Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a visiting session of the Cabinet of Ministers to consider the country’s socio-economic development, including Balkan velayat, and a number of other issues.
The first speaker was Mejlis Speaker D. Gulmanova, who reported on efforts to improve the national legislative framework.
As reported, proceeding from the provisions of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, generally accepted norms of international law, and the country’s socioeconomic development programs, working groups are preparing draft laws related to the state registration of rights to real estate and legal support for our country’s accession to international instruments. Furthermore, in line with the realities of the times, amendments and additions are being made to the Criminal, Criminal Procedure, and Customs Codes of Turkmenistan.
Relations with authoritative international organizations and the parliaments of foreign countries are being consistently strengthened. Members of the Mejlis participated in seminars held by relevant government agencies in conjunction with the European Union Delegation to Turkmenistan and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Center in Ashgabat.
Furthermore, parliamentarians, together with ministries, industry agencies, political parties, and public associations, are inquiring about the living conditions of the population and participating in citizen appeals held in the hyakimliks of velayats, etraps, and cities.
Summarizing the information, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of drafting new laws and continuously improving legislation, emphasizing the need to continue working in this area.
Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H.Geldimyradov reported on the socio-economic development of Balkan velayat for January–April of the current year.
As reported, industrial production in the region for the first four months of 2026 increased by 6.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Compared to the same period last year, oil production in the velayat increased by 1.9 percent, oil refining by 4.4 percent, electricity production by 4 percent, iodine production by 6.5 percent, cotton fabrics by 11 percent, and mineral fertilizer production by 2.1 times.
Food production is increasing in the region. During the reporting period, bread and grain product output increased by 0.1 percent, flour by 52.5 percent, confectionery by 7 percent, dairy by 6.4 percent, meat by 0.5 percent, eggs by 25.8 percent, fish catch by 14.1 percent, and vegetable production increased by 1.5 times.
The velayat also achieved positive indicators for freight and passenger transportation by all modes of transport.
Compared to the previous year, retail turnover increased by 6.3 percent.
For the first four months of the current year, the local budget revenue plan for Balkan velayat was fulfilled at 101 percent, while the expenditure plan was fulfilled at 98.3 percent.
As part of the National Rural Program, large-scale construction of social facilities and other structures is underway in the region.
For January–April of this year, regional bank branches fulfilled their revenue plan by 136.6 percent.
After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to continue efforts to further the socio-economic development of the country, including Balkan velayat, and improve living conditions for the population. The head of state instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to oversee the timely implementation of investments planned for the current year.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Agajanov, who then spoke, reported on the measures being implemented to improve the oil and gas sector in Balkan velayat, as well as on the draft resolution on the construction of a new coastal pumping station and seawater desalination plant for the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex of the Türkmennebit State Concern.
As reported, the oil and gas sector is carrying out necessary work in various regions of the country, including Balkan velayat. Practical steps are being taken to effectively utilize the capacities of the Türkmennebit State Concern located in the velayat, specifically the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex, the Kenar Oil Storage and Loading Facility, and the oil loading terminals.
In addition, Turkmen geologists and oil and gas specialists are conducting geological exploration and commercial development of oil and gas fields located in the velayat.
Reporting that, as in other regions of the country, large production facilities are being commissioned in Balkan velayat, the Deputy Prime Minister submitted a draft resolution to this effect to the head of state for his consideration.
After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan noted that to effectively utilize the country’s natural resources, including the Balkan velayat’s oil and gas reserves, it is essential to continuously improve the operations of the complex’s institutions and enterprises, effectively conduct geological exploration in the coastal zones of the Caspian Sea, and continue the modernization of the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex.
In this regard, the head of state signed a decree on the construction of a new coastal pumping station and a seawater desalination plant for the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex and addressed the Deputy Prime Minister with the corresponding instructions.
Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahalliyev reported on the country’s agricultural sector and the progress of seasonal campaigns in Balkan velayat.
As reported, wheat fields are currently in the final stages of tending. Preparations are underway for the organized conduct of the upcoming grain harvest and the timely harvest of the crop.
Inter-row cultivation and mineral fertilization are underway in cotton fields. Care for spring potatoes, vegetable and melon crops continues, and practical steps are being taken to cultivate silkworm cocoons.
It was also reported that wheat crop care is in the final stages. Corresponding preparations are underway for the organized conduct of the grain harvest.
Veggie irrigation is being carried out in cotton fields in the velayat, and inter-row cultivation, weeding, and thinning are being carried out in areas where seedlings have emerged. Appropriate measures are being taken to effectively utilize agricultural machinery and tools in these efforts. Silkworm cocoons are also being properly cared for.
To increase the production of potatoes, vegetables, and melons in Balkan velayat and ensure sufficient supplies for the population, spring crop care continues on agricultural lands.
After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to implement timely and high-quality agricultural practices for crop cultivation and to continue growing vegetables, melons, and other food products in the country, including in Balkan velayat. The head of state assigned the Deputy Prime Minister to focus on increasing agricultural yields.
Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamamedov reported on the activities of the construction and industrial complex as part of the socio-economic development of Balkan velayat.
As reported, more than 260 major industrial and social facilities and structures are currently under construction in the region. Enterprises under the Ministry of Industry and Construction provide construction sites in the velayat with the high-quality cement products and other construction materials necessary for their work.
Institutions and enterprises under the Ministry of Energy are carrying out scheduled maintenance on existing power plants and transmission lines to ensure an uninterrupted and reliable supply of electricity to consumers in the velayat. Furthermore, construction of a number of facilities continues in the region to meet the country’s electricity demand.
In addition, scheduled repair and reconstruction work is underway on existing roads and bridges managed by institutions and enterprises of the Ministry of Roads. In accordance with the relevant Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, construction of the Turkmenbashi-Garabogaz-Kazakhstan border highway is underway. Plants under the jurisdiction of the Türkmenhimiýa State Concern, located in Balkan velayat, supply agricultural producers with essential urea fertilizer and fully meet domestic consumers’ needs for technical iodine.
To further develop the region’s industrial development and further increase its export potential, construction of a urea production complex with a capacity of 1,155,000 tons per year has begun in Turkmenbashi etrap, and a complex of residential buildings and structures in Guvlymayak village in the same etrap is nearing completion.
Summarizing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to strictly monitor the full operation of domestic chemical and construction industries, including in Balkan velayat, as well as the high-quality and timely construction of facilities and structures scheduled for commissioning this year in the western region.
Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Atagulyev reported on ongoing efforts to ensure commodity abundance in Balkan velayat and increase consumer goods production.
As reported, modern shopping centers, markets, and stores serve the population in etraps and cities of the velayat, and appropriate measures are being implemented to supply retail outlets with in-demand products and maintain price stability.
The Gyzylarbat and Bereket artistic carpet factories, subordinate to the Türkmenhaly State Association, operate in the region. They perform important tasks in developing classic types of hand-woven Turkmen carpets and preserving and developing the spiritual and national heritage of our people, an integral part of world culture.
At the same time, enterprises of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry located in Balkan velayat afford assistance and services to participants in foreign trade activities. A number of private sector investment projects are planned for the region.
After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to monitor the supply of food and other goods to the domestic market, including Balkan velayat, efficiently utilize production capacity, increase output, and expand the range of services rendered. The head of state also instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure that private producers operate at full capacity.
Then, Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Seyidova reported on carried out work to improve the performance of cultural institutions in Balkan velayat.
As reported, the region’s cultural centers are currently taking appropriate measures in this direction.
Balkan velayat is rich in historical and cultural monuments, and the Ancient Dehistan State Historical and Cultural Reserve is located within its territory. There are 258 monuments registered with the state in the region, which are being thoroughly studied scientifically. Archaeological finds are exhibited in museums and made available to the public. The Türkmeniň ak öýi building in Balkanabat hosts various events and renders cultural services to the public. Talented young musicians and bakhshi musicians from the velayat actively participate in creative competitions held throughout the country, demonstrating their high skill, abilities, and abilities.
It was also reported that, in accordance with the relevant Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, preparations are underway to hold the next Culture Week in Balkan velayat from June 22 to 27 of this year.
The numerous events regularly organized within the framework of international cultural cooperation in the Avaza National Tourist Zone serve as clear evidence that, thanks to the tireless efforts of the head of state and Hero-Arkadag, this region has become a center for major international forums.
After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of continuing to properly organize the activities of modern cultural centers, libraries, museums, and theaters in Balkan velayat. Furthermore, the need for proper preparation for the Culture Week, which will be held in the western region, and ensuring a high level of the upcoming event was emphasized.
The head of state also instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to continue work on the careful protection and extensive study of historical and cultural monuments located in the velayat.
Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Mammedov reported on the ongoing activities in Balkan velayat to develop science, education, healthcare, and sports.
As reported, in accordance with the economic strategy of the President of Turkmenistan, relevant work is being carried out in the western region in the areas of public health, mass physical education, sports, and the development of educated, well-rounded, and harmonious individuals. This year, two kindergartens, two comprehensive schools, and one health center are under construction, as well as the Maternal and Child Health Center, which is currently being renovated.
The Mollagara and Awaza Sanatoriums and the Daýanç Health Center offer high-quality spa and resort services to the local population and foreign citizens. In cooperation with specialized United Nations agencies, advanced practices in spa and recreational treatment are being introduced into the national healthcare system. Planned work to organize the upcoming holidays for children and adolescents is currently underway. In this regard, children’s camps and health centers in Avaza are being prepared for the summer season.
Research institutions and higher education institutions across the country are consistently studying the environmental status of the Caspian Sea. In this regard, a report was presented on the preparation of a topographic map of the Caspian region and new technologies developed for the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex.
As in other regions of the country, Balkan velayat offers ample opportunities for physical education and sports. Regular competitions and mass cultural and sports events facilitate the development of professional sports and the identification of talented youth.
After hearing the report, the head of state emphasized the importance of improving the work carried out in educational institutions across the country, including in Balkan velayat, and ensuring that higher and secondary vocational educational institutions are up to date with the training of highly qualified specialists.
At the same time, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to pay special attention to enhancing the professionalism of healthcare workers and to operate properly sports facilities.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on preparations for international events to be held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone in 2026, as well as on ongoing work to improve the activities of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As reported, as a result of the successful implementation of the foreign policy of the President of Turkmenistan, the Avaza National Tourist Zone has become a center for regular high-level meetings, international conferences, and forums organized by the UN.
As reported, a Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asian Countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan will be held on October 8, 2026.
Turkmenistan is chairing the Commonwealth of Independent States this year. As part of the country’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth, meetings of various councils, commissions, and other meetings have been held since the beginning of this year in accordance with relevant plans.
The next meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States is scheduled for October 9. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth, is preparing for the summit.
This October, the Avaza National Tourist Zone will host the International Women’s Dialogue “The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development”.
Additionally, an international conference, “Demographic Processes and Sustainable Development: Contemporary Challenges and International Experience”, is scheduled to be held in Avaza.
A seminar of the Interparliamentary Assembly of the Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States, “Ensuring Universal Access to Healthcare and Sustainable Development Goals”, is also scheduled for October 7 of the current year.
Turkmenistan, paying close attention to Caspian Sea environmental issues, is putting forward important initiatives. In this regard, a ministerial meeting on issues related to the ecology of the Caspian Sea is planned for October 7 in Avaza.
As is well known, water is a key issue for our region. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero-Arkadag have expressed Turkmenistan’s position on water issues at various international and regional forums. Given the importance, our country places on this issue, a high-level meeting of regional states and Afghanistan on the conservation of Central Asian water resources is planned.
In preparation for the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asian Countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan and the next meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State, meetings of the foreign ministers of the participating countries in these formats are also planned.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs continued by reporting on the ongoing work to improve the activities of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As noted, the practical implementation of Turkmenistan’s policy of positive neutrality at the international level is one of the main directions of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s foreign policy. In this regard, on December 12, 2025, at the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th Anniversary of Neutrality, the head of state put forward an initiative to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality in cooperation with the United Nations.
This proposal was reflected in the Ashgabat Declaration adopted following the Forum and received broad international support. This Declaration was distributed as a document of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
To implement this significant initiative to create a higher diplomatic educational institution for peace and neutrality, primarily at the national level, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan has prepared relevant proposals.
Specifically, as a first step, it is proposed to establish a Department of Peace and Neutrality at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, which will offer master’s degree programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.
The newly created department is encouraged to explore the possibility of concluding a Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the UN University for Peace in Costa Rica.
In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs submitted a draft resolution to the head of state for consideration.
After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that independent, permanently Neutral Turkmenistan pursues a peace-loving foreign policy aimed at ensuring universal well-being. Important resolutions are adopted at our country’s initiative, and numerous international events are regularly held. In this regard, the head of state emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and ensuring a high level of international events to be held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone.
The President of Turkmenistan also noted the need to prioritize the further development of science and education in the areas of peace and neutrality, as well as the training of professional diplomatic personnel specializing in this field. In this regard, the head of state signed the Resolution “On Improving the Activities of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan”, instructing the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to carry out the relevant work.
Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annayev reported on the work completed on the socio-economic development of Balkan velayat by subordinate ministries and government agencies in the transport and communications sector.
As reported, effective operations in the area of freight and passenger traffic by all modes of transport were carried out in the region from January to April of this year.
Extensive work has been carried out to develop the velayat’s communications network. The wireline telephone network penetration rate in the velayat was 10.3 percent, cellular phone penetration was 15.4 percent, and internet penetration was 13 percent. In accordance with the National Rural Program, 185 kilometers of fiber-optic cables have been laid across the velayat.
During the reporting period, effective work was also carried out in the region’s transportation sector. In particular, achievements in freight and passenger traffic by rail were reported.
The commissioning of a modern car-testing track and a new bus station in Balkanabat town promote the improvement of the quality of services rendered to the public. Currently, the velayat’s transport companies operate regular bus services on more than 70 routes.
Turkmenbashi International Airport underwent major renovations, and the new Balkanabat International Airport was built and commissioned. Work is ongoing to increase the transit potential of these airports.
During the reporting period, several seagoing vessels were repaired at the Balkan Shipyard.
The Deputy Prime Minister also reported that, at the initiative of Hero-Arkadag and through the tireless efforts of the President of Turkmenistan, the first dry cargo vessel in the country, the Gadamly, was built and commissioned here. This demonstrates that the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, the most powerful on the Caspian coast and the Balkan Shipyard have reached world-class standards.
After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of fully utilizing the country’s logistics potential, including in Balkan velayat, by creating favorable conditions for international transport and transit, consistently improving the operations of the Turkmenbashi and Balkanabat International Airports, and properly organizing the operations of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. The head of state also instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to implement continuously shipbuilding projects at the Balkan Shipyard.
Then, the floor was given to the hyakim of Balkan velayat, H.Ashyrmyradov, who reported on the work being carried out in the region.
As reported, vegetation irrigation is currently being carried out in the velayat’s cotton fields, and inter-row cultivation, weeding, and thinning continue in areas where seedlings have emerged.
Maintenance and irrigation work is underway in wheat fields. Preparations are underway for combine harvesters, associated vehicles, and collection points for the upcoming grain harvest.
To ensure the organized silkworm production campaign, tenant silkworm farmers in the velayat continue to care for their cocoons.
It was also reported that practical steps are currently being taken to care for spring potato, vegetable, and melon crops to ensure sufficient supplies for the population.
A report was also presented on the measures being taken to complete the construction of social, cultural, and industrial facilities scheduled for opening this year in the velayat on schedule.
After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of successfully implementing the Balkan velayat’s socio-economic development programs and investment projects, as well as continuing efforts to improve the social and living conditions of the region’s residents. In this regard, the head of state instructed the mayor to effectively improve the provision of drinking water, electricity, natural gas, and housing to residents of the velayat.
A number of other public matters were also discussed at the meeting, and appropriate decisions were made.
Concluding the visiting session of the Cabinet of Ministers, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the participants sound health, family well-being, and great success in their work for the continued prosperity of the sovereign Fatherland.
The head of state’s working visit to Balkan velayat continues.
