The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree on September 23 conferring the title «Hormatly il ýaşulusy» («Honorary Elder of the Country») on 19 citizens of Turkmenistan. The decision was made in consideration of their great contribution to strengthening the independence of Turkmenistan, developing national traditions and customs, reinforcing the unity and cohesion of the native people, and raising the younger generation, as well as their exemplary life example, and on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the great independence of permanently neutral Turkmenistan.

The Decree notes that wise elders actively participate in discussing important issues of state significance in the interests of the country and society, as well as in the large-scale reforms being carried out in the Motherland. The older generation also carries out effective work in explaining the domestic and foreign policy of independent, neutral Turkmenistan. The state highly values the role of elders in our cohesive society and their services in raising young people in the spirit of patriotism, hard work, integrity, morality, and humanism.