OREANDA-NEWS. October 20, 2010. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov chaired a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers to consider the outcomes of the talks held by the government delegations of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in Ashgabat, the issues related to the participation of the leaders of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in the Festival of Turkmen-Uzbek Friendship taking place in Dashoguz Velayat and other issues of the state policy.

Underscoring the historic importance of the documents and agreements signed during the Uzbek leader’s visit to Turkmenistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that the Turkmen state committed to the policy of peace, friendship and fruitful international cooperation would pursue further this strategy by fostering a constructive dialogue with all countries of the planet, and especially neighbouring countries, with whom the Turkmen people were bound with historical, nations spiritual and cultural affinities deeply rooted in ancient times.

The Vice Premiers presented the brief reports on the work carried on in the sectors under their supervision, in particular on the progress in implementing the foreign policy strategy and the reforms in the spheres of science, education and culture, various sectors of the economy.

Vice Premier, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the ongoing activity carried out by the MFA in accordance with the programme, in particular the preparations for a visit of RF President Dmitry Medvedev to Turkmenistan that would certainly give a new impetus to enhance traditional relations between the two friendly countries.

Commenting on the report, the Turkmen leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov underscored the importance of intensifying the Turkmen-Russian dialogue and bringing bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation to a new level to meet modern realities and potential of mutually fruitful cooperation. Along with great prospects for partnership in the trade and economic sphere and the oil and gas sector, the strategic one for both countries, the Turkmen leader put particular emphasis on the importance of strengthening further humanitarian contacts in the education, science and culture, tourism and sports, and other sectors meeting the interests of the friendly peoples of Turkmenistan and Russia.

Vice Premier T. Japarov reported on the preliminary results of II International Investment Forum, which had been held in Ashgabat this week, noting that the forum had brought together heads and specialists of large international organisations, financial institutions and world-renowned companies.

Commenting on the report Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation with foreign countries and large international companies as a strategic vector of the policy of our state. Focusing on the important role of the Investment Forum in this regard, Turkmen leader said that its ultimate goal was to give new incentives and advance the national economy on a long-term basis through attracting potential partners and investors to the country and focused on the need to conduct forums of this kind on a regular basis that contributed to expansion of international cooperation.

The reports on the preparations for the coming Independence Day celebrations and the ceremonies of putting industrial, social and cultural facilities into operation were presented to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for consideration. One of the brightest events of this week was the Festival of Friendship between the Turkmen and Uzbek peoples taking place in Dashoguz Velayat. A big delegation of the neighbouring country had arrived in out country to participate in the Festival.

In this regard, the Turkmen leader once again focused on the need to ensure the high level of organisation of this large-scale cultural action that was to embody age-old traditions of good neighbourliness, friendship and brotherhood between our peoples as well as to become a grandiose unforgettable holiday, the festival of generosity and openness of the Turkmen soul, a symbol of hospitality inherent in the Turkmen nation from time immemorial.

The relevant high-ranking officials reported that the WHO had made the decision based on the assessment on malaria status in Turkmenistan conducted by the teams of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2009-2010, followed by the WHO expert review and the final recommendation of the 20th meeting of the WHO Expert Committee on Malaria to include Turkmenistan in the list of countries, where malaria had been eradicated. The malaria-free status certificate awarded by the WHO to the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan would be published in the WHO Weekly Epidemiological Record and reported at the 64th World Health Assembly, which would be held next May.

Focusing on the importance of Turkmenistan’s achievement in implementing the comprehensive large-scale national programme “Health”, the Turkmen leader put emphasis on the need to build up efforts to bring the national health system in compliance with international standards including through active collaboration with international organisations.

Commenting on the reports presented on the work carried on in various sectors of the national economy, the President demanded that the relevant high-ranking officials adhere to the schedule of events and ensure the high level of organisation of the festivities in honour of the 19th anniversary of independence.

Upon concluding the meeting, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov demanded that the Vice Premier keep rigorous control of ongoing work in the sectors and spheres under their supervisions, ensure the timely and effective fulfilment of the tasks set by the Turkmen leader. Identifying the primary goals of ongoing reforms, the Turkmen leader focused on the importance of paying unremitting attention to the issues related to the study, preservation and enrichment of national traditions and the rich spiritual heritage of the Turkmen people, brining youth citizens to love and respect the glorious history of the Fatherland, the beauty of the native land.

The other issues of the national policy were considered during the government meeting.