A regular meeting of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat under the chairmanship of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The most important issues of public life were brought up for discussion at the national forum. The chief purpose of the Khalk Maslakhaty meeting was to review the historical milestone achievements, define prospective tasks and consolidate the accomplishments of the sovereign state. The meeting of the supreme representative body of the country was attended by representatives of all strata of society and different generations – from students to honorable elders.
Speaking at the meeting of the Khalk Maslakhaty, National Leader of the Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the fundamental transformations taking place in the country are distinguished by their scale and innovation, covering all spheres of state and public life. The state serves the people, and the people serve the state in the name of well-being, happiness and prosperity, which is clear evidence of the triumph of work carried out on the basis of the doctrine “The state is for the people!”
Speaking about the success of the implemented programs for social and economic development of Turkmenistan, as well as about building up the economic power, strengthening the prestige of the country, improving the social and living conditions of the people, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty expressed strong confidence that the year under the motto “The Fount of Wisdom of Magtymguly Fraghi” will go down in history as a year marked by political, economic, cultural achievements and remarkable events.
Turning to the achievements of the Turkmen state, the head of the Khalk Maslakhaty noted their focus on improving the social and living standards of the people. He said that the high per capita income, high labor productivity in all sectors, high pace of economic reforms, high level of human capital and scientific and technological achievements, competitiveness in the world market are the main features of the national economic development.
“Further socio-economic development of the country and enhancement of the international prestige of a neutral state are the main task for all of us,” Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty said. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also outlined the key tasks of the state youth policy. In this context, he noted the importance of increasing the number of preschool institutions and secondary comprehensive schools, improving work with children with disabilities, improving the qualifications of teachers working with them and developing the advanced methods of scientific, educational and industrial interaction at the higher education establishments.
Touching upon the transformations in the economic sectors that contribute to improving employment, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the expediency of adopting the “Concept of Development of the Labor Market of Turkmenistan until 2030” that is designed to become a significant step toward expanding cooperation in the field of employment with international organizations and foreign countries, in particular, joining the conventions of the International Labor Organization.
The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty noted the consistent improvement of the monetary, foreign exchange, financial and fiscal systems, noted the work of entrepreneurs in production of high-quality, competitive products, strengthening food security and construction of modern industrial enterprises.
Emphasizing the importance of development of a national financial market, introduction of new types and methods of entrepreneurship, the National Leader of the Turkmen people referred to the adoption of the Strategy for Development of the Financial Market until 2030 and the National Program for Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises among the important tasks that will mark the beginning of a new stage of the country’s dynamic development.
The floor was then given to the meeting participants, who noted that the decisions taken at this meeting would give a powerful impetus to the further development of the country.
After a short break, the Khalk Maslakhaty meeting continued with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who noted that Turkmenistan celebrates the 33rd anniversary of independence with glorious achievements. The head of state congratulated everyone on the remarkable date and wished them good health, happy life and great successes in their work. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov issued instructions to develop the Program of Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investments in 2025 and submit it to the Khalk Maslakhaty to ensure the successful implementation of tasks defined in the program “Revival of a New Era of a Powerful State: National Program of Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2022–2052”. The speech of the President of Turkmenistan covered a wide range of issues relating to the socio-economic development of the country.
Then, on the occasion of Independence Day, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty asked the President of Turkmenistan to sign documents on conferring state awards on citizens of the country who excelled in their work. To the applause of the audience, the head of state signed the relevant documents. Then, the ceremony of awarding the persons honored with the title “Hero of Turkmenistan” took place.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented the highest state award to Academician, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences Ivan Kuzmin, who is also President of the CIS Seed Production and Research Association, Head of the CIS Intergovernmental Coordination Council on Seed Production; Annajemal Nurmuhammedova, People’s Artist of Turkmenistan, winner of the International Makgtymguly Prize; and Saragt Babaev, famous sculptor, People’s Artist of Turkmenistan.
Addressing the participants of the meeting with a closing speech, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that the Khalk Maslakhaty meeting discussed critical issues and defined long term tasks for the prosperity of Turkmenistan.
The meeting of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan set a high note of great civil responsibility of the people aspiring for creation and prosperity of their country. And the events held on Independence Day in the white-marble capital were the apotheosis of the national celebrations.
A large-scale military parade marking the 33rd anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence was held in Ashgabat. The ceremonial procession on the square in front of the State Tribune complex demonstrated significant strengthening of the country’s defense potential and the prominent level of training of Turkmen military personnel. All branches of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan were represented during the parade. Participation of female military personnel, as well as the procession of equestrian units on legendary Akhal-Teke horses symbolizing the national pride and history of the country were of particular interest.
The ground part of the parade included the procession of six mechanized columns demonstrating a wide range of military equipment. And the air part of the parade featured Turkmen pilots demonstrating high skill in operating modern aircrafts. Broadcast live to viewers around the world, the parade included the demonstration of modern military equipment and performances by various branches of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan.
The festive program also included a spectacular procession of Turkmen horsemen with national flags, demonstration performances by the Galkynysh national equestrian games group, and the theatrical literary and musical composition “The Fount of Wisdom – Magtymguly Fraghi.”
As part of the celebration of the 33rd anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was presented with an Akhal-Teke stallion named Dovamly. The stallion, a descendant of the famous horses Kyakilik and Mertebeli, was presented to the head of state on behalf of members of the government as a token of gratitude for his care of the well-being of the people and prosperity of the country.
The celebration that began in the capital continued widely throughout the country. In Ashgabat, the celebrations in honor of the 33rd anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence ended with an evening concert on the square in front of the capital’s cultural and entertainment center “Universe” with participation of famous artists, folklore and dance groups. And after the concert, the sky over Ashgabat was lit up by the grandiose fireworks.
Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine any large-scale Turkmen celebration without traditional horse racing that has become an integral part of the Turkmen culture and a symbol of national identity. Equestrian competitions have deep historical roots in Turkmenistan. They not only demonstrate the skills of riders and the beauty of Akhal-Teke horses, but also serve as a link between modern Turkmenistan and its rich cultural heritage. This was the case this time too. The exciting competitions brought the joy of empathy to thousands of enthusiastic spectators.