Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated his compatriots on International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, according to TDH.

The head of state recalled that Turkmenistan acquired the legal status of permanent neutrality on December 12, 1995, with the broad support of the international community, in accordance with a UN General Assembly resolution. "From the first days of independence, having chosen a foreign policy and national path aimed at integrating into the system of international relations," the country received international recognition of its status, noted Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

According to the President, neutrality has opened up new opportunities for Turkmenistan, located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, to develop large-scale cooperation and advance initiatives that support the international community's efforts in peace, security, and sustainable development.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that over the past period, the neutral country has become a reliable partner and a center for peacekeeping. He recalled the opening of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat and Turkmenistan's repeated election as Vice-President of the UN General Assembly.

The head of state particularly noted the adoption of the third resolution, "Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan," at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, which, he said, demonstrates the high regard for the principles of neutrality and the state's initiatives to promote policies of humanism, peace, and trust.

The President stated that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to strengthening ties with the UN, the European Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the CIS, the OSCE, the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the high-level holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the Avaza tourist zone and the start of construction of the Serhetabat-Herat gas pipeline as recent achievements.

"Independence and neutrality are the main pillars of our beloved Fatherland's foundation, the basis for our development and achievements," the head of state concluded, wishing citizens health and success in their work for the country's prosperity.