On Friday, June 20, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held another meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers in a video format, where a whole range of issues of state life were considered. The focus was on key areas of development - from strengthening international cooperation to large-scale digitalization and launching new production facilities.

Economy and Industry: Heading for New Capacities

The economic block presented a number of important news. Deputy Prime Minister Khodjamyrat Geldimyradov reported that Fitch Ratings assigned the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan a long-term issuer default rating in foreign and national currencies at the level of "BB-" with a "Stable" outlook. The State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan is the largest bank in the country in terms of assets, the assigned rating confirms the reliability of the country's financial system and the presence of impressive insurance funds, which is a positive signal for international partners and investors.

In the oil and gas sector, as Batyr Amanov reported, active development of fields continues. In particular, the discussion was about the power supply of the recently discovered Uzynada field, which will not only provide it with energy, but also supply it to neighboring facilities.

A major breakthrough is also expected in the chemical industry. Baymyrat Annamammedov presented proposals to increase the production of mineral fertilizers. The head of state approved the announcement of an international tender for the construction of a new plant for the production of ammonia and ammonium nitrate in the Mary etrap. This step will not only provide domestic farmers with the necessary fertilizers, but will also significantly increase the country's export potential.

In the agricultural sector, according to the report of Tangryguly Atakhalliyev, the harvesting of wheat and settlements with producers are in full swing. At the same time, cotton fields are being tended and sowing work is underway for other crops: rice (in the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats) and winter sugar beets (in the Mary velayat). The President also signed a decree launching preparations for the 2026 wheat harvest, demonstrating strategic planning in matters of food security.

Legislation and the Social Sphere: Intellectualization of Development

Chairperson of Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova informed about the current work of the parliament. Important bills aimed at modernizing civil-legal relations, creating a unified state register of voters, strengthening the legal framework for intellectual property (including scientific discoveries) and regulating virtual assets are in the active development stage. Customs regulations are also being reviewed and updated, which promises to make the border more efficient.

As Deputy Prime Minister Bahar Seyidova reported, July will be eventful in the country's cultural and social life. Conferences, creative meetings and sports competitions are planned in honor of the International Year of Peace and Trust. There will also be regional finals of the popular TV contest "Ýaňlan, Diýarym!" and events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the "Saglyk" program and the 10th anniversary of the Scientific and Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health.

Deputy Prime Minister Bayramgul Orazdurdyeva reported on measures to improve higher education, focusing on the introduction of advanced technologies and innovative teaching methods. This is an investment in the future of the country's human capital.

International Cooperation: IAEA

One of the most extensive and significant blocks was the report of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov on the development of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Turkmenistan is deepening cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy in key areas - from healthcare and agriculture to ecology and water resources management.

As part of this partnership, it is planned to sign a Country Framework Program with the IAEA for 2025-2029, which will determine the priority areas of joint work. The issue of joining the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the IAEA is also being considered.

Turkmenistan is actively preparing to participate in the 69th session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna (September). Particular attention will be paid to the Forum on the Use of Nuclear Science in Water Resources Management, where Turkmenistan will present its international initiatives within the framework of water diplomacy.

In addition, Ashgabat will host the Regional Workshop on Safety Rules for Nuclear Materials (10-14 November) with the participation of experts from Central Asia, the Caucasus and other Asian countries. Another important event is the visit of IAEA representatives in September to implement the Monitoring Programme for Collaborative Action on Cancer Treatment (ImPACT), which will be carried out jointly with WHO.

Flight Safety: New Aviation Standards

Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency Mammetkhan Chakyev reported on the development of the domestic aviation industry. The President signed a resolution on the State Program for Ensuring Flight Safety of Civil Aviation of Turkmenistan. This document, developed in accordance with international ICAO standards, defines the main directions of state policy in this area, which will ensure even greater reliability and safety of the skies of Turkmenistan.

ORIENT