A regular meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan was held on September 19 at the capital's Maslahat Palace under the chairmanship of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, TDH reports.

The agenda of the forum, held on the eve of the celebration of a significant date – the 34th anniversary of the country's independence – included important issues related to ensuring the prosperous life of the people and the further socio-economic development of Turkmenistan.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the Halk Maslahaty meeting. The head of state focused on the country's achievements during the years of independence. He noted that fundamental transformations have been implemented in all spheres, and the authority of Turkmenistan as a reliable partner, a country of peace and friendship, is steadily strengthening in the international arena.

The President noted that GDP growth has remained stable at 6.3% since the beginning of this year, indicating the successful implementation of the ongoing reforms. As the head of state emphasized, the main goal of economic policy is the consistent improvement of the people's well-being. To this end, a large-scale investment policy is being implemented, with over 40 billion manats allocated by the end of the year.

The President paid special attention to the development of the social sphere. For this purpose, the construction of residential buildings, settlements, and villages is actively underway, and the volume of preferential loans for the population is increasing. This year alone, new modern villages have been built and commissioned in a number of etraps across the country.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that by the end of this year, more than 3,000 new jobs will be created as part of the implementation of the "Concept for the Development of the Labor Market until 2030." The head of state also instructed to develop and submit for consideration by the Halk Maslahaty the "Program for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investments for 2026."

In his speech, the President addressed the development of key sectors of the economy, including the fuel and energy sector. As noted, the policy aimed at the large-scale development of the domestic oil and gas industry and its active integration into the international energy infrastructure is being successfully implemented. The head of state stated that tremendous work is being carried out in the country on the extraction, processing, and export of hydrocarbon resources.

The President emphasized that this year special attention will be paid to the development of the oil and gas sector, the construction of new specialized complexes for processing oil and natural gas, and the improvement of geological exploration work.

Construction of the main section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline along the Serhetabat-Herat route, referred to as "Arkadagyň ak ýoly," is underway. Work on the phased development of the Galkynyş gas field is being successfully carried out.

The President noted that a new modern facility – the oil loading terminal of the Turkmenbashi Complex of Oil Refineries – was recently commissioned, which will help increase the volume of exports of domestically produced hydrocarbon resources and ensure their reliable transportation.

The creation of innovative production facilities was noted in the construction and industrial complex, and he instructed the construction of new complexes for the production of urea and fertilizers in the chemical industry. The President also announced large-scale projects in the transport and communications sector.

The head of state emphasized the special attention being paid to large-scale construction and modernization. In particular, it is planned to build major industrial facilities: a urea production complex in the Turkmenbashi etrap, the second stage of a gas-to-gasoline plant in the Ahal velayat, and mineral fertilizer production complexes in Turkmenabat and Mary. Construction of a highway bridge across the Garabogaz Gulf is underway, and the Mary-Turkmenabat section of the high-speed highway is nearing completion.

The President highlighted successes in agriculture, pointing to high yields of wheat and cotton. He also noted the development of the trade complex, successful participation in EXPO 2025, and the active development of the private sector.

The President emphasized Turkmenistan's commitment to its status of permanent neutrality, recognized three times by the UN. This status is the basis for developing and strengthening cooperation with all countries and authoritative international structures.

The head of state announced that the country will soon participate in the anniversary 80th session of the UN General Assembly, where Turkmenistan's priority positions will be voiced. These include strengthening universal peace and security, sustainable development, and expanding cooperation in the transport and energy sectors. Among other important areas of partnership, the President named environmental security, the fight against climate change, and the development of humanitarian cooperation.

The head of state also noted that in honor of the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality, a representative Forum will be held on December 12, which will contribute to the dissemination of Turkmenistan's peacemaking doctrine.