Chairperson of Mejlis of Turkmenistan Gulshat Mammedova and Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko discussed important issues of bilateral inter-parliamentary cooperation during a telephone conversation. Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation congratulated the President and people of Turkmenistan on the upcoming 25th anniversary of neutrality of Turkmenistan, underlining the importance of this date in the world and the increasing role of the principles of neutrality in modern international relations. Expressing deep respect and sincere wishes for new successes to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation highly appreciated the contribution of the leaders of Turkmenistan and Russia to the development of fruitful relations between the two countries and peoples. V. Matvienko underlined that due to the efforts of the President of Turkmenistan, closer and more active cooperation within the framework of the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS Member States became possible, conveying the words of special gratitude to the Turkmen leader. Valentina Matviyenko invited the delegation of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan to take part in the next meeting of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly in November this year and the III Eurasian Women's Forum, which will be held in St. Petersburg in September 2021. The Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation welcomed the transition of the highest legislative and representative body of Turkmenistan to the bicameral system and the implementation of an important constitutional reform in the country as a comprehensively thought-out and balanced step, wishing success in organizing the work of the chambers of the National Council of Turkmenistan. Valentina Matviyenko proposed to hold online meetings between the CIS parliamentary groups of friendship. During the conversation, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to uniting efforts to combat the spread of the dangerous viral disease and to strengthen the capacity of healthcare systems, including through medical and scientific diplomacy.