The Hero-Arkadag Held a Telephone Conversation with the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation

On March 18, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matviyenko. First of all, the Hero-Arkadag expressed gratitude to the speaker of the upper chamber of the Russian Parliament for her significant personal contribution to strengthening friendship and strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation. In this context, it was emphasized that Valentina Matviyenko, over many years, in her roles as one of the leaders of the Russian Government, Governor of Saint Petersburg, and Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia, has actively engaged in state and international affairs, paying great attention to deepening the traditionally friendly bilateral relations. Expressing her appreciation to the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan for his high assessment of her work in strengthening fruitful relations between the two countries, the speaker of the upper chamber of the Russian Parliament took the opportunity to sincerely congratulate the Hero-Arkadag on the upcoming Nowruz holiday. She reaffirmed Russia's firm commitment to deepening trusting and mutually beneficial ties between the peoples of both states. Continuing the conversation, the National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasized that Turkmenistan highly values its friendship with the Russian Federation and reaffirmed the country's commitment to expanding the potential of bilateral partnership across a wide range of areas. In this regard, he expressed strong confidence in the significant role of the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia in this process, both in the present and in the long-term perspective. As noted, a strategic partnership has been established between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation. Attention was drawn to the significance of implemented initiatives for creating and operating new formats of interaction, in which both countries act as creative participants. In particular, the discussion focused on the interparliamentary cooperation platform launched with the support of Valentina Matviyenko—Meetings of Parliamentarians of Central Asia and the Russian Federation. Additionally, it was emphasized that the "Central Asia–Russia" Women's Dialogue has gained new momentum in its development. The first events within these formats took place in May 2022, the Hero-Arkadag noted, suggesting the organization of the next meetings of parliamentarians and the Women’s Dialogue of Central Asian countries and Russia. During the discussion of the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Russian cooperation, the key role of parliamentarians from both countries in developing a comprehensive interstate dialogue and enriching it with new meaningful content was highlighted. A separate topic of discussion was the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian ties, particularly in education, science, healthcare, and culture. In this context, both sides confirmed their commitment to intensifying contacts in these areas. During the conversation, it was emphasized that Valentina Matviyenko's state, political, and public activities are closely related to issues of motherhood and childhood, healthcare, and inclusive education for children. In this regard, the Hero-Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan highly respects the initiatives of the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia in preparing, adopting, and implementing large-scale, long-term strategies and programs aimed at addressing children's issues. Continuing on this topic, the National Leader of the Turkmen people stated with satisfaction that Turkmenistan is undertaking extensive efforts to ensure the most favorable conditions for the comprehensive physical and intellectual development of children, as well as for providing medical, social, and other types of support to young Turkmens in need. As noted, on March 29 of this year, a conference titled “Year of Peace and Trust: Developing International Activities for the Benefit of Children” will be held, organized by the Charitable Foundation named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which provides assistance to children in need of guardianship. In this regard, the Hero-Arkadag invited a high-level Russian delegation to participate in the upcoming forum, expressing confidence that this would make a significant contribution to promoting the noble ideals of peace, kindness, and humanism. Thanking for the invitation, the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia confirmed the readiness of Russian parliamentarians to participate in the events scheduled to be held in Turkmenistan this year, primarily in the conference dedicated to international activities for the benefit of children. At the conclusion of the telephone conversation, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the speaker of the upper chamber of the Russian Parliament, Valentina Matviyenko, expressed confidence that the high level of mutual understanding characterizing the bilateral ties would continue to serve as a solid foundation for developing constructive partnership across its full spectrum. They exchanged best wishes for each other and the fraternal peoples of both countries. Source: State Information Agency of Turkmenistan

19.03.2025