Turkmenistan marks 13th anniversary of neutrality

On 12 December, Turkmenistan marks the 13th anniversary of adopting the neutrality status which was acknowledged by the United Nations General Assembly special resolution.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated the people of Turkmenistan on this occasion. The text of the message was published in the central press of Turkmenistan. "Turkmenistan has got economic strength and undergone profound transformation in 13 years, the message said. Turkmenistan has also taken a worthy place in international relations."

"The neutral policy of Turkmenistan, being the foundation of the country's foreign policy, pursues the global goals of the third millennium - the achievement of the global peace, social progress and economic prosperity. This is evidenced by the opening of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia in Ashgabat," the president noted.

"Turkmenistan is a country that is using its peacemaking resources in the interest of the whole world, and which is implementing a variety of projects designed to serve the interest of the entire humanity. Turkmenistan adheres to the "open doors" policy and diversification of export of its energy resources to the world markets," the message notes.

The programme of festive events included celebrations in the "Olympic" stadium and performance of masters of arts in the central square of Ashgabat, the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports from Ashgabat. A gala concert dedicated to the Neutrality Day was held in the Ruhiet Palace yesterday.