On December 12, the capital has hosted International conference “Policy of neutrality and its importance in provision of universal peace, security and sustainable development”. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the ceremonial session of the forum dedicated to the 25th anniversary of permanent neutral status of the Motherland.
Before the conference, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has looked around International exhibition expanded in the Exposition Center of the Trade and Industrial Chamber. All branches and spheres of life activity of the country have presented their achievements in honor of the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality.
The main government facilities as well as the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs have taken part in the review.Number of business events, presentations and talks have been held at the fields of the exhibition.
Document signing ceremony between the heads of national ministries and other departments and representatives of profile foreign structures and companies and international organizations have been held at the forum.
Thus, Memorandum on cooperation between the State News Agency TDH and Russian State News Agency TASS has been signed on the final day of the exhibition. Heads of news agencies put their signatures under the document in video conference mode.
More than 130 international documents and contracts to total amount of 62 million US dollars, more than 1,5 million euros and more than 2.5 million manats have been signed for the duration of the exhibition, which has been started on December 1 this year,
About 50 documents have been signed with international organizations. Most of them are the documents between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. Total amount of the projects on signed contracts is more than 82 million US dollars, 70.5 million dollars from which is planned to be provided by Turkmen side.
In addition, 40 contracts on export of local commodities to total amount of 72.79 million US dollars have been signed.
Use of digital technologies in decoration of exposition displays and in work of the exhibition platform itself, which allowed holding video conferences and online meetings, direct connections from different parts of the world, was the main features of the exposition.
Therefore, dozens of countries have been presented in anniversary review in Turkmen capital these days, which vividly indicated the transparency and willingness of our country to wide and equal international cooperation.
All of these is an undisputable success of the policy of Head of Turkmen State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which is built on the principles of neutrality in the interests of native people and entire humankind.
Sections of international review have reflected the main vectors of trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation of Turkmenistan with other countries.Each day of the forum was dedicated to one of the spheres of national economy and social complex.
On the last day, all branches have presented a single exposition, which informational materials and videos narrated brightly about grandiose programs implemented in our country, modernization of industrial, transport and communication infrastructure.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov has reported on work of International exhibition in the past days and events held under its framework.
Head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has noted the comprehensiveness of reflection of current directions of social and economic development of Turkmenistan at the exhibition, having highlighted that such demonstration is very important in popularization of the achievements of the country.
After, the Leader of the Nation has looked around the exposition, having assessed the organization level of the review.
Finishing looking around multi-profile exhibition, the Head of the State has given high appraisal to large-scale review, having noted the important of periodic organization of similar exhibitions. Having addressed specific instructions to relative officials in this context, the Leader of the Nation has wished them success in their work.
After, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov went to the conference hall where the participants of forum have gathered. It included the members of the Government, heads of ministries and departments, military and law enforcement agencies, public organizations and mass media of the country, heads of diplomatic corps accredited in Turkmenistan and representatives of competent international organizations.
Opening ceremonial session of the conference, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has addressed the participants with welcoming speech, having highlighted that legal status of permanent neutrality, which was recognized by the Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly dated from December 12, 1995 and confirmed by the Resolution on the UN General Assembly from June 3, 2015, is the main principle of foreign policy of Turkmenistan.
Cordially greeting those who gathered at the ceremonial session of International Conference, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to all for the participation in anniversary forum and for willingness to share their approaches, proposals and opinions on important points of the agenda.
The Leader of the Nation highlighted that receiving of internationally recognized status of permanent neutrality on December 12, 1995 was important historical event for our country.It has determined the orientation and content of the foreign policy of Turkmen state, made strong positive effect of internal development, fulfilment of major national plans in the economy and social sphere, establishment and strengthening of democratic institutes.
Continuing his speech, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has noted that Turkmenistan’s neutrality, presence of friendly, constructive and respectful relations with all states, established cooperation with the UN and its specialized agencies, participation in work of other competent international organizations make favorable conditions for full participation of our country in solution of the most vital problems of the modern world.
Finishing his speech, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has noted that neutrality is applicable almost to all spheres of international partnership these days, it has big potential in establishment of cooperation and understanding, plays an important role in achievement of fundamental goals and implementation of the strategies of the United Nations Organization.
Having congratulated all on International Neutrality Day, the Head of the State wished interesting and fruitful work to the participants of the conference.
Further, video message of United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has been watched at the forum.
The UN Secretary General has again addressed his appeal to all state members to work in the interest of inclusive sustainable development, having expressed the gratitude to Turkmenistan for recognition of the importance of the SDGs in this context.
In the end of his speech, having highlighted that the system of the United Nations would continue providing support to our country in its efforts for achievements of these goals, Mr Antonio Guterres addressed sincere congratulations to all on important anniversary.
Further video message of the Secretary General of the Islamic Cooperation Organization Yosef Bin Ahmed Al Usaymin has been broadcasted.
Having cordially congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Turkmen people on the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, the Head of the ICO highlighted that positive policy of our country as well as its position in solution of international problems by peace and dialog meet the goals and principles of the Chapter of the Islamic Cooperation Organization.
It was highlighted that our country is an active member of the Islamic Cooperation Organization, which highly appreciates its commitment to ideals of the organization and positive contribution to joint activity and organization of the main events of the ICO.
In the end of his video message, Mr. Yusef Bin Ahmed Al-Usaymin has wished further progress and prosperity to people of Turkmenistan.
Chairman of the Executive Committee Executive Secretary of the Commonwealth of Independent States Sergey Levedev has also sent his video message, having cordially congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and all Turkmenistan citizens on the government holiday the Neutrality Day, on behalf of the CIS Executive Committee.
“We see with our own eyes the intent of Turkmenistan to build interstate relations on the principles of good neighborliness, equality and respect of mutual interests”, - the Chairman of the Executive Committee the CIS Executive Secretary said.
Being an associated members of the CIS, our country has recommended itself as an active participant of many creative program under the Commonwealth.In this regard, successful chairmanship of Turkmenistan in the CIS in 2019, initiative interested approach, the same like in 2012, to development of multidimensional partnership and formation of actual mechanisms providing gradual integration of the Commonwealth’s states to modern world economic relations.
In particular, it was mentioned that the CIS highly appreciates active position of Turkmen state on the platforms of the UN where our country has proposed number of initiatives, which have comprehensive significance in such current issues as provision of energy security, establishment of international transport corridors and environment protection.
In the end of his message, Mr. Lebedev has addressed sincere wishes of success and new achievements for prosperity of Turkmenistan to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and wealth, health and happiness to talented and hardworking Turkmen people.
Further, video message of the Secretary General of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Vladimir Norov has been watched.
Addressing President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and participants of the conference, the SCO Secretary General has cordially congratulated the government and people of Turkmenistan on national holiday the 25th anniversary of neutrality, and expressed gratitude for the invitation to take part in work of the forum.
The heads of the SCO has given high appraisal to active support provided by our country to peaceful and political regulation of the situation in neighboring Afghanistan, which demonstrates the intent of Turkmenistan to develop friendly relations, good neighborliness and cooperation in the region.
In the end, the Secretary General of Shanghai Cooperation Organization has expressed confidence that peace-loving Turkmenistan would continue pursuing policy of stable neutrality and continue playing an important role in provision of peace, security and sustainable development in the region.
General Director of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization Mrs. Audrey Azoulay has also send her video message to the participants of the conference.
Having highlighted that she is glad to celebrate the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan together with the world community, the Head of the UNESCO expressed gratitude for this opportunity to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
It was noted that having announced its neutral status, Turkmenistan opened new chapter of its history, which is rich with dialog between nations and cultures, the history, which is a part of common roots of humankind.
Mrs. Audrey Azoulay highlighted that Turkmenistan’s neutrality is a continuation of this history as this commitment to peace for the country and region is far from abstraction and privacy. Actually, neutral status reflects a decisive transparency to the world as announcing its neutrality, the state refuse to allow the conflicts dividing the world community.
Therefore, UNESCO supports the strive of Turkmenistan to peace in all fields, which ae covered by its authorities, and confirms its commitment at current celebration, the head of one of the leading UN agencies noted in the end of her video message.
Further, continuing the session of the forum and addressing its participants, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has highlighted that further comprehensive support to protection of global peace, stability and security, fulfilment of the Sustainable development goals in strategic cooperation with the UN and its specialized structures are the main directions of the foreign policy of Turkmenistan.
Taking into account its neutral status our country also heads toward the expansion of beneficial partnership with international associations such as ICO, OSCE, CIS, SCO and other structures.
In this regard, the Head of the State has expressed gratitude to the heads of international organizations for their video messages and warm words addressed to Turkmenistan and its people.
Continuing the conference, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has given floor for a speech to Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Central Asia, Head of the United Nations Regional Center of Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Natalya Gherman.
Having cordially congratulated Turkmen leader and all participants of the conference on the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, the Head of the RCPDCA highlighted the importance of the resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly two times.
These documents have become a foundation of modern foreign course of the country, which is aimed at development of the dialog and cooperation, implementation of peace-making initiatives, prevention of conflicts and peaceful resolution of disputes between the states and nations.
Announcement of December 12 as International Neutrality Day is a bright evidence of high authority of Turkmenistan in the world arena,
In this context, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General has noted that owing to its neutral status and peace-loving foreign course, our country has not only achieved significant results in various spheres but also made considerable contribution to provision of stability, security and sustainable development in Central Asia and in global scale for short period.
The Head of the RCPDCA has highlighted the currency of initiatives of Turkmenistan on development of the UN Code of Practice for efficient application of the principles of neutrality for regulation of international issues and provision of peace and security as well as on organization of multilateral dialog on practical application of the principles of neutrality for prevention of conflict, elimination of their root causes and consequences, solution of humanitarian issues under the UN aegis.
It is our common goal today to make model of security, stability and prosperity out of Central Asia today. We are determined to continue strengthening our cooperation in the interests of provision of peace in the region, Special Representatives of the UN Secretary General said in the end.
Having expressed gratitude to Mrs.Gherman for substantial speech and congratulations on the anniversary, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that being a state hosting the headquarter of the RCPDCA, Turkmenistan pays special attention to promotion of peace-making agenda, establishment of multidimensional cooperation in prevention of conflicts and confrontations, elimination of threats and challenges, establishment of firm foundation for peace, security and development.
Further, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has given floor to the Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat Natalya Drozd who cordially congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and all citizens of Turkmenistan on the 25th anniversary of international recognition of the status of permanent neutrality of the country.
In her speech, Mrs Drozd has cited the words from the video message of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the participants of the75th session of the UN General Assembly: “Neutrality of Turkmenistan is an appeal and establishment of conditions for equal, respectful, beneficial international partnership in politics, economy, environment protection, provision of universal food security, fair and efficient distribution of natural resources of the planet, support and help to refugees, migrants and stateless persons, for solution of many other current problems of the modern world”.
This definition visually indicates that progressive concept of active and positive neutrality is based on the principle of integrity and indivisibility of security, which also occupies central place in the philosophy of the OSCE about comprehensive approach to security, Mrs.
Drozd said.The practice of the past 25 years has shown that Turkmen neutrality serves as an actual tool of active multilateral cooperation wide range of issues for provision of stable peace and development in Central Asian Region and beyond its borders.
On occasion of remarkable anniversary, the Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat has wished strong health and further success in his noble activity in the interests of peace and security to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and happiness and prosperity to people of Turkmenistan.
Having expressed gratitude to Mrs.Drozd for substantial speech and congratulations on the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, the Leader of the Nation has mentioned an old and productive cooperation with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in the context of the partnership of our country with international structures.
Political, economic and humanitarian scales of OSCE activity are the priorities during outlining of the projects and programs to be implemented in Turkmenistan.
Continuing the session, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has given floor to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russian Federation to Turkmenistan Alexander Blokhin.
Having congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and all Turkmen people on remarkable date the 25th anniversary of international recognition of neutral status of the country, the diplomat noted that Russia was one of the first states that recognized Turkmenistan’s independence, supported the country from the beginning and was a co-author of the Resolutions of the UN General Assembly on permanent neutrality.
Mr. Blokhin said that it is pleasant to note that the country improves its authority and recognition every year organizing big international forums, presenting its platform for dialog on various subjects of regional and global agenda actual problems, which require the attention of entire world community.
It was highlighted that Russia has always supported and would support creative initiatives of Turkmenistan. For example, this year, the Russian Federation has joined the Group of friends of neutrality established by Turkmen partners, which lays good foundation for development of multilateral dialog based on the principles of mutual respect and common interests.
Having expressed confidence that neutral and friendly Turkmenistan would continue making positive input in peace and prosperity on regional and global level, Mr. Blokhin extended his gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for traditional cordiality and hospitality at this event, having wished successful and fruitful work to all participants of the forum.
Having expressed gratitude for the speech and good words on occasion of the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted at first that relations with the Russian Federation, which have character of strategic partnership, receive new content these days and demonstrate big potential of development taking into account modern realities and current requirements of two countries.
This is provided by full understanding in opinions both on priorities of bilateral cooperation and global trends.
Further, addressing the participants of the conference, the Leader of the Nation noted that currency of the policy of neutrality and its significance in provision of global peace, security and sustainable development have been highlighted in the speeches of the heads of competent international organizations and diplomats.
Many important initiatives, which can be used in international diplomacy, able to enrich the diplomacy, to give new impulses to it have been proposed as well in the speeches.
We highly appreciate the outcomes of the session of the conference, which has demonstrated that joint work in strengthening of peace, security and stability, achievement of the Sustainable development goals is able to become a solid foundation for consolidation of multilateral efforts, the Leader of the Nation noted.
In the end, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has addressed sincere gratitude to all for good words addressed to Turkmenistan and Turkmen people, high appreciation of our initiatives in international arena.
They convince us more in right selection in favor of establishment of wide and active dialog on the most urgent issues of global agenda, further steadfast intensification of cooperation for achievement of high goals, the Head of the State highlighted.
Having congratulated the participants of the conference on International Neutrality Day, the Leader of the Nation wished strong health, prosperity and big success to all.
Finishing his speech, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has said that Turkmenistan would observe another historical date the 30th anniversary of independence. Taking the opportunity, the President has cordially congratulated the participants of the conference on coming 2021 International Year of Peace and Trust, having wished that New Year would bring happiness and prosperity to all.
In the afternoon, International conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan continued its work in the format of plenary session.
Impartial and comprehensive assessment of the role of Turkmen neutrality in provision of peace and security has been given, important humanitarian aspect of neutrality has been noted and full support on constructive initiatives of the President of the Turkmenistan, which are aimed at intensification of fruitful cooperation in the main directions, has been extended in the reports.
Issues related to the achievement of the Sustainable development goals and to development of beneficial international trade and economic partnership, multimodal transit and transport infrastructure, implementation of the potential of energy diplomacy, promotion of collaboration in environment protection and objectives related to climate change in this context have been the subjects of interested discussion.
At the same time, active and initiative position of neutral Turkmenistan in consolidation of efforts of the world community in development of balanced solution of actual modern problems has been highlighted.
The outcomes of anniversary forum have been summed up during round table session and have been reflected in the adopted Ashgabat Final Document of International conference “Policy of neutrality and its significance in provision of global peace, security and sustainable development”.
Therefore, the conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Motherland’s neutrality has become an open ground for discussion of wide range of subjects of international cooperation, having confirmed creative role of foreign course of Turkmenistan, which is based on permanent neutral status of the country, in strengthening of positive regional and global processes pursued under the leadership of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.