On instructions from President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Mejlis Chairperson Gulshat Mammedova has received credentials from Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Finland Marja Liivala. On behalf of the head of state, the Speaker of the national parliament congratulated the guest on her new appointment as head of the diplomatic mission in our country, having wished her every success in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries. Grateful for the kind words, the ambassador conveyed congratulations to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the 27th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and wishes for prosperity to the people of Turkmenistan from the leadership of the Republic of Finland. Having assured that she would dedicate her experience and professional knowledge to further promote bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and nations, Marja Liivala highlighted that the Turkmen leader’s peacemaking initiatives aimed at global security, stability and sustainable development, had won enormous respect and support in the international political arena, including in Finland. In the course of the meeting, the ambassador was informed about the major aspects of Turkmenistan’s state policy, whose important objective is to extend fruitful relations with all interested countries and major international organizations, first of all, with the United Nations and its agencies. Massive socio-economic programs and investment projects, ongoing in our country, received special attention as well. The discussion also centered on the parliament’s efforts to improve the national legislation in terms of democratic changes and legal reform. In this context, the Mejlis Speaker stressed the importance of the national forum, Khalk Maslakhaty, which had just come to a close in Ashgabat. The parties identified the trade-economic and humanitarian-cultural fields as priority areas, while examining prospects for closer Turkmen-Finnish partnership on a mutually advantageous and long-term basis. * * * The diplomat was also received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss issues concerning the expansion of bilateral cooperation.