President of Turkmenistan addresses participants of the forum on the achievements in the spheres of education and sports

''Knowledge is the invaluable wealth of our people, accumulated over the thousands of years, passed from generation to generation, the source of our people's life foundations, culture and experience. Therefore, when resolving the problems of Turkmenistan's progressive development, increasing the country's competitiveness in the world political, economic and cultural space, the emphasis is primarily placed on investments into the system of education and training of specialists, who are familiar with the achievements of the scientific and technological progress and innovations'', said the President of Turkmenistan in his address. 

''In order to ensure the conformity of the quality and content of the national education with the international standards, the ambitious reforms have been implemented in the country given the current needs, as well as for the future, the new buildings of secondary, professional and higher educational institutions have been erected. The advanced world practice, innovative computer and laboratory equipment are widely introduced into the educational process, modern textbooks and teaching aids are developed. 

In accordance with the state policy aimed at the creative development of each individual, the implementation of the political, economic, cultural, educational and sports potential of the country, new higher educational institutions are created. In the context of the Programme for Social and Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2018-2024, which was recently adopted by the Elders' Council of Turkmenistan, we will continue strengthening the basic principles of the national system of education. 

Physical culture and sports are among the priority areas of the state policy. Guided by these goals, we have adopted the state programmes to support the development of physical culture and sports, and launched major reforms. The sports and equestrian complexes, stadiums, sports schools, recreational and health centres that meet international standards have been built in all regions of the country, including in the Avaza National tourism zone. The modern Olympic Village was built on the 157-hectare area in Ashgabat. Recently, a sports golf club was opened in the Turkmen capital. The V Asian Games, held in Ashgabat on September 17-27, 2017, represented Turkmenistan as one of the world's sports centres. 

Using the educational and sports potential for the benefit of peace and friendship, we systematically enhance cooperation with the major scientific and educational centres of the countries of the Far East, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Europe and America, as well as the international and regional organizations. The Final Declaration of the International Sports Congress "2017 Asian Games: International Sports Cooperation for Peace and Progress" was adopted as the document of the 71st session of the UN General Assembly. The Declaration "On Encouragement of Valuable Contribution of the Refugees Olympic Teams to Consolidation of Peace and Human Rights" was adopted at the 36th session of the UN Council on human rights on the initiative of our country''. 

In conclusion, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed belief that the current forum would be of particular importance for the world community to know more about our country's achievements in the fields of education and sports, widen international cooperation, and introduce modern developments.