OREANDA-NEWS. December 12, 2008. On occasion of the 13th anniversary of neutrality of Turkmenistan President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave the congratulatory address to compatriots. The address said in particular, “The date of December 12th, 19995 is enchased with golden letters in the history of the Turkmen people. On this day the United Nations General Assembly approved the Resolution recognizing and maintaining the status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. This document unanimously welcomed by 185 states declared to the whole world that Turkmenistan became the first state whose status of neutrality was recognized by the United Nations Organisation. For the state that had just recently gained independence, for all our people it betokened profound confidence of the world community, an opportunity for the country to act as a peacemaker.

“Over 13 years passed since gaining the status of neutrality Turkmenistan has got firmly established economically and transformed. The standard of life has considerably improved.

“Turkmenistan has also taken a worthy stand in the international relations. Today in the name of global peace and progress our state implements constructive strategic partnership on the basis of mutual confidence and pragmatism with many countries worldwide and such authoritative international organisations as the United Nations Organization, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Organization of the Islamic Conference, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, European Union, Economic Cooperation Organization. This partnership meets the interests of global peace, security and sustainable development.

“The neutral policy of the Turkmen state being the fundamental trend in its foreign policy seeks to achieve the global goals of the third millennium – global peace, social progress and economic wellbeing. That is evidenced by opening the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia in Ashgabat. This fact testifies to Turkmenistan’s high prestige worldwide, profound respect of the countries in the region and large international organisations, in particular the United Nations Organization.

“Today Turkmenistan is widely known in the world as the state resolutely pursuing the policy of progressive reforms particularly in the social sphere and an economically strong country with abundant resources. We attach special significance to expansion of trade and economic co-operation and international cooperation in the strategic fuel and energy sector. Turkmenistan is the country that employs its peacemaking potential in the interests of the world, implements many projects called upon to serve the interests of the whole mankind, stands steadfast to the open door policy and diversification of its energy export to the world markets. Therefore, today the world community highly appreciates our achievements in these fields, the country’s firm policy of permanent neutrality, positive good neighbourliness, open doors. That is vividly illustrated by our official visits to the countries of Europe and Asia, the United States of America. Steadily rising interest shown by famous politicians and world’s lading news agencies in Turkmenistan’s activities to enhance international co-operation evidences the continued growth of international prestige of our Motherland, recognition of its role in tackling challenges of the modern multipolar world.”

In conclusion Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished good health and long life, love and family wellbeing, peace and prosperity to the people of Turkmenistan.