkmenistan as a responsible member of the international community, all our practical steps taken on the world stage, proposals and initiatives aimed at creating this condition. We are convinced that today security cannot be selective – for one country or a group of countries. No nation, no matter how powerful and rich it may be, is able to shut itself off from problems and threats of particular concern to the rest of the world. To achieve global security, sustainable and conflict-free global development is impossible without solving many socio-economic problems related to bridging the gap between developed and developing nations, provision of food to countries and regions, equitable access to energy, prevention and mitigation of environmental and anthropogenic risks, effective counteraction to terrorism, drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. In other words, today security is as indivisible as our world is. Therefore, we urge the world community to think about developing the unified security concept as a starting political and ideological platform for further joint actions of states to address key issues of our time. In my speech at the UN General Assembly session I called it the strategy for the future meaning the rejection of previous schemes in which geopolitical rivalry, struggle for control over territories and resources, division of spheres of influence and so forth prevailed by this notion. We offer to reach a new level of understanding of contemporary realities that objectively require overcoming differences over particulars, tactical issues in the name of common strategic goals. I would formulate a model of interstate relations in the context of collective efforts to ensure comprehensive security and development as the diversity of interests - a unity of purpose. Let’s act anticipating things for decades to come and thinking over what kind of world we want to leave to the future generations. As for the methods for implementing our initiatives, the main thing here is the political will and responsibility of states. In particular, we proposed to establish the Forum on Security and Cooperation in Central Asia and the Caspian Basin at the high level, formulated the proposals for the political settlement of the situation in Afghanistan and economic rehabilitation of this country, the opening of UN counter-terrorism information and coordination centers and UN counter-crime training and information centers. All these are specific issues that need negotiating. There are proven political and diplomatic tools that must be used maximum efficiently to do this. Turkmenistan stands ready to contribute actively to this work.

Mihail Pereplesnin (Turkmenistan Journal, Russia):

- Dear Mr. President, the initiative to establish the Energy Council of the United Nations that you had put forward in your speech drew a wide response all over the world. This proposal does have global significance and, if implemented, can dramatically change the entire system of relationships on global energy market. What dictated this initiative and what will the functions of the Energy Council be once it is established?

- Let’s not run ahead. Now, it is only an idea in prospect. World energy market is a complex and sensitive sphere, and the international community needs time to reflect upon our proposal, develop and formulate its approaches. Generally speaking, the initiative to establish the Energy Council of the United Nations fits into the logic of our steps aimed at jointly elaborating new approaches to international energy supplies challenges. As you know, we first brought it out at the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. The well-known Resolution was drafted and endorsed in the framework of the 63rd session, following which Ashgabat hosted the high-level international conference on security of energy transit in 2009. At the next, 64th session we put forward the idea of forming an ad-hoc expert group under the aegis of the UN that would deal with all necessary issues. This August the first meeting focusing on the aspects of forming this group was organized in New York. We realize that a special Resolution of the UN General Assembly could be needed to form an expert group, determine its mandate and fund of its activities. We are ready to work on this issue so that a resolution will be adopted during the current session. In our opinion, the group could organize its activities in three major areas.

First: adopting the legal framework to ensure reliable and stable transit of energy to world markets. Here, I mean, first and foremost, the work on a multilateral, comprehensive international legal instrument of the UN. For example, the UN Treaty on safeguards of energy transit.

Second: building a new institutional groundwork that is essential for the implementation of international law norms on energy transit.

Third: building a new information framework that will enable to monitor and control the implementation of the Treaty on safeguards of energy transit.

In fact, what is at issue is the development of an effective and legitimate international mechanism for regulating global energy policy. The main coordinating body responsible for making policy decisions in this field should be the Energy Council of the UN. I want to say once again that our initiative to establish it is developed for the future. We hurry nobody and stand ready to discuss thoughtfully it with our partners and draft jointly the proposals at this point.

Myrat Govshudov (Turkmen State News Agency):

- Dear Mr. President, during your meetings with leaders of other countries, the high-ranking officials of the UN Secretariat, representatives of the world’s business elite in New York you put special emphasis on the economic component of the reforms implemented in Turkmenistan. What are the priorities of state policy in this field? How does the country position itself on the world economic arena?

- You are right, the economic theme in the course of my talks was a key one. I should say frankly that the interest in Turkmenistan shown all over the world today goes far beyond the availability of access to its natural resources. Our country is no longer seen as a global reservoir of hydrocarbons only. We are becoming a more attractive partner in other spheres, a promising target for long-term investments in industry, agriculture, transport, communications, textile and mining industries, construction, tourism. Not only first-class companies, but also the world’s largest financial and economic centers trust us and want to work with us. In turn, we are talking today with our foreign counterparts from the position of not a country rich in raw materials, but an economically strong and dynamically developing nation that has something to offer to the world other than oil and gas. Of course, this has become possible through landmark economic and social reforms implemented for the last three years. Summarily, three main sectors where most dynamic reforms are implemented can be identified. These are the economy, the financial sector and the social sphere. When we talk about economic reforms, I would like to emphasize the most essential thing: the goal of our strategy is to diversify the economy that is the formation of multisectoral and multifunctional economic system. Naturally, the achievement of this goal depends largely on the availability and proper use of human, natural, financial, information and other resources. To this end, on the first stage we built the fundamentally new legal and institutional frameworks regulating economic relations in our country in a short time. A package of laws was adopted, management structures are being optimized, additional financing sources were formed, drastic changes were brought about in the monetary sphere. Let me provide some examples.

With the view of distributing the authority for the management of economic and financial processes two independent government agencies - the Ministry of Economy and Development and the Ministry of Finance were established. Also, to lay the scientific groundwork for the activity of these agencies and the government as a whole the Institute of Strategic Planning and Economic Development was established. All this enables to say about the formation of a strong governance framework, which is to ensure an effective socio-economic growth. Furthermore, we have managed to carry out major financial reforms very quietly. First, the exchange rate between the national currency and the convertible currency was balanced. Secondly, we carried out the denomination of Turkmenistan manat. Third, a significant surplus in the State budget enabled to establish the Stabilization Fund. Speaking about it, I would like to focus on such essential thing as the social orientation of our economy. In this regard, the social along with economic reforms are actively carried out in such important spheres such as pension provision, social insurance, labour and wages. Much has been done here. First, the new legislative acts were adopted: the Labour Code and the Social Welfare Code. Secondly, all guarantees of the regular salaries, pensions, allowances and scholarships raise were provide. Thirdly, a range of social benefits and state privileges provided to population (free gas, electricity, water, a number of communal services, etc.) is broadened. Summarizing the aforesaid, it should be emphasized that all ongoing reforms became possible due to the effectively functioning public administration mechanism. We firmly believe that the management of economic and financial processes through developing legislative framework, optimizing the system of government and non-government institutions is the determining factor for implementing the socio-economic policy. Of course, it is needed to base upon universally accepted international norms, follow international standards, study and effectively apply international practices. In this regard the experience of the United Nations will be essential for us. During meetings with the high-ranking officials of the UN Secretariat in New York, I suggested thinking over the development of the long-term programme for strengthening the capacity of pubic administration in Turkmenistan. This proposal was supported.

Jemal Byramova (Ogonyok Journal, Russia):

- Dear Mr. President, as is known, Turkmenistan intends to propose its membership in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). For what purpose are you doing this?

- This step should be considered in the context of overall intensification of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the United Nations, which has become complex and multidimensional in recent years. Today, we cooperate with the UN in the political and humanitarian spheres and in improving our democratic institutions and on human rights issues under various cultural, educational, environmental projects and programmes. The priorities of our cooperation include promotion of Turkmenistan’s activity in the framework of the UN agencies dealing with socio-economic problems. ECOSOC is the major one among them. By nominating for the membership in this body for the period of 2013-2015 years, we pursue two objectives which are equally important. The first one is to provide overall assistance to the UN in promoting international cooperation, closer integration of various states and regions of the planet in the process of sustainable development, improving people’s welfare. Also, we view our membership in the ECOSOC in terms of the efficient use of Turkmenistan’s infrastructure potential by the international community to promote the activities of various UN agencies in the regions of the Central Asian and Caspian Basin regions. In this regard, I proposed to work with specialized UN agencies including the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific on joint projects, the outcomes of which could be used later by the delegation of our country to the ECOSOC to promote large-scale social and economic programmes at the global and regional levels, during the period before the elections. This will help our country implement its potential fully as an entity of international relations. The second goal is based on the practical results of the UN projects implemented in country to represent Turkmenistan as a country whose experience can be learned by other states. And we are ready to undertake this work under the aegis of the UN during the period of our membership in ECOSOC. We realize perfectly well that the election to this important body, on the one hand, provides great opportunities for generating and implementing new ideas, and on the other hand imposes the awesome responsibility on our country for drafting and adopting the Council’s decisions.

Aybolek Babanyyazova (a student of the Faculty of International Journalism, Institute for International Relations):

- Dear Mr. President, environmental issues are of increasing importance on the global agenda. Also, it is known that the protection of the environment is a priority vector of the policy of the Turkmen state. What do you see being the solutions to environmental challenges in Central Asia?

- It’s natural. Today, ecology has direct impact on the lives and wellbeing of people around the world, the implementation of socio-economic development plans, the situation in different regions, has as effect on relations between states. In fact, it has transformed into a backbone factor determining to a larger extent the level of security and sustainability of global development. These questions are relevant for Turkmenistan as a responsible member of the international community and as a country situated in the region facing environmental challenges. However, we don’t separate, from an environmental point of view, Central Asia from the Caspian Basin assuming rightly, in my opinion, that the problems existing on the this vast territory are interrelated and require coordination. This is an issue of not the methodology but the implementation of the measures for physical and social rehabilitation of people living here, conservation of the unique natural heritage, efficient water resources management. I am convinced that only joint efforts of states in Central Asian and the Caspian Basin with an active coordinating role of the UN can give a positive result. An essential component of environmental activities in this context is cooperation with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). It is obvious that the time for closer collaboration of Central Asian and Caspian states with this agency aimed at elaborating common approaches to addressing environmental problems has come. In this regard, Turkmenistan offers consider thoroughly the possibility for opening the UNEP Office for Central Asia and the Caspian region. For its part our country is ready to provide all conditions conducive to opening the Office headquarters in Ashgabat.

Jemil Yyldyz (Zaman newspaper, Turkey):

- Mr President, those, who visited Turkmenistan in the past three years, talk about social protection of population and social orientation of reforms you implement. Please, tell a few words about this.

- The principle “a state for the people” is consistently and purposefully implemented in our country. The cornerstone of the policy of national revival is the continuity of moral traditions and spiritual values developed by the Turkmen people over their long history. Abiding by these traditions, developing and enriching them, we put the so-called “human dimension” into the foundation of modernizing the country. A striking illustration of this is the new Social Welfare Code of Turkmenistan providing for a wide range of legal, economic, administrative and other measures aimed at guaranteeing social protection to veterans of World War II, labour veterans, families with many children, people with disabilities and other categories of population who need social support. The real guarantees of the constitutional rights of citizens are secured by the Labour Code and other legislative acts adopted by the national Parliament in recent years. Another eloquent fact: in average over 70 percent of the budget funds are allocated each year for the social sphere including education, health care, culture, social welfare. I should add the fact that arouses particular surprise abroad: free gas, water, electricity, gasoline for private cars owners, very low fees for communal and transportation services, wages, annual raise in pensions, allowances and scholarships - all this are also the measures guaranteeing social support. A comprehensive approach to Turkmenistan’s multifaceted economic potential, the high standards of living underlie our national programmes, which clearly set forth the prospects for the development of the capital of each region. As a result of the implementation of these programmes and projects the life in Turkmen towns and villages dramatically changes, the difference between centre and provinces in terms of socio-economic infrastructure providing access to all benefits of modern civilization is erased.

Sener Shevshatly (TRT broadcasting company, Turkey):

- Turkmenistan has the quite ambitious plans to expand gas export routes. In this connection the question - whether the current gas production rates are enough to implement these plans?

- Turkmenistan is the largest ‘blue fuel’ supplier in Central Asia and has every opportunity to increase natural gas production in the coming years. Wealth of the depth of Turkmenistan was proved by the international audit of gas reserves carried out in accordance with the international system of evaluation and classification of reserves of gas fields by the independent international experts the firm Gaffney, Cline & Associates. I think many of you know about the results of the audit of gas reserves carried out by this authoritative international consultant in the fields of Southern Yoloten - Osman and Yashlar in 2008. Subsequent studies and exploratory drilling showed that the reserves of this grandiose field, according to latest estimates, are estimated at 18 trillion cubic meters of gas. A profound interest in enormous resources of Turkmenistan’s underground storehouses is evidenced by signing the large-scale contracts with well-known companies from the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea and the United Arab Emirates that initiated commercial development of the giant Southern Yoloten gas field. The contracts worth about US$ 10 billion provide for design and construction of surface and underground facilities to extract and process tens of billions of cubic meters of tank gas. There are great prospects for reserves of such fields as Garabil-Gurrukbil, the Central Karakum group and other rich underground deposits. Foreign companies are interested in the development of hydrocarbon reserves in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea. According to specialists, Turkmenistan’s energy potential is currently estimated at 45.44 billion tonnes of oil equivalent. Gas reserves in Turkmenistan are estimated at 24.6 trillion cubic meters, according to experts, surveys continue.

It is planned to produce 230 billion cubic meters of gas a year by 2030 in the country – a part of this amount will be processed inside the country, and a major part will be exported. So, it is planned to increase natural gas export by that time to 180 billion cubic meters a year. So, proven reserves will be sufficient for many decades to come, the more so because there are a lot of oil and gas pools in the territory of Turkmenistan, which are still waiting for their time.

Tarik Sayedi (Pakistan Press Network Agency):

- What are the plans for diversification of transit of Turkmen gas to foreign consumers? How are they implemented?

- Over the past few years our country has done much work to diversify transit of natural gas to international markets. By implementing these plans based on purely economic interests and meeting the emerging demand for Turkmen gas among potential buyers, Turkmenistan gradually expands the geography of its gas exports, which currently includes states situated in different parts of the Eurasian continent. In late 2009 the leaders of the four states - China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan - launched solemnly the largest energy line of XXI century, the Trans-Asian gas pipeline. Turkmen natural gas supplies to the transcontinental gas pipeline Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China have started since that day. This pipeline will export large amounts of ‘blue fuel’ to the Celestial Empire. The agreement for the construction of the second branch of the Trans-Asian gas pipeline was reached a little later. Another important vector for expanding gas exports is our southern neighbor, Iran. In July 2009 the agreement to increase Turkmen natural gas supplies from 8 to 14 billion cubic meters and up to 20 billion cubic meters a year in the future was reached. The ceremony of putting the Dovletabat-Sarahs-Hangeran gas pipeline into operation took place in early January this year. The estimated capacity of the new gas artery is estimated at 12 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year. This June the agreement to increase further Turkmen ‘blue fuel’ supplies to Iran was reached. At present, Turkmenistan consistently promotes a number of other natural gas transportation projects. So, during our state visit to India and talks with President of the Republic of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this May, we declared the intention to continue cooperation on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project with the view of accelerating the project implementation. We view India along with Afghanistan and Pakistan as the future strategic partners in the fuel and energy sector. The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project we are developing is essentially important from all points of view: for Turkmenistan as the gas supplier, for Pakistan and India as developing countries, whose economies are in need of energy, and for Afghanistan as a consumer and transit country. The construction of this transnational gas pipeline will enable the participating countries to address burning social and humanitarian issues, including those related to creating additional jobs and developing social infrastructure along this gas line. Most importantly, it will contribute to maintaining and enhancing political stability throughout the region. Turkmenistan is committed to strategic cooperation in the oil and gas sector with its longtime partner - Russia, though the global economic crisis has slowed the implementation of joint projects. Nevertheless, our meetings with the President of the Russian Federation as well as collaboration of companies of the two countries spotlighted the prospects of mutually advantageous partnership. Following our meeting with Dmitriy Medvedev, the important documents specifying ident the priority fields of bilateral economic collaboration were signed in late December 2009 in Ashgabat. These include the Interstate Agreement on expansion of strategic cooperation in the power and machine-building sectors, which provides for the implementation of joint oil and gas projects, including the Caspian gas pipeline project aimed at enhancing Turkmen gas exports northwards. Also, it is planned to intensify cooperation in developing hydrocarbon resources in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, developing an infrastructure for transporting oil and oil products. The fact that Turkmenistan, Iran, China and Russia agreed to determine the ‘blue fuel’ price on the basis of the formula that fully complies with the conditions of the European gas market is of considerable importance. Moreover, Turkmenistan, which has large ‘blue fuel’ reserves that it can offer to other potential buyers in the coming years, Ashgabat explores new possibilities for supplying its energy to the promising European market. The coincidence of interests of Turkmenistan as the largest natural gas producer and the EU countries, where a growth of energy imports in the next decade is forecast, has conditioned the increasing dynamics of relationships at an intergovernmental level. This is evidenced by the Memorandum of Energy Cooperation signed between Turkmenistan and the EU in 2008, and promotion of partnership between leading European companies and Turkmenistan. Thus, the fuel and energy policy of our country is built through developing the diversified system of reliable and stable transit of Turkmen energy to world markets. We proceed from the assumption of no substitution and complementarity of existing routes in all four geographical directions.

Shagylych Mammedov (Watan TV news programme, Turkmenistan):

- Mr President, you have put a number of important initiatives, among which you prioritize the need to develop international mechanisms for reliable protection and security of transit of energy to world markets. Why do you pay special attention to this initiative?

- I should note now that we view the issue of building a model of global security as a coherent phenomenon, since none of its components, whether it is political, energy, food, environmental security can exist separately, without conditioning each other and standing as indivisible in the geopolitical context. However, I would like to note that energy security plays a significant role in this tangle of interrelated phenomena. It is more than obvious that energy security in contemporary global conditions is no longer a problem facing only one country. The compliance of national interests of particular states with interests of the international community in this aspect is the conceptual foundation of the world policy of concerting energy security efforts. The global nature and scale of the energy security challenge requires intensification of collaboration at the widest possible level of international cooperation. Our initiative to ensure reliable transit of energy met with support of the world community through adopting the Special Resolution on the Reliable and Stable Transit of Energy and Its Role in Ensuring Sustainable Development and International Cooperation at the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly in September 2008. This important document became the starting point for global efforts to lay the international legal basis for stable energy transit. In this connection, Ashgabat hosted several large-scale international forums aimed at developing a unified strategy for reliable and stable energy transit. Specifying the global energy principles was the focus of the conference “Strengthening regional co-operation in Central Asia for promoting stable and reliable energy within Eurasia”, which was held in the Turkmen capital. With the view of promoting our initiative the Turkmen government delegation was sent to New York to hold the talks with the UN officials on the establishment of an expert group, which would submit the proposals for the development of an international legal instrument on energy transit. So far, the agreements on reliability and security of energy supplies were typically based on bilateral, at best, group agreements and contracts. Not intending to deny the importance and usefulness of these forms of cooperation it should be recognized that the local nature of these agreements, the lack of reliable international guarantees made them extremely vulnerable and dependent on a variety of factors, often subjective, timeserving. That, of course, cannot help affecting relationship between parties involved in these processes, on a general atmosphere around energy exports. This becomes especially apparent during the periods of political complications in different regions of the planet. To overcome these negative trends, place energy transit infrastructure at the service of progress and development of nations and peoples, stabilize the international processes are becoming a prerequisite for achieving the goals of sustainable development at a global level. However, I want to emphasize once again that global security is a coherent phenomenon and stands as an indivisible concept in geopolitical terms. Along with energy security it includes political, and food, and environmental security and.

Aleksander Vershinin (Associated Press Agency, US):

- Your Excellency, focusing on the further steps to promote democracy in the country at the Elders’ Council meeting in Dashoguz, you declared a possibility for establishing political parties and independent periodicals. Just recently the first issue of the private newspapers founded by the Union of Manufacturers and Entrepreneurs has appeared in print. Please, tell what the prospects of further democratization of the Turkmen society regarding the establishment of private mass media and political parties are?

- The publication of the private newspapers in the country evidences that Turkmenistan is moving resolutely forward along the path of democratic reforms. You ask what the prospects are. I have always said that citizens of our country have the right to form political parties and other public associations, which will operate under national law. Thus, the Constitution of Turkmenistan guarantees the equality of rights and freedoms of citizens irrespective of nationality, race, sex, religion, etc., including, regardless of political beliefs and party affiliation. Moreover, the Basic Law secures the right of political parties (as well as public associations and citizens' groups) to nominate candidates for election. However, there are, of course, certain limitations. For example, law prohibits the establishment and operation of political parties based on ethnic or religious grounds. As well as parties which intend to change the constitutional order, allow violence in their activities, oppose the constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens, advocate war, racial, ethnic, religious strife, etc. in other cases I see no reasons that will prevent citizens of Turkmenistan from forming political parties or associations. I believe that the establishment of new independent mass media and political parties is a natural aspect of the development of any secular state. Frankly speaking, I have said before and say it again now that the establishment of new parties is a quite serious issue that requires a thoughtful and responsible approach from founders. The state does not preclude, but rather welcomes the establishment of political parties and private newspapers; the main thing is that they should contribute to harmonious development of our society on the basis of spiritual values inherent in the Turkmen people.

- Are there any questions?

Kakageldy Charyyardurdyev (Press Secretary of President of Turkmenistan):

- Highly esteemed Mr. President, we would like to congratulate warmly you once again on the historic and deeply meaningful speech at the 65th session of the UN General Assembly. The initiatives affecting the interests of all humanity presented in your speech have drawn a wide response and met with support of the international community, in the world’s media as well as illustrated a growing interest in our country - neutral Turkmenistan. This is vividly evidenced by today’s meeting with journalists on the outcomes of your visit to the United States. Thank you for the meeting and your time with us despite the busy schedule, we would like to wish you good health, long life, further accomplishments in your work.

- Thank you! If there are no more questions, I would like to thank all of you for participating in today’s meeting and your interesting questions. I am sure that such meetings are useful for everyone. In the future, if there are important issues to discuss, we will meet on a regular basis. I would like to thank you once again for your interesting questions and for listening attentively to my answers. Goodbye!

Economic strategy of Turkmenistan: Relying on the people, for the sake of the people

20.04.2010

Part I
I am deeply convinced: if we set down the true aim and go to it by a carefully calculated route, a success imminent. Independent and neutral Turkmenistan confirms it above-said by the practice of its development, which has received qualitatively new acceleration in recent years. The country, as a fantastic giant, strides through barriers and difficulties, carrying the energy and optimism of the people. But let's put allegories aside: the reality of these efforts deserves looking at from the most intent and scrupulous point of view. The world is put before a choice of further way and intense search of the new optimal model of development, including a recovery from a global economic crisis, and Turkmenistan being involved in this process, has declared itself as an equal player and partner, which is following basic three conditions, demanded by the world community - reliability, openness and safety. Since the first day as head of this country the most important task has been the formation of the Purpose that is capable to unite and inspire the nation in achieving new horizons of independence. These horizons were dictated exclusively by internal problems of young statehood but by new calls of time which have sharply risen before the developed and developing economy, before mature and young democracies, Turkmenistan should integrate into a new world system to coordinate and continue internal development proceeding from the enormous potential of the country, its advantageous geo-strategic position, political system of permanent neutrality and necessity of spiritual self-actualization of the nation dating thousands of years back with its culture, and leave an appreciable trace in the world civilization. I have realized well: whatever problems put forward overtime, it would not be possible to solve it without them idea of uniting the nation. Without that, in order to start the belt of energy of the nation, it needs to revive the gene of creation inherent to it. So our door was knocked, as it was called by the journalists, an epoch of new Revival, the name itself served as a key to solve the problems of a new century. All was subject to revival: spirit, traditions, old and new experience, goals and problems, methods and means, in short, all that is expressed by the capacious modern concept "innovation". Along with that it was required to define accurately the state strategy as the mechanism for realization of the national idea, instrument of diversification of economy and creation of its competitive advantages in a world market of division of labour. "The state - for the person" - proclaims Turkmenistan concluding this extremely briefly under the universal form. As a matter of fact, an appealing modern idea of social development through involvement in this process of the human personality without which any national idea will sag as a badly tensed rope over a mountain precipice. Even if we search for the main secret of our confident progression, then it is definitely in the sphere of refraction of new realities and secular traditions of the people exactly at that point where they have converged in political and economic calculation of the state. The belief in creative potential of the nation forces us to build this strategy simultaneously both in key positions, and on flanks, not missing anything - neither big nor small, neither main nor minor, neither long nor momentary demanding decision now and today. There was an issue to effectively adjust the public management without missing anything from that which should work on the end result that is on the person who consumes the product of his own labour but reproducing this product at a new level of knowledge and quality, living in high grade of life, creating a family, bringing up children, getting access to education and culture, in a word, creating values, above all standing in spiritual hierarchy of the people. Such statement of the issue has demanded its attaching in the constitution. In the new edition of the Organic Law of Turkmenistan a human being is proclaimed as the highest value of the society and it has predetermined that all the further steps related to the issues of the creation of civil society, providing to each person deeply motivated and interested relation to their rights and duties. Thus, modern elective democracy has found for itself healthy ground in congenial democracy of the Turkmen people, the democracy which has prepared perception of values of modern civilized development. Certainly, Turkmen democracy is still young, it should get stronger and rise on its feet, but those steps which are undertaken on the maintenance of genuine democracy, origin of the very civil society as a state partner, testify to the verified trajectory of movement in a direction of progress and human development. Soaking up as a sponge, the most advanced world experience, combining, as it is considered to be, a combination of circumstances and orientation to success, Turkmenistan proves to itself first, then to the others that the true values of the modern society are not in the bowels of the earth but in the people, in their knowledge, professional and human return. From here, the combination of circumstances or strictly speaking, diversification pours out into the system, structured approach to manufacture of a cumulative national product - both raw and export focused, and also its distribution with the account of "the human factor". Thus, the preference is given to the model which is not overtaking but to the postindustrial development, the strategy which has offered new formula of development, expressed in a proportional parity of national and global institutions, the market capital and a product, the role of state and a private sector. In short, building the economic model, Turkmenistan assigns primary importance to the protection of national interest by optimal occurrence of its economy in the world economy.

Part II
Once our ancestors, having brought to perfection the ability to live in harmony with nature and use its filigree gifts perfected their vital tools which helped them masterfully cope with all their work in their native land, to create material masterpieces, take very active participation in the functioning of the Great Silk Road, in short, to solve the problems of the century adequately. In our century our tasks have complicated thousandfold and the reasons are of great variety. These are scientific, technical growth and technological breakthrough caused by it, and the new movement of the world caused by new interests and possibilities of the civilization. This is a global problem of the security born by the new challenges and threats to mankind. In our case study, obliging us enormous energy resources and overcoming the essential historical break which negatively reflected the motivation of people to productive work. Dividing thesis that the culture and economy are always national and state structure, cultural institutions, cultural traditions are also included in the understanding about economy. I adhere to the conclusion followed from here that to transform of any economy, especially during the transition stage, a human measurement should be given. What does it mean? It means that none of the reforms declared to society can be carried out without the conscious participation of the people and, of course, their support and social protection. Diligence is the characteristic feature of our nation and the diligence motivated, stipulated by the cast of a soul and by all the factors of the capacity of the environment. In due time, the nation showed wonders of ingenuity adapting the environment they inhabited to reproduce material produced by rational approaches executed, and at the same time the spiritual and moral principles. Like other people conducting the history from the moment of origin of a human civilization, the Turkmen people have succeeded in the creation of their own social and cultural models which are fixed till now in the institute of a family and spiritual traditions. The practice of the revival has demanded not the mechanical carry-over of these traditions onto the new soil but creation of principally new conditions for their reproduction by modeling of their own economy with all its natural and geographical, social and psychological aspects. Having faced with the problems of self-determination in the conditions of globalization we have seen additional self-realization possibilities for ourselves through the variety of the world and regionalization of the relations. Our internal reforms, touching upon practically all industrial, social and humanitarian spheres, have been added with the active foreign policy and external economic strategy directed on the maximum participation of the country in the affairs of the world community. Our Neutrality has become not only an effective tool of international policy, but also as the effective impulse on regional and global space of the world. Work at home, in the country has begun with the definition of priorities which have laid down in a basis of all strategic programmes on putting the country on the international level of development. We proceeded and the state branch and national programmes make essential impact on the structure of industrial goods and services providing them more conformity to the changed public requirements. The main difficulty consisted in optimizing the standards of quality in respect to all programmes where and at what level they would carry out - in capital and in regions, in health care and education, in the industry and in transport field, in construction and in villages. Having begun reforms from the most remote regions in the west of the country in the town Esenguly which possesses rich on stocks and a variety of natural resources, moden etrap (town) with its corresponding infrastructure we have defined lath height to ourselves and all people and to hold the business of our national honour. There was no ploughed field of activity in front of us and it demanded not machinery but people. The people, capable to realize all planned programmes and make serious structural changes in the economy, and intensify them, improve a control system and managing methods. In a different way, there was a problem of reproduction of cultural-professional level of the country which is capable to make an impulse to become the developed state with a high standard of living, education and professional culture of the overwhelming majority of the population. The modern economic ideas state that up-grade starts when the economic movement is coordinated with the values of that culture. Having proclaimed the main value of the person, we started looking for the basic reserve of the production in the human factor as in cumulative national ability of people to realize economic strategy of the state. In turn, achievement of qualitative level of the human factor has demanded appropriate social structures which in the developed state is provided at the expense of the real sector of the economy with its new scientific, technical and technological basis. The programme of radical reform of education including academic, higher, professional, technical, comprehensive schools was derived, not casually, as the number one programme. Like in the schools, kindergartens of the entire country are also equipped with computer classes and modern training programmes. Professional personnel are required in the country capable of being responsible for the destiny of the nation, to lead them further along this complicated world. Opening new institutions of higher education and departments, we prepare future specialists both in our country and in foreign countries where hundreds of students annually go to study and their number will constantly increase. Reestablishing institutions for postgraduate studies and doctoral candidates with High certification committee on seven directions, we pursue the aim to provide all-round preparation of scientific experts proceeding from a complex issue of reform of native science, and its transformation into real productive forces. We want to teach our new generation not only learning lives and provide education but also to develop them physically and spiritually, as sound people. I would say that this is one of the important issues of the government. Our ancestors took care of their health as the one most valuable thing which is given by the Almighty and established on unique system, generally speaking, on maintenance of their healthy way of life where, along with a balanced diet physical training of children and youth provided by innumerable sets of games invented by the people and sports contests. For a healthy way of life we prepared a thoroughly realizing nation-wide programme "Health" and creating corresponding infrastructure, beginning from the modern medical centres and ending with children's resorts and sport schools. Within the framework of the programme "Health" the system of protection of motherhood and childhood, preventive medicine, institution of family doctors have received huge state support. We have inherited including aesthetic views the highest spiritual culture from our ancestors. Being able to work with a clear conscience, our people could also have a rest adequately, putting in all holidays competence and optimism of soul. Today we see our task in that that powerful constructive process to be sustained by the spiritual emancipation of the people and the material basis should be supported by various forms of the encouragement, including measures on development of professional art and arrangement of national competitions, festivals and reviews on revealing national talents. It is clear that solving of social issues whether it is culture, health care or housing, demands much money. Accordingly social structure should have the industrial component supported by the well-elaborated social-economic policy. In the aggregate this is our national model and the target of which is to create developed socially-focused market economy of the mixed type, gradual and stage-by-stage formation of highly effective system with the developed public sector, effective entrepreneurship and modern market infrastructure, the effective macroeconomic regulation providing social guarantees to all levels of population and focusing all economic subjects on achievement of high end results. Our purposes can be stated briefly follows: "Democratic market reforms - full sufficiency to each family - the strong state".

Part III
The rates of the reforms convince us that we are on the correct path. The entire country is in the building woods, covered by a network of communications and the gas pipelines, one of which has reached already China, becoming a modern symbol of the Great Silk Road. Moreover, it broke all records of extent and became the standard of regional infrastructure having passed on the territory of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and initiating the whole network of super manufactures on refining, distillation and gas storage. The basis of the industry in the real sector of our economy forms fuel-energy complex (FEC) experiencing complete modernization. There is active development of the Turkmen shelf of the Caspian Sea where treaty provisions share out products and work with the biggest world companies in the sphere of extraction of energy resources. In addition to a gas pipeline Turkmenistan-China, almost at the same time a Turkmenistan-Iran additional gas pipeline was launched. A wide range of works are carried out on the intensification of constructions, establishment of competitive national construction complex, enlarging its material and technical base including on the account of development of local manufacture on production of construction materials. A dwelling house, including elite apartments, which changed the architectural look of Ashgabat beyond recognition, is erected in every corner of the country. Ashgabat scratches the skies with its white marble new buildings. As I have just mentioned above modern children's pre-school establishments, educational and specialized schools, higher educational institutions, medical centers and hospitals furnished with the state-of-the-art equipment, sports schools and even Olympic towns, hippodromes, theatres, Culture Palaces, museums, libraries and many others are built in the capital and regions of the country. Intensification of construction promoted a jump of volume of value added gross year-on-year. Thus in 2008 these volumes increased 3 times, in 2009 - 2.9 times. Recently the cement, carbamide, kaolin and metallurgical plants have been put into operation in accordance with the principle of economy diversification and intensification of investment activity in the country. A new start was given to a totally new sector - mining. Construction of textile complexes is in full swing. In whole the modernization of this sector made it possible to worthily compete with its output at the world market. Gas turbine power plants, food industry enterprises and many other objects, which have turned the country into a giant construction site, are erected all over the country. Development of the "Avaza" tourist zone on the ecologically pure coast of the Caspean Sea is carried out at an accelerated pace. Objects erected on this site are to compete with the world class resorts and this site is definitely to be created in the very near future raising the industry of recreation and tourism to a worthy level. In accordance with this task an up-to-date complex of air-terminal is erected in the city of Turkmenbashy and radical reconstruction of the sea port is also envisaged there. As a whole, within the years of independence there has been created a contemporary transport and communication infrastructure in the country. Recently Tejen-Serahs-Meshhed, Ashgabat-Karakums-Dashoguz, Turkmenabat-Atamurat rail-lines have been laid which possess the access to foreign countries. At present the construction of new railway line Uzen (Kazahstan) - Bereket - Etrek (Turkmenistan) - Gorgan (Iran) with further access to the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean has already been launched. Atamurat-Kerkechi Railway Bridge has been put into operation which will give an opportunity to develop economic relations in Central Asian region and bordering states. Domestic highways of our country are adjusted in accordance with international standards. Total length of highways from west to east and north to south make up 1.7 thousand kilometers. Rebuilding of a village was our prior concern. Taking measures on the development of rural economy and agro-industrial complex as a whole enabled us to meet the major domestic demand in food at the expense of own resources of the country. At present only 5 percent of the total volume of imports is the share of the food supply and this figure has the tendency to systematic decrease. Just for comparison: in 2008 this index almost approached 9 percent. Large complexes, farms and peasant unions are created in the country as a result of development of state-private partnership. Considerable successes have been gained in poultry farming; in the near future its products will completely match the country population's demands in it. A task has been set to found a firm basis got the development of other branches of livestock farming as well as fishery in the very near future. Unique bioclimatic potential and sufficient human resources, given the successful solution of the issue of irrigation water supply, will give the opportunity to the massive planting of fruits, vegetable, cucurbitaceous, berry and nut in the country and guarantee their wide export. Development of the subtropical zone for cultivation of olives, pomegranates, figs, dates, table and sultana variety of grapes a promising future. Competitiveness of this production in world markets is undoubtedly ensured by its high quality and ecological guarantees. We have particular views on the further development of cotton-growing, especially cultivation of high-quality sorts of the fine-fibered cotton. Every plant growing on the generous Turkmen land should be increased by the measures of rational efforts of people on the fields and relevant concern of the Government, that is the way we try to do, bearing in mind the issues of logistics of a village, including the delivery of agricultural machinery from the best world manufacturers, supply of high-quality fertilizers to farmers and tenants, regulation of economic-monetary relations with a view to promote material interest of manufacturers as a result of their work. Our principal trump in the cumulative solution of this problem is the water. From all eternity the Turkmens have always valued it as the most invaluable riches, appraising its each drop as a grain of gold. Our ancestors have created unique irrigation system, having brought to perfection the kyariz method of irrigation. Today, based upon national traditions to carry the things you start through to their logical end, we have set a mission to solve the issue of water in a complex way - to introduce the fallow land in crop rotation and maintain ecologic security in the region. The Turkmen lake "Altyn Asyr", which has already stretched out for hundreds of hectares of land in the centre of Karakum deserts, will serve exactly for this important purpose. The launching of the second stage of the man-made sea in one of the greatest deserts of the planet will allow us to cope with the solution of the urgent problem of the present - the collecting and processing of drainage water in one place with a view of overcoming of their negative ecological influence to the development of irrigated cropping. In a word, everything been and being created on our ancient land, on the one hand, will be to support its progress for achievement of a qualitative standard of living of the people, and on the other - to serve the basis for uninterrupted work of the mechanism of social protection of the population and relevant distribution of the national GDP, founded on the modern institutional base of the state-market regulation. Now the strategy of social and economic development of the country until 2030 is being worked out updating the impact influence of the world financial crisis to this process. Meanwhile this crisis has not caused in phasing out the production, the compelled delays, reduction of workplaces or delays in salary payment. Social privileges in use of gas, the electric power, water, salt and automobile fuel free of charge and other state privileges like in the issues of housing is in full swing in the country. In the field of public health the list of free medical services is strictly observed. The Government considers taking measures to increase employment of the population, preservation and creation of workplaces, development of services as its major task. With these purposes dozens of new enterprises are constructed annually, especially in rural areas, small and medium cities which promote the decrease of internal migration of the population. Wages, pensions, welfare payments and grants are constantly raised in the country, in which the process of minimizing the index of consumer prices essentially levels the dynamics of growth of nominal and real incomes of the population. Payment of wages and other incomes is carried out in strict conformity with target dates. Stable growth of incomes of the population is also expected in the future, which will overtake the general dynamics of the development of the country for the purpose of expansion of internal demand. Thus the population incomes will depend not only on wage levels, but also on equity.

Part IV
I would like to make a special emphasis on the following: "Turkmenistan has entered a phase of economic reforms while the world economic crisis has faced a great number of problems connected with the maintenance of balance in labour market and the capital. As is known the global crisis was preceded by financial crisis in the course of which, after all, there have taken place structural disproportions between financial and credit-and-monetary sphere, on the one hand, and real sector, on the other. So to a definite extent we have appeared in a role of pupils who profit by the mistakes of the world and, maybe, its main mistake is to attach more power to the role of the market as the regulator of social demand and offer. Besides, the market mechanism cannot provide sufficient investment in the human capital, i.e. in primary and secondary education, healthcare, culture, sports. Coincidence of our own way of an optimal mode of development with the joint efforts of the world community on overcoming the consequences of crisis has become our advantage which has caused acquisition of sovereignty by the economy on the basis of the modern institutionalization, which is based on both rational estimation (calculation) and many factors giving a freedom in choosing of institutes, friendly to economic development. Running forward I note that this chosen course has passed a serious test of time so that the potential of the modern Turkmenistan made it possible to minimize the influence of the crisis to the national economy. According to calculations of authoritative international organizations it has lightly reflected the dynamics of economic development of our country. Balanced state regulation with the purpose of taking advantage of all financial and political opportunities of the state including effective structure of capital, high rate of investments to basic funds and human capital have become the fundamental factor in this matter. Successful realization of anti-crisis measures, maximization of their influence on economy are only possible with the provision of the necessary standard of macroeconomic stability, guaranteeing functionality of major sectors of economy, including such parameters like economic growth, population employment, dynamics of overall price level, exchange rate, export and import, capital movement both to and out of the country, stipulated by necessity of analyzing total revenue, the deficiency of which causes the main obstacle in the way of growth of the total gain. The Government of Turkmenistan tries hard to take into account all factors of the crisis while elaborating and realizing anti-crisis measures and it is proceeded from the necessity of preserving the proper volume of cumulative financial reserves for the solution of both anti-crisis issues and that of the strategic development of state economy for the long-term outlook. As of today dynamic microeconomic policy provides the maintenance of significant pace of GDP growth gained at the expense of the realization of strategic programs of long-term development of the country, radical sectoral shifts: diversification and modernization of industrial and natural-material GDP structure. Within the last 3 years the average annual tempo of its development exceeded 109 percent, 17 % of which is the share of the construction sector. In whole, considerable part of the GDP falls on industrial sector. In 2008-2009 fiscal years this index gained almost 72 percent. Prevailing figures of the industrial sector are conditioned by modern priorities of development of the national economy, since the industry meets the internal and external demand: agriculture supplies the internal market with its products, construction draws considerable investments. Real economic potential of the country grows at the expense of the increase of manufacturing resources, improving quality, and perfection of application mechanisms. Meanwhile basic components of the economic development of Turkmenistan is the long-term investment called into money deposits with the view to gaining income and achieving positive social effect. Hence we attach special attention to the creation of a favorable investment climate, diversification of investment sources, acceleration of major projects and programme realization, prior investment to the social and engineer infrastructure. Today in Turkmenistan there has been created an economic system with the sufficiently solid investment potential, which is significantly important in conditions of the world financial crisis. Economy of the country is the surplus on its aspects which promotes to constantly grow "long-term credits", accumulated both in national and foreign currencies. Correlation of investment volume to GDP growth of the state in 2008 equaled to 32%, in 2009 - more than 47 %, where one third of the total volume is the share of the foreign investments drawn by dynamic tempos. In whole it is worth mentioning that at the investment point the country is sufficiently attractive since it does possess with great reserves in both fuel and energy and non-recourse sectors of economy combined with the existing of yet created foremost production potential, manpower resources, steadily strengthening legislative base, as well as the net of the infrastructure branches for successful business, all together creating favorable conditions for further steady economic growth. Private sector also has its priorities which attach strategic character to the state and private partnership in the development and modernization of socio-economic structure of the state. Initiatives on the private sector issues are called to significantly promote changes for the better, introduction of innovations, effectiveness of capital and differentiation of labour. There has been set a task that by 2020 to increase the share of the private sector in GDP growth of the country by 70 percent (with no account taken of the fuel and energy complex). To realize this task it is necessary not only to widen the existing range of partnership on a number of specters of contracts extended by the Government to private companies but also to attach to this partnership more close organizational and legislative linkage concerning programs of progressive development of the country. Concrete steps are made in this direction. Law of Turkmenistan "On the state support to the small and medium entrepreneurship" approved in 2009 is directed to the development of small and medium enterprises. A program on state support to business is being elaborated in compliance with the document. The practice of crediting entrepreneurial structures for 10 years at 5 percent interest per annum for purchasing main facilities as well as crediting for1 year for gaining floating funds are widely applied. By promoting private sector development, State pursues the aim of increasing its contribution to formation of GDP and corresponding increase of incomes of the population. Business itself will be responsible for many social directions. Monetary accommodation of the financial sector is one of the significant directions of the macroeconomic balance of Turkmenistan. In the last years the stability of purchasing-power parity of the national monetary unit is provided in the country, amount of credit resources are intensively increased, liquidity of bank assets is supported, the course on financial support of priorities on real sector of economy developments remains. Unification policy of the national currency was achieved in May, 2008 and denomination of manat is also successfully done since January, 2009. As a result of the undertaken cardinal measures financial and economic condition of enterprises has essentially improved, the movement of money improved, availability of credit resources is provided. In the overall country exchange points are available; even so the rate of manta showing its stability hadn't changed in two years. The monetary policy of the country is aimed also at showdown of inflationary processes, stabilization of consumer prices. In 2009 the rate of inflation made 100,1 percent which is an absolute minimum for all period of calculations of the given indicator. At the aim preservation of stability of consumer prices at the domestic market and also due to interest of local commodity producers in increasing export of goods, customs taxes rates are considerably lowered and on some vital goods they are cancelled all together. Mortgage crediting is developing very rapidly on favorable terms with a view of improvement of security of the population housing habitation. Mortgage is loaned for 30 years under 1% annual interest rate with a grace period till 5 years in which the interest for the credit is paid, instead of the basic debt under the credit. The enterprises and the organizations are authorized to give 50% of discount from the cost of accommodation for the employees who have taken the mortgage credit. Nowadays mortgage credit has been intensively extended in the countryside, small cities and regional provinces. An integral part of the financial policy is the formation of the qualitative tax-budgetary system acting as one of the conditions of active state regulation by economic processes. Level of tax loading on national economy for the recent years makes about 23 percent to GDP. The budget of Turkmenistan being profitable has a social orientation and the profitable part grows with the advancing rates in relation to expenses. Proficiency means accumulation in the Stabilization fund of the country which is established for the protection of the national economy from the negative influence of external factors and is directed on realization of priority government programmes and introduction of innovations. The existing fiscal mode promotes positive dynamics of development of subjects of economic activity and stability of social environment. The taxation provides considerable benefits for priority directions of the development of economy. As I have already noted globalization and transition processes to market relations considerably change a role and state functions. At present time reforms in the political sphere and information sector are initiated in Turkmenistan, and the legislation is updated and the institutional basis is improved. In the modern democratic state a basis to all is the acting legislative base guaranteeing equal possibilities to all its participants. In this direction many things have been done: functions of single legislative authority are transferred to Mejlis, its structure is expanded; many rules were updated and adopted, first and foremost, the Constitution of the country; reference points to multi-party system formation are planned. It is demonstratively visible that institutional reforms touched upon economic block, construction complex and large scale national projects and entrepreneurship sector. New agencies, committees and unions called to promote efficiency of the realization of priority programmes and projects of modern Turkmenistan have been established. The Institution of strategic planning and economic development of Turkmenistan, Institute of state and law at the President of Turkmenistan, Public service academy at the President of Turkmenistan were established and started their work where preparation and retraining of executive personnel for all sectors of the economy is carried out. Possibilities of mass media are extended; population access to a global network of internet is improved. As a whole, institutional reform is directed on as much as possible, effectively to use all financial and political possibilities of the state for realization of the national economic strategy, to provide system and assuming close coordination of economic, socio-political and cultural factors, the approach to solving of management tasks.

Part V
"How the time is for everybody, so the time is for each one" - says the Turkmen proverb, containing the wisdom of the world. One will not say more accurately about interconnection of the world, as well as about, saying in modern language, what is the consistence of human capital. Today it is the main factor of economical growth or permanent progressive development of the economy. World process of advanced investment in human capital is taking place in comparison with materially capital investments. This tendency caused the need for the factor of global security as the main condition of the whole development of human civilization, extending the world economy as economical unity of countries of the modern world, functioning of which is connected with existence of the world labor division, world system of transport and communication, and a world market of goods. Building its economic strategy, also means Turkmenistan's means under it also tasks of participation in the creation of a global model of security, because it sees in it guarantees of national economical security as basis of its economical sovereignty. From this arrives our approach to security as the subject of unique matter, because not one of its elements, whether it is political, energy, food, ecological, could exist separately, without interdependence from each other and without acting as indivisible in the geopolitical context. The position that we take in this issue, strong and unchangeable, because it is based on the neutral status of Turkmenistan acknowledged by the world community. This stability of principles of nonmilitary, politically-diplomatic peacemaking under the aegis of the UN attaches to our neutrality the qualities of flexible and strong mechanism for realization of security tasks where our interests and where they are connected with interests of regional and world order. So, acknowledging most vulnerable parts of the global economy the system of international energy supplies and making corresponding initiative, we, securing support of the UN, the continuously realize this initiative into reality, seeing the final aim in the development of internationally-legal document concerning the transit of energy resources taking into account proposals of interested countries and international organizations. Being the participant to main international conventions and agreements, Turkmenistan makes initiative in the sphere of disarmament problems in the region of Central Asia and the Caspian sea, in the issues of rational use of water resources of the region to secure food security, in the work of recovery of Afghanistan and recovery of its economy, and also for setting close cooperation with structures of the UN in the sphere of protecting of motherhood and childhood, protecting the rights of the disabled, refugees and so on. In solving these and other problems we see real role for the UN Regional Centre for preventive diplomacy in Central Asia that is located in Ashgabat and support more wider and subjected attraction of the Centre to the efforts of the world community undertaken in all these directions. Turkmenistan supports regulations of the Final document of the conference of the UN on global financial-economic crisis and its consequences for development and considers actual proposals that were stated on it concerning the quick reform of the world financial institutes - the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Turkmenistan intends to widen its participation in the realization of projects and programs, realized in the framework of the UN and its structures, first of all, UNDP, ECE, ESKAPO. Development of international ties of our country will continue as in the framework of already signed agreements, as well by setting new international contacts. It is enough to say, that in practice 109 international programs realized in the sphere of healthcare, protection of environment, education, culture and in number of other areas. Supporting the further development of international law, aimed to promote organization of the normal economic relations between states, Turkmenistan, on its part, guided by organizational-institutional basis of foreign economic relation, that help to successfully realize in practice the policy of "open doors". This policy favorably affected direct foreign investment in development of priority-driven sectors of the national economy. We widely use such form of attracting foreign investment as agreements on production share, that is widely used in international practice. So, every year increase the share of oil and gas, produced by joint or foreign companies "Petronas" (Malaysia), "Dragon Oil" (??, "Wintershall" (Germany), "Maersk Oil" (Denmark), "ONGC" (India), "Buried Hill" (Canada). For 2009 the unit weight of oil, produced by joint or foreign companies, was 41 percent, and gas - about 6 percent. Close cooperation with leading American companies "John Deer", "Keis", "Exxon Mobil", "Shevron", "Eurasia Group ", "Boing" and others taking place. It was widely spread construction by foreign companies of various facilities of industrial and social-cultural field. For the period of 1 January 2010 in application of capital investment in the country 117 foreign companies from 25 countries of the world took part. For the same date the number of constructions, realized by foreign companies was 530 units with construction budget 11,7 billion US dollars. In the whole world one of most fast growing areas of foreign economic activities, being a very important source of foreign income is international tourism. Beginning with the implementation of the National tourist zone of "Awaza" we thorouthly estimated its economical feasibility and effectiveness and only after this we come to decision to introduce there the mechanism of a free economic zone, acknowledged by the world community, on the basis of tax, financial and legal conditions and the creation of necessary industrial infrastructure. Complex measures, adopted for the development of "Awaza", envisage a favorable regime for foreign and local investors, businessmen of the tourist industry, including simplification of the visa regime for tourists, tax preferences (during construction and during 15 years after introducing facilities into operation of infrastructure and tourism investors are free from paying tax for property, for income and tax for added value, custom and exchange taxes, from payment for services for licensing and certification and, for rent of land. I mentioned already the development of all kinds of domestic transport, in which we see, besides providing a direct way to the world, it is also a serious source of foreign trade income for the state, creates possibilities of decreasing income for import, and increase expert of income, and extra income from tourism. The intensive and pragmatic foreign economic policy of Turkmenistan allows increasing year by year capacity of foreign trade turnover, average annual rates of growth of which for previous years are on sufficiently high level. During a number of years the positive balance of trade of Turkmenistan is high, favorably reflected on the balance of payment of the country. The main priority in foreign economic policy of the state - gradual transforming of Turkmenistan from the category of the country-exporter of raw materials into country-producer and exporter of ready high technological goods. And by various means the stimulated import of leading technologies, devices and tools. For the last years the share of production of industrial-technological purpose in the structure of import was 70-80 percent. Leading trade partners of Turkmenistan are such countries like Russia, China, Turkey, USA, UAE, Italy, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, France, Iran and other countries. Production of Turkmenistan properly presented in world markets, including numbers natural gas, oil and oil products, electroenergy, polypropylene, liquefied gas, cotton-fiber, cotton yarn, materials, agricultural production and products of processing and others. In the country annually dozens of international conferences and exhibitions are taking place that promote further development of foreign economic relations and creation of joint ventures. At the initiative of Turkmenistan authoritative investment forums in foreign countries are held. Ashgabat is becoming the centre of attraction of scientific and cultural ideas, where regularly gather representatives of intellectual and creative elite from many countries of the world. For further effective integration of the economy of Turkmenistan into the world economic system the country needs proper diversified and modernized industrial potential, developed transport and communication arteries, high quality market infrastructure, economical and legal guarantees, conditions for attracting wide-range investments, and stability of social and political systems. In all these directions continuous work is done and already good results were reached. But the world does not stay in one place and Turkmenistan needs more high speed development planned programs.

* * *

The world practice has proved that the right model of the development of the society is that which promotes the steady economic and political development of socially-oriented and socially-responsible types. The society has approached the recognition of national aims superior to the economics and individual material concerns (interests). All components of force of the modern community are concerned in building such a model and every component should realize its responsibility in this process. The basic component of the model of development of Turkmenistan, the Epoch of New Revival is the social vector. Our potential and every opportunity, vector must be directed most to the achievement of the closest interrelation of economic and social factors of accelerated development. Boosting of huge investments in industrial and social spheres is conditioned on the endeavor of Turkmenistan to gain advanced parameters of development and be worthily ranked among developed countries of the world. Apart from the high-technological lifestyle of the economy, this is the worthy level of welfare of the people. All reforms taking place in Turkmenistan are aimed at gaining exactly such goals, and economic opportunities only serve as instrument for their effective realization.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov
President of Turkmenistan


State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH)

Historic event: in the name of global progress

17.12.2009

These December days marked by the historic meetings in the Turkmen land, undoubtedly, have occupied a special place in the global political calendar, particularly in the light the endeavors to build the new architecture of global energy security as well as the high effectiveness of the intergovernmental agreements – both implemented and new, which were reached during the recent visits of President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, President of the People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao and President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev to Turkmenistan. The national interests combined with the political will and economic pragmatism in these arrangements determined the choice of the geographical route of the Trans-Asian gas pipeline as well as a number of other projects aimed at encouraging fruitful international cooperation for the common welfare and prosperity. As was reported the leaders of four countries attended the ceremony of purring the transnational gas pipeline into operation in Lebap Velayat. It is no mere chance that the idea that the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline is not just an economic project aimed at increasing gas exports and diversifying the energy transit routes to world markets run all through the talks between the leaders of the friendly states. This is the project both social and political, significance of which should be evaluated from the viewpoint of the prospects of international integration processes. The Trans-Asian energy pipeline put into operation to the applause of numerous participants and guests of the festivities has become a reality of XXI century. Overcoming thousands of kilometers Turkmen gas started to run to the East via this pipeline and will run because it is needed by China’s dynamic economy, because it is needed by people. Running from the richest gas fields on the right bank of the Amu Darya River the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline over 7,000 kilometres long with hundreds of infrastructure facilities built on the route and thousands of new jobs created in the region is a unique engineering facility. In the practice of international relations the new energy bridge is a unique precedent of peace and cohesion, goodwill and openness, the readiness for long-term and dependable partnership that guarantees the welfare to the countries and nations. Embodying the idea of reviving the Great Silk Road it promotes the dialogue of cultures and civilizations, exchanging best practices and positive ideas, concerting efforts to respond to threats and challenges of the modern world. The universality and prudence of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s policy aimed at realizing the aspirations of the nation for the benefit of the whole mankind becomes most apparent in this integrated and comprehensive approach to addressing the issues of national and global development. This is the only correct path among other ways and routes. It is gratifying to know that receiving high-ranking guests this time Ashgabat confirmed its authoritative reputation of a hospitable host, who continually generates constructive ideas and initiatives balancing views and leading practical results. It has become a tradition that the Turkmen-Chinese top-level talks as well as the meetings between the leaders of the neighboring states – Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are held in the invariable atmosphere of particular solemnity and at the same time spiritual affinity, cordiality and sincerity. It can be rightfully said that the success of the talks was predetermined for the roads to it are laid in all dimensions – both temporal and spiritual and moral. Moreover, for all importance of the political and economic aspects, the peculiarities of general perception of the world and reality imbued with deep reverence of the national history, centuries-old cultural heritage and traditions come to forefront when it concerns cooperation between the brotherly peoples of the friendly countries.

Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan - Kazakhstan - China gas pipeline launched

14.12.2009

The international Turkmenistan - China gas pipeline was officially launched at Samandepe field in Lebap province of Turkmenistan on 14 December, 2009. The ceremony was attended by Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chinese President Hu Jintao, as well as Presidents of the transit countries - Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan and Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan.
The heads of the four states participated in the opening of a set of industrial and infrastructure facilities that ensure the work of the pipeline. The first gas treatment plant, which was built on the right bank of the Amu Darya river, will feed the pipeline with 5 billion cubic meters of tank gas annually. The set of facilities also includes gas gathering points, compressor stations, a gas measuring installation, engineering and external communication networks. A large group of existing wells have undergone a major overhaul and several new wells have been drilled at Samandepe field.
It is expected that the 7,000 km long pipeline, through which up to 40 billion cubic meters of Turkmen natural gas will be supplied to China annually for the next 30 years, will reach the projected capacity by 2012. The total length of the international gas pipeline in the territory of Turkmenistan is 184,5 km, in Uzbekistan - 490 km, in Kazakhstan - more than 1300 kilometers, in China - more than 4500 kilometers.
As the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) noted, "the construction of a new gas transport system for Turkmen gas exports marked the successful implementation of Turkmenistan's energy strategy that is now making a huge contribution to the creation of an improved database of global energy security." The new pipeline will "not only strengthen the economic power of our country, safe and prosperous life of our people, but will also serve the interests of the peoples of the region and the world," the agency said.

ADDRESSING CHALLENGES OF MODERN WORLD

Turkmenistan’s Modern Foreign Policy Priorities

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held the press conference on the results of the visit to New York where the Turkmen leader had taken part in the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly and conducted a series of the bilateral meetings and political consultations with the leaders of the states and world business elite.

The political observers of the foreign news agencies and periodical press and the Turkmen journalists – the editors-in-chief of the newspapers and journals, the heads of the TV and radio channels, the students of the Faculty of Journalism of the Institute of International Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Magtymguly Turkmen State University took part in the press conference, which was held at numerous requests.

The political observers of the foreign news agencies and periodical press and the Turkmen journalists – the editors-in-chief of the newspapers and journals, the heads of the TV and radio channels, the students of the Faculty of Journalism of the Institute of International Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Magtymguly Turkmen State University took part in the press conference, which was held at numerous requests.

Ladies and gentlemen, Dear journalists,

I am very glad to meet with the representatives of Turkmen and foreign mass media. A pleasant occasion for our meeting today are the results of the visit of the government delegation of Turkmenistan to the United States of America, New York city where we took part in the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In the address to the session of the United Nations General Assembly I stated our country’s views on the important foreign policy issues.

Turkmenistan’s views were the focus of discussion during numerous bilateral talks with the leaders of the states and the heads of the authoritative international organizations.

The utmost eventfulness of the program of the visit to the United States of America did not let us respond to even one third of the requests for the meetings and talks, which had been submitted to the secretariat of the Turkmen delegation by the participants of the 64th session of the UN General Assembly.

Of course, we are pleased with worldwide interest in Turkmenistan, its approaches to the foreign policy issues and achievements in the economic and social spheres.

Dear journalists,

I believe that I will be able to satisfy the profound interest shown in our country.

I am ready to answer your questions about the results of the participation of the government delegation of Turkmenistan in the 64th session of the UN General Assembly.

We welcome you to ask questions!

Vepa Nazarov (Watan news programme, Turkmen TV):

- First of all, let me congratulate you on the success of Turkmenistan’s mission to the regular session of the UN General Assembly. The attention paid by the Assembly participants to your speech testifies to the steady growth of Turkmenistan’s prestige among world community. Today the country actively generates the new political models to address the complicated issues regulating international relations. Please, share your vision of development of the modern political processes and Turkmenistan’s contemporary role in world community.

- I think I will not discover America if I say about a particular discrepancy of the existing trends in development of a global political situation. Towards the end of the first decade of the contemporary age, the world, for the most part, lives with the political canons and stereotypes, which were established after World War II and developed during the ‘cold war’.

The burden of the obsolete political notions and motivations is apparent for many. If one thinks for a moment the theme of global financial crisis dominating in the news worldwide can be regarded as a vivid illustration of the need to reform the existing system of global collaboration in the changing world. The leaders of many states, the international organizations urgently seek for the mechanisms for achieving stability of the system of international political and economic relations. This trend became apparent at the 64th session of the UN General Assembly.

When considering the situation from the historical point of view we can highlight the evident trends, which are intrinsic of our time only. The world around us is changing rapidly. The transformations – political, technological, scientific, social and others, which took many centuries, takes only a decade nowadays. It is important not only to keep abreast of ongoing changes but also to find strength to overcome inertia of the obsolete political stereotypes. What is much more important is to have an error-free political prevision, the ability to foresee correctly the trends in development of world community and respond promptly to modern challenges.

Turkmenistan has gained sovereignty as an independent member of world community quite recently. However, the specificity of the contemporary global situation is formed so that the fate of the planet depends not only on the will of the traditional political heavyweights. Today every country can and must find the areas for concerting efforts in common aspiration for universal values, building harmonious relationships among different states and nations. I believe that Turkmenistan will be able to keep with the advanced pace of development of the global political thought.

As for the priority task set to world community – aspiration for global security Turkmenistan builds its approaches to this problem aiming its efforts to achieve stability in Central Asia and the Caspian region.

Let’s take for example an urgent problem mankind faces today such as achievement of civil peace and stability in neighbouring Afghanistan. A number of the representatives of world community presented without prior arrangement a military model for resolving the inter-Afghan conflict. This protracted approach has not led to peace and cohesion on the long-suffering land of Afghanistan.

Abiding by the principles of good neighborliness and mutual readiness to help, Turkmenistan offers its (demilitarized) approaches to addressing Afghanistan’s problems and contradictions. We will continue to help our southern neighbor to construct social facilities, supply electric power, provide humanitarian aid and we hope that our contribution to improving the quality of life of the Afghani people will turn out to be much more effective for revival of the country than any coercive solutions.

Let’s touch upon another regional problem – an access to water resources. This is a quite urgent problem for the Central Asian states.

Today Tajikistan where the major sources of drinking water of the post Soviet countries of Central Asia start faces an acute shortage of electric power and sees the solutions to this problem in construction of new hydraulic power stations that could have an adverse impact on the common volume of water discharge. Turkmenistan urged the countries of the region – Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan to take a participatory approach to this problem – joint financing the solution to Tajikistan’s energy problem to keep the volume of water discharge unchanged. We involve the specialists of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia in Ashgabat in monitoring the activities and we believe that the further use of the existing techniques and the United Nations legal mechanisms (including the arbitral bodies) will allow bringing the situation up to the level of making mutually acceptable decisions.

I provided only two examples that can seem particular in the everyday practice of global political processes. Though, in my opinion this is a concrete contribution of a particular country to the global processes of harmonizing relationships.

Conflicts and contradictions of these processes are most often dictated by the subjectivity of the approaches to their solutions. The criterion for objectivity can be achieved only through involving the authoritative international organizations, first of all the relevant agencies of the United Nations Organization, in addressing complicated problems.

In most cases only this way leads to achievement of an appropriate result.

Mihail Pereplesnin (Turkmenistan Magazine – Russia):

– Dear Mr. President, how far do you think the potential of the United Nations Organization meets requirements of the changing world? The debates about the fading effectiveness of the UN, the need to reform the organzsation are not occasional, aren’t they?

- Indeed, these debates have been conducted for a long time. There are enough moderate as well as radical proposals. We have no doubts that despite the transformations taking place in the world the lofty humanistic ideals of the United Nations must remain the moral and legal foundations of the world order. The reforms of the UN’s work can be contemplated only through them. We are for reforming the United Nations to consolidate it further, increase the effectiveness of its work, extend the role and functions of the community of nations as the guarantor of global peace and stability.

From the first years of its independence Turkmenistan pursues foreign policy seeking to enlist support of world community through using the whole spectrum of the political tools of the UN structures. Such was the procedure of gaining international recognition of the status of neutrality of our country. Such was the opening of the abovementioned Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia under the aegis of the United Nations in Ashgabat. These two examples can be quite illustrative of the possible ways to enhance the potential of the United Nations Organization.

The Regional Centre – the first, experimental structure of the United Nations of this kind when the UN experts work not in the hub office with the thick window glass panes but in immediate proximity to the ongoing events, have an opportunity to study and promptly respond to a situation. Is not it a new technique for the effective activity of the think tank of global community?

The second example. Collective and unanimous recognition of Turkmenistan as the country with the status of permanent neutrality from the UN member states almost fourteen years ago became an unprecedented step in world practice. The experience accumulated by our country over the past years in leading an effective international dialogue on a basis of the status of permanent neutrality evidence the extraordinary effectiveness of applying the model like it in world practice. The clear conclusion inevitably comes to mind: the more countries: the more countries follow the lead of Turkmenistan and express the willingness to gain the status of permanent neutrality the more peacefully and safer we will feel in this world.

Turkmenistan stands ready to share its rich political experience with each member of world community so that the UN’s methodology applied once will be spread on the planet as wide as possible.

I think those, who make bold to assert that the effectiveness of the United Nations decreases, pursue the momentary selfish political ends and is unable to see the vast potential of a creative approach to enlivening the activity of the UN agencies.

Today Turkmenistan actively seeks to eliminate the problem of reliable energy transit. I think global efforts of such kind would be less effective without the UN’s organizational support and being secured by its high international authority.

Bahar Muhyeva (Turkmenistan TV Channel):

– Does it mean that Turkmenistan singles out the idea of reliable energy transit as a foreign policy priority particularly because economic advancement of the country depends to a larger extent on stability of natural gas exports?

- I would rather view this situation in wider sense. Indeed, Turkmenistan – one of largest hydrocarbon exporters in the world, and this its status will not weakened with the lapse of time because we have the proved reserves of hydrocarbon resources that will be sufficient for active export over dozens of years. Aren’t the largest consumers – China, Russia, Western Europe be less interested in stability of gas exports?

An impact of feverish fluctuations of raw materials markets and in world oil prices eventually on world economy is not accidental. By the way, in the near future gas market will be of not lees importance for the planet than oil exports.

Reliable energy transit is not a sphere of the mercenary ends of a particular country but global challenge. Furthermore, it is an integral part of the system of global security. For example, military security cannot be considered in isolation from the political, economic, anthropogenic, ecological and other aspects of the problem. Along with it, the existing international system of energy exports and imports remains a quite vulnerable link of world economy: there is no the universally recognized framework for legal liability for breaking the agreements on the guarantees of uninterrupted transit of energy. Therefore, we have the right and must view the vulnerability of this link as a threat to global security.

It should be noted that we meet the real understanding of our stand on this issue by a majority of world community. It was before during the international consultations at various levels, it was in New York – during the session of the UN General Assembly and the bilateral talks with the leaders of the states. Today urging all the interested countries to make a final decision we reaffirm our readiness to contribute to developing and drafting the future global international legal document on reliable transit of energy.

Orazdurdy Hojanazarov (Altyn Asyr: Turkmenistan TV Channel)

- In your address to the UN General Assembly, you, dear Mr. President, said that “you firmly believe that the fewer weapons is in the world, the more sustainable and peaceful its development will be, the more confidence and understanding will be among different countries and nations”. We believe that this your thought drew a wide response in the hearts of peoples across the world. Also, you promoted Turkmenistan as the venue for an international conference on disarmament in Central Asia and the Caspian region. How urgent is this problem for the region?

- For anyone, who is even scarcely familiarized with the contemporary geopolitics, is aware of the fact that our region is really oversaturated with weapons of all types and components of their production. An abundance of the military bases of different countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia did not make the lives of the peoples of the region more peaceful.

Turkmenistan insists that the obvious need to discuss the measures and tools of regional security at the representative international forum has boiled up.

By promoting Ashgabat as the venue for this conference we want to spotlight the readiness of our country to provide overall support for the disarmament processes in the region. A very important step was made three years ago to achieve this goal when all the Central Asian states signed the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Semipalatinsk. This process requires smooth continuation. The less weapons of any kind remain in the region and across the world, the more sustainable the processes of economic advancement and mutually advantageous international cooperation will be.

Husein Er (TRT Broadcasting Company, Turkey):

– Doesn’t that you have said discord with your recent order to strengthen the technical base of the Turkmen navy on the Caspian Sea?

- The term “Turkmen navy”, alas, is not entirely correct. As you may remember when the military fleet was divided in the former USSR, all the fighting ships of the Caspian fleet went to the ports of their registration –Baku and Astrakhan. Turkmenistan received only two or three patrol boats. Thus, the term “Turkmen Navy” has not been used for a long time because of the absence of the fleet as it is. There is and can be no question of large-scale build-up of naval forces.

As you know, the five countries with the outlet to the Caspian Sea are involved in the negotiations on the problems of delimitation of the maritime boundaries, conservation of marine biological resources and creation of a weapon-free zone on the Caspian Sea. This process is not easy, however it consistently moves forward. I think we all are on the right track and will be able to turn the Caspian Sea into the sea of peace and cohesion.

Aleksandr Vershinin (Associated Press Agency, USA):

- Going on with the Caspian Sea Basin what is your opinion about the existing controversies between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan related to the zones of jurisdiction in the water area?

- Indeed, these controversies have existed for a quite long period of time. It is said that the major controversies arise around the claims of the parties to the disputed oil fields of the central part of the offshore area, where Azerbaijan has started to actively develop hydrocarbon deposits already.

I should remind that throughout the negotiation process Turkmenistan upheld the fundamental position that until the legal norms the zones of jurisdiction was not established, development in the disputed territories is illegal.

Today Turkmenistan prefers solving the legal problem than disputing about the ownership of the particular geographical areas. Until we arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement on the location of the median line of the sea in the geographical coordinates, it is impossible to promote further political and economic development of the region, to address the urgent problems of conservation of biological resources of the Caspian Sea, shipping, the zones of jurisdiction of the littoral countries.

Standing steadfast to the chosen priority of a complex approach to the problem, we have recently suggested the arbitration way to settle controversies. I gave instructions to the relevant departments to draft and submit the necessary documents to international arbitration for consideration.

We declared in advance our readiness to accept any of its decision. Thus, Turkmenistan clearly designated its goodwill to eliminate misunderstanding among the littoral countries, to create the zone of non-confrontational development of international political and economic cooperation on the Caspian Sea.

Touching upon the real steps taken by our country to create the most favorable conditions for mutually advantageous partnership in the Caspian Sea Basin, I cannot help providing the work launched on the eastern seashore nearby Turkmenbashi town to create Avaza international tourism zone as an illustrative example. This grandiose project on the seaside resort with diversified sport, recreation and entertainment infrastructure has attracted dozens of the companies from all over the world, who appreciate its investment attractiveness.

For the past years that passed since the first presentation of the idea of Avaza seaside resort six hotels had sprung up on the seashore and received thousands of guests during this year’s holiday season. This is only the beginning. In a few years when hotels and health-improving centres increase in number we will be able to receive hundreds of thousands of guests in Avaza.

We see Avaza in the near future as not only a full-fledged recreation area for citizens of Turkmenistan but also the centre of useful and pleasant contacts among the peoples of all the littoral states as well as the international base for diversified development of tourism and transport infrastructure. In fact, the model of Avaza will suit the future image of the Caspian region as an area of peaceful and mutually enriching contacts among tourists and businessmen of all the coastal states.

Vladimir Gubanov (Neytralny Turkmenistan Newspaper):

- The curious fact became known in the lobbies of the UN General Assembly: five hundred copies of the text of your speech were not enough to meet the demand and the secretariat of the Turkmen delegation had to print out three hundred more copies to distribute among all those willing. What is the reason for such intense interest in your country?

- I should confess that I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of the signs of sincere interest that literally fell upon on the Turkmen delegation. We received many proposals on bilateral meetings with the leaders of the states, the authoritative international organizations, the top managers of the world’s largest companies. The extraordinary richness of the program of the visit to New York did not allow honoring even one tenth of all the requests. I had the time to meet and talk with those who had appointed the meetings in advance.

At the same time I apprehend this fact with the feeling of pride for my country, which tirelessly demonstrates openness to fruitful international cooperation and meets the greater understanding of its positive aspirations from world community. The leaders of the states and the international organizations view Turkmenistan as a dependable political partner and businessmen strive for the Turkmen market being aware of the high rates of our economic progress, reliability of the national legal framework and stainless reputation in our financial responsibility. The meetings, which we had to postpone in New York, will certainly take place in the near future in the most favorable atmosphere. We do not neglect any of out contacts that promise fruitful partnership.

Igor Sasin (Frans-Press Agency, France):

– During your meetings and talks with the representatives of the world political and business elite in the United States many political observers focused on pragmatism of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy strategy. It is said, that most your decisions, dear Mr. President, have the task-oriented and thought-out economic implication. How far are these assumptions true?

- Undoubtedly, they are true. It cannot be otherwise. There is the strategic policy of economic, social and spiritual revival of the country, fulfillment of our major task formulated as “a state for the people” supported by the people. The rest are only the means to achieve this goal. Accordingly, all the foreign policy aspirations of the state, eventually, if not directly but indirectly, are subject to our ultimate goal.

To achieve it is impossible until Turkmenistan positions itself as a dependable member of global community, who is ready to comply with the universally accepted norms and values. The reputation Turkmenistan has earned in recent years as a dependable and predictable partner in global cooperation and a country abiding by its international commitments arouses interest and confidence among foreign partners – both existing and potential.

Those, who closely follow the international news in, are aware well of the grandiose changes taking place in Turkmenistan. To imagine this process is impossible without a reliable economic partnership with the world top producers of goods and technologies. Today most reputable companies from around the world, who know about the stability of the national economy and attractiveness of the investment climate, put much effort to get to the Turkmen market.

We are responsive to many proposals and carefully select the best of what is offered today by global manufacturing and technological practice. Addressing the issues of international business cooperation we keep away from the political conjuncture: we don’t conclude the disadvantageous economic agreements in exchange for the political dividends. In this regard I am ready to agree to the term “maximum pragmatism of the foreign policy aspirations”.

Metin Koshger (Ihlas Habarlar Agency, Turkey):

- The recent practice has shown that Turkmenistan displays increased interest in not only trade and economic cooperation. How can your country’s interest in such ‘noncommercial’ fields as science, culture, education, sport be explained?

- Development of culture, reforms of the education and scientific systems are the priorities of national development. The education reform launched in our country provides for its contribution in wide international cooperation, scientific, educational and cultural exchange. Ion this activity Turkmenistan attaches primary significance to cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

We highly appreciate UNESCO’s assistance in preserving and popularizing the rich cultural and historical heritage of Turkmenistan and the unique natural sites of our country. To date three cultural and historical monuments located on the territory of Turkmenistan: Ancient Merv, Kunya Urgench and Nisa are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We submitted the proposals on the inscription of the cultural and historical site – the ancient settlement Missirian-Dehistan, six unique natural sites – the State Reserves – Badkhyz, Syunt-Hasardag, Repetek, Amu Darya, Khazar and the unique natural monuments – the Plateau of Dinosaurs and onyx caves in the Koytentag Mountain.

Turkmenistan intends to continue to develop and expand cooperation with UNESCO through the National Commission as well.

In this context Turkmenistan considers an opportunity to join the relevant UNESCO conventions.

Moreover, Turkmenistan actively develops and maintains the large-scale programmes of humanitarian cooperation covering a wide range of the issues of education, culture, science, sports with almost all foreign partners.

It will take more than one hour to enumerate all the aspects and trends in this activity. The recent brightest events include the Silk Way-2009 Rally – the enthralling off-road racing of the Dakar series along the route Kazan-Ashgabat initiated by Turkmenistan and supported by the leaders of Russia and Kazakhstan.

These competitions that will be held on a regular basis in future ranks among the brightest event in the sports calendar of the three countries-organizers and in world motor sport. The successful finish of the car racing was viewed as the sportsmen’s victory as well as the triumph uniting different people with the ideas of global humanitarian cooperation.

Merdan Gazakbaev (Galkynys Newspaper):

- The news agencies of the American city of Trenton – the capital of New Jersey reported the curious fact: September 24 was announced there the Day of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. We would like to heartily congratulate you on this remarkable event and could you, please, share your impressions of this precedent?

- I regard this event as recognition of Turkmenistan’s prestige that has increased worldwide in recent years, as evidence of the greater understanding and approval our foreign policy meets all over the world.

Kakageldy Charyyardurdyev (Press Secretary of the President of Turkmenistan):

– Dear Mr. President, I would like to heartily congratulate you on the historic and deeply substantial speech at the 64th UN General Assembly. It drew a wide response in world community, international mass media that illustrates the increasing interest in Turkmenistan. That is proved by this press conference. I would like to thank you for the opportunity of a meeting and wish good health, long life, further accomplishments.

In conclusion the Turkmen leader thanked the journalists for the participation and interesting questions and wished good health and every success in their work for the benefit of numerous readers, TV and radio audience.

The President expressed belief that such meetings would be organized in future to discuss important issues.

Speech by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

President of Turkmenistan meets with UN Secretary-General

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Turkmenistan celebrated 17th anniversary of independence

Constitutional Amendments

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