Decision on the creation of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan – the highest representative body of the people's power – was adopted at the joint last Saturday in Ashgabat Meeting of Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan chaired by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the participation of representatives of the public.

 The powers of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan include the consideration and approval of proposals for the adoption of laws in accordance with the Constitution, amendments and additions to them, the definition of the main directions of the country's domestic and foreign policy, definition of economic, social and cultural development programs, assessment of issues of peace and security, exercise of other powers provided for by the legislation of Turkmenistan.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has been appointed Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. The corresponding decree was signed by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The document states that Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has been appointed chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan “taking into account the colossal merits in establishing the solid foundation of the democratic legal and secular state, the comprehensive development and strengthening of international prestige independent neutral Turkmenistan”.

Also at the meeting, the Halk Maslahaty as the upper house of parliament was abolished, and the parliament itself became unicameral. The corresponding draft constitutional law on amendments and additions to the Constitution of the country was signed by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.