On the occasion of International Neutrality Day, 1690 persons became Turkmen citizens. The relevant Decree has been signed by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the Government session. As reported by Vice Premier, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, based on the current legislation, norms of international law and principles of humanism underlying the domestic and foreign policy of the country, measures are consistently taken in Turkmenistan to ensure the rights and freedoms of the people, including the persons who, due to certain reasons and circumstances, were compelled to leave their homeland. The clear demonstration thereof is the fact that between 2011 and 2016, under Decrees of the President of Turkmenistan, 6 thousand 455 people residing in our country and not holding nationality of any other country were granted Turkmenistan citizenship. According to the Vice Premier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and relevant Government authorities have worked on granting Turkmenistan citizenship to 1 thousand 690 persons living in our country upon their personal requests. They represent 21 nationalities and include 1165 adults and 525 persons under the age of 18. Having signed the Decree on Granting Turkmenistan Citizenship, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed his congratulations to the new citizens of the country and wished them family welfare, voicing his hope for their valuable contribution to the common cause of ensuring prosperity of our independent and neutral motherland.