Dear Shavkat Miromonovich! Dear Heads of the States! First of all, let me extend my gratitude to President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for organization of current session. I would like to mention his big personal contribution to successful chairing of Uzbekistan in the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2020. Traditionally, we sum up the outcomes of our joint activity under the CIS, share the opinions about work in coming period. First of all, I would like to say that despite known current complications, the CIS countries have managed to accomplish the most of planned joint events. Sessions of the Councils of the Head of the Governments, Foreign Ministries, Economic council, during which strategic directions of our cooperation in different sphere have been discussed and important documents have been adopted, were held. Among the documents, I would make special mention of the Strategy of economic cooperation of the CIS until 2030. We consider this document as timely and current and note its specific details, clarity of set out goals and objectives for long-term period and are ready to joint work for the fulfilment of these objectives. In this case, it is necessary to highlight that the above-mentioned Strategy is based on the principles of the Declaration on strategic economic cooperation of the CIS state members, which was adopted at the session of the Council of the Heads of the states in Ashgabat in October last year. We state with delight that we note such directions as transport, fuel and energy complex, communication, industrial cooperation, trade, innovations and technologies among the priorities of economic partnership of the Commonwealth countries. In general, Turkmenistan stands for giving of new quality to our cooperation, transit to long-term systematic cooperation. We are confident that current potential of the CIS allows us speaking of opportunities of realization of important projects in the mentioned perspective spheres. At the same time, the territories of the CIS countries are able to become the main routes of economic partnership on the continent, the routes, which are connecting links in Europe – Asia direction in wide understanding. In this context, we highlight the importance of promotion of economic interests of the CIS beyond geographic borders of the Commonwealth, integration of neighboring countries and regions to our joint projects. First of all, this is related to establishment of transport and transit infrastructure, optimization and increment of supply of energy carriers, construction of new communication lines. In particular, we see big opportunities of cooperation in these directions in Caspian region, formation of the system of combined logistic with participation of the landlocked countries. In this regard, we suggest to review perspectives of use of Turkmenbashy International Seaport as well as modern commercial fleet of Turkmenistan. Last year, conceptual foundations of multilateral cooperation in Caspian Sea have been put and specific measures of giving long-term character to it have been planned at the first Caspian Economic Forum in Turkmenbashy. Many countries and big foreign companies show interest in participation in the forum. We think that Caspian direction has to take proper place in the plans of the Commonwealth and be considered as a zone of priority economic partnership. Esteemed Heads of the States! This year has passed under combating coronavirus infection, which has become a serious challenge for our healthcare systems. I think it is necessary to highlight that the CIS states could have establish the channels of cooperation between medical, sanitary, customs and other services in this complex conditions, having demonstrated high responsibility, solidarity and mutual support in front of new challenge. Using the opportunity, I would like to extend sincere gratitude to President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin for his big personal contribution to solution of this common problem, which has improved the authority of Russian leader in the world arena. I am confident that we have to follow these principles in coming period of combating the pandemic and recovery the consequences. We look forward for detailed review of specific measures proposed to the UN on formation of the mechanisms of scientific and medical cooperation, establishment of international specialized centers, which would develop new methods and practices of combating dangerous virus infections. I think that the Commonwealth states could have an initiative role in this work, to show example of efficient cooperation, exchange of practice and joint researches in medical sphere. In general, Turkmenistan is confident in the necessity of closer cooperation and consolidation of efforts of the CIS countries in the world arena and under big international structures, especially under the UN. We think that the Commonwealth states could make significant contribution to stabilization of the situation, restoration and strengthening of the role of international law and the UN Charter, to provide support in creation of the atmosphere of trust and predictability in the relations between the states on the background of complex situation in the world politics. In this regard, it is important to adopt the Joint Statement of the Heads of the CIS country members on occasion of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Organization. As is known, 2021 has been announced as International Year of Peace and Trust at the initiative of our country by the UN General Assembly. We see this decision as a good reason to resume serious and responsible dialog on modern world order and international relations. We propose to think over the filling of the dialog with practical and specific content. In this context it is planned to hold High-level International Conference dedicated to strengthening of peace, security and provision of sustainable development in Ashgabat next year. I would like to invite you to participate in this Forum! Few days ago, Turkmenistan has celebrated a remarkable date of its modern history – the 25th anniversary of international recognition of the status of permanent neutrality. Taking the opportunity, I would like to express gratitude to the heads of the states who sent congratulations addressed to our country and people. Such position is a big support for us and stimuli for development of international cooperation based on the principles of god neighborliness and peace-loving, confirms the correctness of the foreign course of Turkmenistan and its compliance with long-term interests and goals of the CIS. In this regard, we think it is efficient to continue a practice of mutual support in the UN General Assembly. During its last session, Turkmenistan has made number of initiatives aimed at strengthening of the role of preventive diplomacy and realization of the principles of neutrality during solution of international issues. We are grateful to the Commonwealth states, which have joined to the establishment of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for peace, security and development under the UN and highly appreciate their position. Dear Heads of the State! Turkmenistan is confident of the presence of the CIS big potential in economic and social development, humanitarian and cultural cooperation, in positive effect on regional and global processes. The Commonwealth proves its viability and ability to deal with challenges and threats with responsibility, its relevance as an important tool of interstate dialog. Our country is determined to continue close cooperation under the CIS, active participation in realization of the provision of signed documents. Finishing my speech, I would like to express gratitude to Uzbekistan for skillful chairing of the CIS in 2020 and wish success to the Republic of Belarus, which takes over the chairmanship in the next year. I would like also to extend words of gratitude to Head of the Executive Committee – the CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev for efficient coordination of our work and input to successful organization of the current session. Let me congratulate you, dear participants, on coming New year, wish strong health and success to you and peace, wealth and prosperity to the people of the Commonwealth states. December 18, 2020