Berdimuhamedov tells TASS about relations with Russia, pandemic and family

The President of Turkmenistan spoke with Mikhail Gusman, the first deputy general director of the Russian news agency.

On October 1, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave an interview to Mikhail Gusman, the first deputy general director of the Russian news agency TASS. During the conversation with the journalist, the leader of the country assessed the relations between Ashgabat and Moscow, spoke about the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, his personal understanding of the power and his family.

First of all, Berdimuhamedov noted that he respects TASS and always watches TV program «Formula of Power» with Guzman.

CIS

Answering the question of the TASS Deputy Director General about the Commonwealth of Independent States, the President noted that after the collapse of the USSR the CIS fulfilled the functions of a «civilized divorce». According to him, this organization is a bridge between Asia and Europe, and it also plays an important role in ensuring security in Central Asia.

Russia

— Turkmen-Russian cooperation is not subject to external conjuncture, — said the leader of the country.

According to him, the authorities of states interact to ensure global peace and security. In addition, the Russian Federation is one of the leaders in terms of trade turnover with the Central Asian country, as well as a leading partner in the field of investment.

Moscow and Ashgabat successfully cooperate in the fuel and energy complex, ship and aircraft building, road construction, agriculture, and the textile industry. Berdimuhamedov focused on the strong ties of Turkmenistan with Tatarstan, St. Petersburg and the Astrakhan region.

According to the president, the countries have not yet fully realized their potential in the transport and logistics sector.

— At the moment, we are working on the creation of a transport artery along the Caspian Sea — Volga River with access to the northern ports of the Russian Federation and further to Europe, — said the head of the state.

«Chemistry» between Berdimuhamedov and Putin

Speaking about relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Berdimuhamedov noted that they first met almost 20 years ago, back in 2002, when he was the deputy head of the government and personally accompanied the Russian leader during his visit to Ashgabat.

— Vladimir Vladimirovich is a great man with a good character and a big heart, — noted the president.

According to him, their dialogue is always direct and open with regard to all the issues discussed. Putin respects Turkmenistan’s course, he added. Berdimuhamedov drew attention to the fact that all the issues raised in the framework of their regular communication are aimed at the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

Pandemic

As part of the interview, Guzman noted that Turkmenistan is one of the few countries in the world that has managed to protect itself from the coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, Berdimuhamedov stressed that Ashgabat was among the first to approve the Sputnik V and EpiVakKorona vaccines, and they have seriously helped in counteracting the infection.

— Vaccination is held on schedule in all parts of Turkmenistan. The health care system and sanitary services work harmoniously, — said the president.

Achievements of Turkmenistan

Berdimuhamedov emphasized that most of all he is proud of the people of Turkmenistan, who support and implement his initiatives. He recalled the great contribution of Saparmurat Niyazov, the first national leader, to the development of the state.

He said that over the years of independence, entire sectors of the national economy have been created from scratch, thousands of kilometers of roads, a number of energy facilities, and several dozen new factories have been built in Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to the beauty of Ashgabat.

Favorite places

Berdimuhamedov stressed that his homeland is a unique place. He often travels around the country, personally talks to people, but most of all he likes the places of his childhood.

Sports

The deputy director general of TASS praised the president for his excellent athletic form. After that Berdimuhamedov told about his achievements in sports.

According to him, when he was young, he became the champion of the republic in classic wrestling among teenagers in his weight category, took 1st place in the DOSAAF competition in airgun shooting among juniors, was the winner of the clay pigeon shooting competition in Turkmenistan.

Creativity

Berdimuhamedov noted that he inherited a passion for poetry and music from his father and grandfather who used to compose stories and poems themselves.

— Music, poetry is more of a hobby, hobbies that allow me to distract myself a little, — explained the president.

At the same time, he added that books are part of his work activity, an important component of his service to the Turkmen people. He noted that he takes his job very seriously and always use reliable sources and the opinion of specialists when writing books.

Family

Berdimuhamedov joked that his work schedule doesn’t include time for his family.

— The children are already big: the son is in politics, the eldest daughter is a doctor, the youngest is an economist, and the grandchildren are children of digitalization, — said the president.

According to him, due to his busy schedule, he does not meet with his family too often, but they understand that.

Afghanistan

Berdimuhamedov drew attention to the fact that Turkmenistan is ready to cooperate with the new government of Afghanistan. He said that Ashgabat intends to help the Islamic state in reviving the economy and social sphere, in particular through the implementation of the TAPI gas pipeline project. According to him, the situation in Kabul should be settled peacefully.

Understanding of power

— For me, power is, first of all, the greatest responsibility, — said Berdimuhamedov.

He noted that it is a great honor for him to be president, to serve the people faithfully. The head of the state added that his main goal at the relevant state position is to use available resources of the country for the benefit of the people only.

At the end of the interview, Mikhail Gusman noted that it was a great honor for him to take interview with the President of Turkmenistan.

04 окт 2021, 08:27
Photo source: tass.ru

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