On the instructions of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis Nurberdiyeva A. received credentials from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to Turkmenistan Leonidas S. Marquides. On behalf of the Head of the state, the chief of the national parliament congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment to a high diplomatic post, wishing success in enhancing cooperation between the two countries. Thanking for her kind words, the diplomat conveyed greetings to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov from the country's top leadership and best wishes for wellbeing and prosperity to the Turkmen people. As the Ambassador emphasized, the Republic of Cyprus attaches great importance to strengthening cooperation with Turkmenistan, which gained a high prestige and recognition in the international arena with progressive initiatives for the sake of universal peace and sustainable development. During the conversation, the diplomat was informed about the priorities of foreign and domestic policy pursued by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, successfully implemented in the life of large-scale development programs, including in the social sphere. Particular emphasis was done on transformations in science, education, health, culture and sports. Cyprus is watching with great interest the dynamic development of Turkmenistan, seeing in it new opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation, including within the framework of authoritative international organizations, in particular, the UN, the diplomat noted. Great prospects for partnership are available in such areas as trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation, the scientific and educational sphere, and the tourism industry. The activity of the Mejlis, its role and place in the context of democratic reforms initiated by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has become a separate topic of the dialogue. At the same time, an opinion was expressed on the importance of establishing direct inter-parliamentary ties as an important factor in deepening bilateral relations. * * * Today the diplomat was also received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where issues of intensification of Turkmen-Cypriot cooperation were considered.