The unity and spiritual cohesion of our people, who cherish their glorious past and lay the foundation today for a beautiful future, were clearly demonstrated by the nationwide forum held under the chairmanship of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero-Arkadag, and with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the eve of the celebration of the 33rd anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence.

As previously reported, during the session of the highest representative body of the country – the Halk Maslahaty, which is annually convened in accordance with the deeply rooted national traditions of genuine people's rule, an overview of the historical achievements was given, the most important issues of state life were discussed, and tasks aimed at the prosperity of the Homeland with a long-term perspective were outlined.

Opening the forum, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proudly stated that sovereign Turkmenistan has become a country of unity and prosperity. Today, the era has arrived that the great Turkmen poet and philosopher-humanist of the East, Makhtumkuli Fragi, dreamed of, under the sign of the 300th anniversary of his birth, which is being celebrated throughout this year.

Yes, our brave, heroic ancestors dreamed for centuries of their own independent state. And only 33 years ago, our people realized the sacred right – the right to sovereignty, which has become the unshakable foundation on which the country builds its happy present and future.

The course of comprehensive reforms, aimed at the full-scale use of the vast geopolitical, economic, resource, and human potential for the successful solution of priority tasks of socio-economic development, has gained wide international recognition.

Thanks to the diligent and selfless work of Turkmen citizens over the years of independence, our Homeland has achieved impressive heights, placing it on par with the developed countries of the planet.

As noted in the speeches at the Halk Maslahaty session, the achievements of the new historical era are the direct result of the wise and farsighted policy initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, and dignifiedly continued under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The large-scale strategy of grand transformations being successfully implemented is primarily aimed at the modernization and industrialization of the national economy, the creation of modern industries specializing in the production of import-substituting and export-oriented products.

Along with the deepened development of strategic sectors, primarily the fuel and energy complex (FEC), agriculture, the construction and industrial complex, transportation and communication infrastructure, significant investments are being directed to the "intellectual sphere" – education and science, which are rightfully recognized as the engines of universal progress.

Of course, an extremely important aspect of state policy, which has a clearly defined social orientation, includes healthcare, culture, and sports – in other words, everything that serves the steady spiritual and physical development and perfection of the nation.

In his speech at the forum, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, highlighted the key milestones in the formation of independent neutral Turkmenistan, as well as presented his vision for the further development of our democratic, legal, and secular state.

Placing special emphasis on the significance of sacred independence, Hero-Arkadag stressed that it is the recognition of the native people and the beloved Homeland in the world, the bright path to all achievements and prosperity.

– Every citizen of the country lives with great love for the native Homeland and works diligently. The state serves the person, and the person serves the state, which demonstrates the triumph of the doctrine "State – for the person!" that underlies the work being carried out, – said the National Leader of the Turkmen people.

It was noted that thanks to the successfully implemented programs, such as the "Revival of a New Era of a Mighty State: National Program for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan in 2022–2052", the Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country for 2022–2028, the National Rural Program, the Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country and Investments in 2024, and others, the economic power of the state is increasing, its international authority is strengthening, and the social and living conditions of the people of Turkmenistan are improving.

The Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan plays an active role in solving important issues of state life, strengthening cooperation between the government and the people, and in the unity of contemporary Turkmen society.

Today, this highest representative body, functioning in accordance with the Constitution of Turkmenistan and based on universally recognized democratic principles, taking into account the rich historical experience of the nation in the field of state-building, embodies the unbreakable connection between the times and generations, adherence to the ancient traditions of genuine people's rule in our independent neutral country, aiming to ensure broad participation of the population in making the most important socio-political decisions.

A major role in the activities of the Halk Maslahaty is assigned to the Council of Elders, whose members work to explain the high goals and objectives of the Era of Revival of the New Era of a Mighty State, educate and support the younger generation, thereby contributing to strengthening social unity, national integrity, and the formation of a patriotic youth.

That is why wise elders and gray-haired mothers, whose exemplary life and work paths are a source of pride for the people, are held in special respect and honor in our society.

– Today, the dreams of the great poet-philosopher Makhtumkuli Fragi about an independent state have come true. We are fortunate to live and create in a peaceful, prosperous, and powerful country, where the high and noble dreams of our ancestors have become a reality, – noted the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty proudly in his historical speech, assuring that in the future, even greater work will be done, which will significantly transform and improve the appearance of our Homeland.

As emphasized, the high indicators of the current year, which is being held under the motto "The Treasure of the Wisdom of Makhtumkuli Fragi," testify to the correctness of the internal and external policies being implemented.

Defining economic growth as a key factor for sustainable advancement of any country, Hero-Arkadag proudly noted that our economic achievements are aimed at further improving the socio-living standards of our people.

In this context, among the main features of the country's economic development, the National Leader of the Turkmen people highlighted the high level of income per capita, as well as human capital and scientific and technological achievements, high labor productivity in all sectors, accelerated economic reforms, and competitiveness in the global market.

Noting the close relationship between socio-economic development and science, education, and culture, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reminded of the ongoing improvements in accordance with the "Concept of Improving Teaching Methodology for General Education Programs in Turkmenistan until 2028", aimed at raising the quality of education in line with international standards.

In the future, it was deemed appropriate to build modern educational institutions, create technology centers in priority areas of science and innovation.

According to Hero-Arkadag, opening joint universities or branches of universities included in the rankings of leading educational institutions in the world will be of great importance for both youth and society.

Touching upon the issues of implementing state youth policy, the National Leader of the Turkmen people outlined among the important tasks the increase in the number of preschool institutions and general secondary schools; the improvement of work with children with special needs, the enhancement of teachers' qualifications; and the development of perfect methods of scientific-educational and industrial cooperation in higher education institutions.

The importance of work to immortalize the monuments of our outstanding figures for educating the younger generation in the spirit of pride in national values, customs, and traditions, as well as the fundamental study of the culture, literature, and glorious millennia-old history of the people, was also emphasized.

A special focus was placed on strengthening the position of the city of Arkadag as a global center of science and education by creating an international research center there for the popularization and study of the ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary history of Turkmenistan, as well as archaeological and architectural monuments and the state's implemented policies.

Addressing the forum participants, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty emphasized that the new era requires an expansion of the ongoing reforms and an increase in the educational potential of our society.

Special attention was given to issues related to employment. Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov put forward the initiative to adopt the "Concept of the Labor Market Development of Turkmenistan until 2030," which, in his opinion, will be an important step in expanding cooperation in this area with international organizations and foreign countries, particularly in joining the conventions of the International Labour Organization.

As noted, the demand of the time is the development of the financial market and the introduction of new types and methods of entrepreneurship. In this regard, Hero-Arkadag highlighted the adoption of the Strategy for the Development of the Financial Market until 2030, as well as the National Program to Support Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, which will mark the beginning of a new stage in the dynamic development of Turkmenistan.

During the nationwide forum, the National Leader of the Turkmen people announced the proposal to present for consideration at next year's session of the Halk Maslahaty projects for the development strategies of the country in 2026–2052, in such areas as foreign economic activity; public-private partnership; digital economy; transport diplomacy; cultural diplomacy; scientific-medical diplomacy; higher education; as well as projects for the Concept of the Development of the Intellectual Property System and the Program to Support and Develop Physical Education and Sports until 2030.

The global task for the next year, 2025, proclaimed by Turkmenistan as the International Year of Peace and Trust, and marked by the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, is to strengthen cooperation and understanding on the planet.

– Neutrality is a doctrine that serves the highest ideals of humanity: peace, trust, and harmony, – stressed Hero-Arkadag.

Summing up his speech, the National Leader of the Turkmen people said that the motto of our Independence Day – "Turkmenistan is the country of prosperity and happiness!" – has become a vivid symbol of the achievements of the Turkmen people. It expresses confidence in the future and the unshakable determination to continue the successful development of the country.

– The era of independence, which we celebrate today, will remain in the annals of history as a period of creation, unprecedented prosperity, and glory, – stated Hero-Arkadag.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also addressed the forum participants, emphasizing that thanks to the policy of independence and neutrality initiated by Arkadag, our country today stands as a symbol of peace, stability, and development.

The head of state noted that Turkmenistan's foreign policy is based on a strategy of positive neutrality, focusing on peace, the creation of a zone of stability and security, and the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation with all interested states and international organizations.

At the same time, it was noted that the country has achieved significant successes in various areas, including the socio-economic sphere, energy sector, and healthcare, and continues to enhance the living standards of the population.

In his speech, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of continuing the reforms initiated by Arkadag and ensuring the further development of Turkmenistan in all spheres, including the economy, education, science, and culture.

The session of the Halk Maslahaty was attended by deputies of the Mejlis, members of the Khalk Maslahaty, members of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of ministries and departments, regional and district representatives, as well as other invited guests. The discussion at the forum focused on the current state of the economy, the importance of further reforms, and the role of the Halk Maslahaty in strengthening the unity of the people of Turkmenistan.