On Friday April 7, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon extended condolences to Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov over the death of his mother Ogulabad Eje.

Tajik leader noted in his message of condolences that with a feeling of deep sadness, he received the news of the death of Mr. Berdimuhamedov’s esteemed mother, Ogulabad Eje.  

“Please accept our most sincere and deepest condolences for your loss. I wish you, your loved ones and relatives mental strength and patience in this difficult time,” the message says.

Turkmenistan State News Agency (TDH) reports that “Ogulabat Eje, the mother of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov and grandmother of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, passed away at the age of 86.” 

The Halk Maslahaty (People's Council) is Turkmenistan's independent “representative body” exerting supreme constitutional authority.  It includes in its membership, but is not considered part of, the legislature. Inter alia it is empowered to amend the constitution.  Its chairperson is appointed by the president and is designated the "National Leader."  Turkmenistan’s state-run media referred to the People's Council as the “supreme organ of government authority”.  From 2018 to 2023 it was the upper chamber of Turkmenistan's Parliament, the Milli Genesh (National Council).