Berdimuhamedov marked that the Russian instructor-cosmonaut-tester inspires the whole world.
President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko on his birthday on June 21. The head of the state wished him good health and success in his career. It was reported to CentralAsia.news by "Turkmenistan today".
Berdimuhamedov highlighted that the Turkmen people are very proud of the numerous achievements of their compatriot. The President noted that over the years Kononenko has made a significant contribution to the development of world space and is an example for the younger generation. The Turkmen leader wished the astronaut long life, family well-being, and happiness.
It must be added that Oleg Kononenko was born in 1964 in Charjou (now it’s Turkmenabat). He is an instructor-cosmonaut-tester of the 1st class, 473rd cosmonaut of the world, and also the commander of the cosmonaut corps of the state corporation Roscosmos. Kononenko in 2009 became a Hero of the Russian Federation. On September 25, 2019 he received the title of Hero of Turkmenistan by order of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
On September 29, the astronaut visited his hometown and took part in the celebration of the independence of Turkmenistan.
Earlier, on December 31, 2018, Kononenko showed the Turkmen flag and book by Berdimuhamedov “Turkmenistan - the heart of the Great Silk Road”, as part of the New Year’s video congratulations from the ISS.