Today, the 5^th Forum of Parliamentarians of the Member States of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) was held at the Yyldyz Hotel in the capital. The event was part of the 44^th EAG meeting, a key event of the year “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds”.

Currently, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, our country is making the necessary efforts to ensure the effective operation of the national system for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, and to ensure its effectiveness at the interagency level and within relevant structures. To address the challenges in this area, particular attention is being paid to both legislative measures and the implementation of fundamental reforms.

During the meeting between the EAG Chairman and the Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, the steps being taken to improve the system were discussed. In this regard, it was noted that the programmatic activities of the Interagency Working Group play a significant role.

On behalf of the delegation members, the EAG Chairman expressed deep gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan and Hero-Arkadag for the high organizational level of the planned international events, expressing confidence that, through joint efforts, the objectives will be successfully achieved.

The meeting of the Working Group on Technical Assistance to EAG Member States was held as part of the forum. Current aspects of the relevant activities of the Eurasian Group member states were discussed, and priority areas for further work were identified.

An exchange of views on issues of mutual interest in the aforementioned area also took place.

Furthermore, a meeting was held on mutual evaluations and legal aspects. Detailed information was conveyed on the results of the work completed and the progress achieved in this area. The meeting participants discussed issues related to improving ways and tools to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, exchanging experience in this area, and identifying a plan for joint activities for the near future.

By acceding to a number of UN conventions, agreements, and programs in the fight against organized crime and terrorism, Turkmenistan effectively reaffirms its commitment to international law. In this regard, the effective nature of joint work conducted with other states and major specialized agencies was noted.

Then, a general meeting of the International Association of Training and Methodology Centers of the Eurasian Group member states was held. Particular attention was paid to the EAG’s ongoing international work to reduce the terrorist threat, ensure transparency, reliability, and security of national financial systems, as well as measures implemented by states in the region to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

As noted, positive resolution of these important issues by Central Asian countries is also facilitated by negotiations and the adoption of best practices in this area.

As part of the forum’s cultural program, parliamentarians and delegation leaders visited the National Turkmen Carpet Museum, where they learned about the history, unique traditions, and distinctive features of our people’s carpet weaving art. Guests were also given a tour of the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan.

Forum participants expressed their sincere gratitude to Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar for the opportunities created for fruitful work and for the hospitality extended to them on Turkmen soil.

The 44^th meeting of the Eurasian Group continues its work.