Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Feb. 16 / Trend H. Hasanov /
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that the country will strictly adhere to all the rights and freedoms of its citizens after the CEC officially announced his re-election for a second five-year term, local media reported on Thursday.
President Berdimuhamedov addressed the members of the joint meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Turkmen State Security Council after the CEC published the final report on the presidential elections held on Feb. 12.
"We will fully and strictly observe all the rights and freedoms of citizens in our sovereign country in accordance with the Constitution," President Berdimuhamedov said at the meeting.
He said that Turkmenistan will create all conditions for a multiparty system, as well as to develop market relations.
"We will consistently strengthen civil society, hold all the necessary work for the consistent development of its institutions, ensure effective work and free development of mass media," the president said.
He also drew attention to the fact that the uncompromising struggle against drug addiction and other negative problems will continue.
Turkmenistan will continue to rely on the neutral status and defend national interests in its foreign policy.
"We will continue developing industry by widely implementing new advanced technologies into production," he said. "This will allow us to ensure the dynamic development of the economy. All we have to do will be aimed at further improving the standard of living of the people of our country."
President Berdimuhamedov thanked the people who voted for his candidature.The current presidential campaign was fought between eight candidates, but President Berdimuhammadov won a clear 97.14 per cent of the votes.
"Great confidence has been expressed by people during the last elections and that encourages and inspires me for large-scale actions for the happiness and welfare of the people and the prosperity of the beloved Motherland," the President said.
"I perceived strong support from the people during the last election as a result of my activities and achievements during my presidency for the last five years.
"I want to assure you that I will take all necessary measures to ensure effective and successful work of the government and the country's Security Council and the Majlis (Turkmen Parliament),"he said