CENTRAL COMMISSION FOR HOLDING ELECTIONS AND REFERENDUMS IN TURKMENISTAN

I extend to you my cordial congratulations as the UN General Assembly declares 3 June as World Bicycle Day based on our country’s proposal , states the address by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to compatriots.

As you know, in Turkmenistan we currently focus on development of physical education and sports. Extensive works are carried out to improve public health; increase life expectancy; create conditions for physical training and practicing sports; raise our country’s international profile as a sports nation.

During the years of independence, modern sports facilities – state-of-the-art stadiums, equestrian centers, sports academies – were built in all regions of the country. Conditions were created to train our athletes and ensure their participation in different levels of games and international tournaments.

Central Asia’s largest Olympic Village was built in Ashgabat. In 2017, 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games were successfully held for the first time in Turkmenistan’s history, states the message.

Much attention is also given to the development of cycling. Holding annual massive bicycle rides has become a good tradition in our country. Earlier this year we launched the Amul–Hazar 2018 international bicycle marathon.

The range of activities and development of the sports movement in the country encourage our people to engage in sports. Improving public health, developing sports and massive physical training are of crucial importance.

This is also confirmed by the decision adopted by the United Nations General Assembly declaring 3 June as World Bicycle Day based on our country’s initiative. This document that will further raise Turkmenistan’s international profile was co-sponsored by 56 countries of the world. And we are entitled to take pride in this.

The UN General Assembly also adopted a decision on including in the agenda of the 73rd session an item concerning cooperation between the United Nations and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. Adoption of this decision during Turkmenistan’s presidency in the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea is of tremendous significance.

Neutral Turkmenistan will continue to pursue efforts to strengthen peace, friendly relations; develop sports; ensure peaceful and happy life for the whole mankind, stresses the presidential address.