Meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan
On May 23, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via digital systems, during which several issues related to state affairs were discussed.
First, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradow reported on the work being carried out, as per the instructions of the President, to regulate virtual assets and legalize mining technologies in Turkmenistan. It was noted that a draft Law of Turkmenistan “On Virtual Assets” has been prepared to regulate relations in the circulation of virtual assets. The draft outlines general provisions, state regulation of virtual asset activities, the organization of operations in the circulation of virtual assets, mining, the issuance and public offering of virtual assets, virtual asset service providers, and comprehensive regulations. The adoption of this law is expected to facilitate investment attraction, the development of financial technology initiatives, and the promotion of entrepreneurial activity in the digital services sector. In this regard, relevant proposals were submitted for the President’s consideration.
After hearing the report, President Berdimuhamedow emphasized the importance of legally regulating the circulation of virtual assets in the era of rapidly developing digital technologies and economies. He instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to coordinate with the Mejlis (Parliament) on further work related to the draft Law “On Virtual Assets.”
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Amanow reported on the activities of the “Turkmengeology” State Corporation in identifying oil and natural gas reserves. It was noted that exploration for oil and gas reserves is currently underway in the western and eastern regions of the country, utilizing advanced equipment, seismic tools, and software systems. The successful execution of these activities will contribute to increasing the volume of extracted hydrocarbon resources.
After hearing the report, the President highlighted the significant attention given to conducting high-quality and effective exploration for oil and gas reserves in Turkmenistan, noting the consistent identification of underground reserves. He instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure the “Turkmengeology” State Corporation continues its effective exploration efforts for hydrocarbon resources.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyyew reported on seasonal activities in the agricultural sector and the regions. It was noted that inter-row cultivation, mineral fertilization, and irrigation are currently being carried out in cotton fields. Preparations are underway for an organized grain harvest, ensuring the timely and loss-free collection of abundant wheat yields. Agricultural fields are being tended to in accordance with agrotechnical standards to increase the production of potatoes, vegetables, and other crops to adequately supply the population. Cocoon collection is also ongoing. In Dashoguz Province, rice planting activities are being conducted. Additionally, measures are being taken to improve water supply for agricultural lands, enhance soil reclamation, use water resources efficiently, and clean irrigation and drainage channels.
After hearing the report, the President emphasized the importance of comprehensively developing the agricultural sector and strengthening its material and technical base. He instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to continue tending to cotton fields, ensure thorough preparations for the grain harvest season, and issued specific directives.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Atagulyyew reported on preparations for the “Turkmentextile Expo – 2025” international exhibition and fair, scheduled for June 11–13, in accordance with the President’s relevant decree. It was noted that the event will involve textile industry enterprises, members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs active in this sector, and foreign companies. Additionally, fashion shows featuring designs by local and international designers, as well as workshops on traditional Central Asian textile techniques and modern technologies, are planned. This will provide opportunities to showcase Turkmenistan’s achievements in the textile industry, foster mutually beneficial cooperation, and exchange advanced experiences. Relevant proposals were submitted for the President’s consideration.
After hearing the report, the President noted that high-quality textile products manufactured in Turkmenistan are in great demand on the global market and that the installation of advanced, high-performance equipment in textile enterprises creates conditions for efficient operations. He instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure thorough preparations and a high level of organization for the “Turkmentextile Expo – 2025” in the capital.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Seyidova reported on the schedule of major events planned for June. These include celebrations for International Children’s Day, World Bicycle Day, World Environment Day, Science Day, and the Day of Culture and Art Workers and Magtymguly Pyragy’s Poetry. Various events and sports competitions are planned, along with summarizing previously announced creative contests. The final stages of the “Play, Bagshy!” dutar and singing competition will be held in Dashoguz, Lebap, and Mary provinces. Additionally, the “Awaza – Place of Friendship” international dance and folklore festival is scheduled for June 2–7 in the “Awaza” national tourism zone, the closing ceremony of Turkmenistan’s Cultural Year in China on June 6 in Beijing, and cultural events for Culture Week in Ahal Province from June 22–27. A ceremony to lay flowers at the Magtymguly Pyragy monument in the “Magtymguly Pyragy” cultural and park complex is planned for June 27, and a musical celebration for the second anniversary of Arkadag city is scheduled for June 29.
After hearing the report, the President emphasized the importance of thorough preparations for the June events and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure high-quality organization for the celebrations.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Orazdurdyeva reported on preparations for physical education, sports, and healthy lifestyle events for World Bicycle Day. A mass bicycle ride is planned in the capital on June 3, with additional bicycle rides, sports competitions, scientific-practical conferences, and awareness campaigns scheduled in the provinces, Ashgabat, and Arkadag city from May 30 to June 3. Relevant proposals were submitted for the President’s consideration.
After hearing the report, the President stressed the importance of thorough preparations for celebrating World Bicycle Day and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure proper organization of sports events across the country.
Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister R. Meredov reported on the outcomes of the 18th meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Iranian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. It was noted that fostering friendly and mutually beneficial relations with neighboring countries, including Iran, is a priority of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. A Turkmen delegation visited Tehran on May 19–20, where the commission’s meeting addressed trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, resulting in relevant decisions. Discussions included gas sector cooperation, particularly direct gas supplies to Iran and transit to third countries, including via swap arrangements, as well as expanding interstate relations in the energy sector, such as the Mary-Mashhad power line project. Transport cooperation, including the 242-km Gumdag-Etrek-Iran border highway project, was also discussed, along with increasing transport and cargo turnover. Agreements were reached on trade and business cooperation, including a 2026–2028 action plan to enhance trade-economic relations and increase trade turnover. Cultural-humanitarian relations, including mutual Cultural Days, exhibitions, festivals, and cooperation in education, science, healthcare, sports, tourism, and UNESCO activities, were also addressed. A protocol was signed following the meeting.
During the visit, meetings were held with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and President Masud Pezeshkian, discussing bilateral cooperation and regional issues. Iran’s President confirmed participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality in Ashgabat on December 12.
After hearing the report, the President noted Iran’s importance as a close partner and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to continue strengthening interstate relations and trade-economic cooperation.
The Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers, M. Chakiyev, reported on efforts to develop the civil aviation sector. Modernization of aviation infrastructure and equipping it with advanced technology were highlighted as priorities to enhance Turkmenistan’s role in international transport corridors. Relevant proposals were submitted.
The President emphasized the importance of modernizing international airports and ensuring aviation safety, approving the proposals and instructing the agency to implement them.
In conclusion, President Berdimuhamedow noted that May 25 will mark Ashgabat City Day, Turkmen Carpet Day, and the “Last Bell” ceremony. He highlighted the favorable conditions created in Ashgabat for living, working, and leisure, as well as the significance of the “White City Ashgabat” exhibition and the promotion of Turkmen carpet art. He congratulated the Cabinet and the people on these occasions, and the participants reciprocated with congratulations to the President and National Leader.
Summarizing the meeting, President Berdimuhamedow wished the participants good health, family well-being, and success in their work for the prosperity of Turkmenistan.
