Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held an enlarged session of the Cabinet of Ministers with the participation of heads of diplomatic missions and consular offices of Turkmenistan in foreign countries and missions of Turkmenistan under international organizations to consider priority issues of the country’s foreign policy.

Opening the session and emphasizing that in a few days we will celebrate a big holiday – the International Day of Neutrality, the head of state cordially congratulated the participants and, in their person, the entire Turkmen people on this significant date, wishing them good health, a prosperous, happy life and great success. 

As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, according to tradition, on the eve of national holidays in Turkmenistan, pardons are granted to citizens convicted of crimes committed, but regretting what they have done and sincerely repenting of it. Guided by the principles of humanism and mercy bequeathed by our great ancestors, noble actions are regularly carried out to free them from further punishment.

In this regard, the floor was given to the Chairman of the Commission on the Preparation of Proposals on Citizenship and Pardon Issues under the President of Turkmenistan, B.Gundogdyev, who reported on the results of the work carried out by the Commission on Pardoning Convicted Persons in honor of the International Day of Neutrality.

Following this noble tradition, the head of state signed a Decree pardoning 308 persons on the occasion of the upcoming holiday, instructing the Chairman of the Commission, together with the heads of law enforcement agencies, to take the necessary measures so that all those released from prison will return to their families in the near future.

The President of Turkmenistan wished the pardoned citizens to contribute to the large-scale work carried out in our country with conscientious work, and serve the Homeland in good faith.

Then the floor was given to the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R.Meredov, who reported on the good news: on December 6 of this year, during the 45th plenary session of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, the Resolution “2023 – the International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace” initiated by Turkmenistan was unanimously adopted.

In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cordially congratulated the head of state and the participants of the session on latest important international achievement of an independent neutral Homeland.

Having received this news with satisfaction, addressing the participants of the session, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that last year Turkmenistan launched the initiative “Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace” and began work on its promotion at the United Nations. Emphasizing that on December 6, at the 45th plenary session of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, this initiative received full support, as a result of which the Resolution “2023 – the International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace” was unanimously adopted, the head of state warmly congratulated the audience and the entire Turkmen people on this important international success of our country.

Continuing the session, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that, as it’s known, on July 8 of this year, the Concept of the foreign Policy Course of Neutral Turkmenistan for 2022-2028 was approved. This program document defines the priority directions of our state’s foreign policy and international activities for the next seven years, sets out tasks and approaches to their implementation.

In its foreign policy activities, Turkmenistan pays priority attention to strengthening and expanding cooperation with international structures, provides constant assistance in the implementation of decisions and agreements adopted by organizations of which it is a member. Our country is also taking appropriate steps to implement long-term programs and plans adopted jointly with international organizations at the national level.

For many years, our state has been elected to the specialized agencies and structures of international organizations, having accumulated significant positive experience in this area. For its use in national and international interests, relevant activities should be continued, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted. This is especially necessary in order to elect Turkmenistan to membership in such UN structures as the Statistical Commission, the Executive Board of the Children’s Fund, the Economic and Social Council, the Security Council, the Organization for Education, Science and Culture, as well as other bodies.

As it’s known, at the sessions of the United Nations General Assembly, our country makes proposals for the preparation of draft resolutions. To date, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, the General Assembly has adopted a number of resolutions. At the current 77th session, the Turkmen side proposed to prepare a draft resolution “Dialogue – a Guarantee of Peace” and put forward an initiative to proclaim 2025 the “Year of Peace and Trust”.

Our country also attaches great importance to cooperation with the Economic Cooperation Organization. Among the main areas of partnership are trade, energy, transport, investment, etc. In all these spheres, Turkmenistan carries out mutually beneficial and equal cooperation with the ECO member States. As a result of our country’s successful chairmanship in this Organization last year, its activities have noticeably intensified. In this context, proposals should be prepared for the further development of partnership with the ECO, the head of Turkmenistan noted.

Cooperation with the Organization of Turkic states is also developing effectively. Since November of last year, our country has been participating in its activities as an observer. It is necessary to carry out appropriate work so that various events of this Organization, including summit meetings, are held in Turkmenistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said.

In recent years, cooperation with the International Organization of Turkic Culture – TURKSOY has reached a qualitatively new level. Turkmenistan actively participates in its programs. So, recently at the regular meeting of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY, decisions were made to declare 2024 “The Year of the great poet and thinker of the Turkic world – Makhtumkuli Fragi” and proclaim the ancient Turkmen city of Anau as the cultural capital of the Turkic world for the same year. In order to organize and hold these important events at a high level, starting next year, it is necessary to start the relevant preparatory work together with TURKSOY, the head of state said.

Turkmenistan intends to further develop cooperation with the European Union and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. In this direction, work should be carried out both on a bilateral basis and in the “Europe + Central Asia” format. It is also necessary to take the necessary measures for the effective implementation of projects and programs prepared together with these organizations, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted.

Our country is also conducting relevant activities within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. By actively participating in the OIC events, in particular in economic forums, Turkmenistan is also aimed at building ties in the humanitarian sphere.

As for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, our country, not being a member of it, systematically participates in high-level SCO events, and also maintains close ties with member states in various fields.

Turkmenistan also carries out extensive cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States. As an associate member of the CIS, our country actively participates in its activities. Priority areas of partnership include such industries as transport, fuel and energy complex, communications, industrial cooperation, trade, innovation and new technologies.

At the CIS Summit held in Ashgabat in October 2019, on the initiative of Hero-Arkadag, a Declaration on strategic economic cooperation of the Commonwealth member states was adopted, which is of great importance. Speaking about this, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the need to continue relevant work on further development of cooperation with the CIS.

Relations with UNESCO are also fruitful. Turkmenistan has joined 12 international conventions and documents that provide a legal framework for cooperation with this organization. Our country also actively participates in UNESCO’s activities as a member of its intergovernmental structures.

Over the past period, such famous historical and cultural monuments of our country as “Ancient Merv”, “Kunyaurgench” and “Parthian Fortresses of Nisa” have been included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List includes “The Destan art of Gerogly”, “The art of singing and dancing “Kushtdepdi”, “The Turkmen National Art of Carpet Weaving” and “The craft of making dutar, performing musical art on it and the art of bakhshi”.

In addition, on December 1 of this year, at the regular meeting of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage, at the suggestion of Turkmenistan, together with friendly countries, the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage included “Turkmen embroidery art”, “The tradition of retelling the wit of Mullah Efendi”, “Sericulture and traditional silk production for weaving”. Turkmenistan intends to further enhance cooperation with UNESCO.

As for bilateral relations, guided by national interests and a neutral foreign policy course, our Homeland carries out mutually beneficial and equal political, economic and cultural cooperation with all states.

Cooperation with the Russian Federation is of a strategic nature. As the head of Turkmenistan noted, during his official visit to the Russian Federation in June this year, agreements were reached on a significant increase in interstate partnership, including on security, energy, transport, agriculture, trade, financial and banking system, education, culture and medicine.

Guided by its neutral status, our country maintains relations with the United States of America on an equal basis. Over the years of independence, effective economic cooperation with large American companies has been established. It is necessary to take the necessary measures to further develop mutually beneficial partnership with the United States in politics, security, trade and economic sphere, culture and education, health and sports, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said.

One of the reliable and strategic partners of Turkmenistan is the People’s Republic of China. Over the years of independence, as a result of the implementation of specific projects, bilateral relations have reached a high level. The same dynamic is inherent in political ties. In this context, the head of state spoke about the need to take measures to increase multilateral cooperation with China.

The Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – are our neighbors and friends. Relations with them are one of the priorities of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. Over the past few years, our bilateral and multilateral cooperation has reached a qualitatively high level, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov underlined. This year, a number of meetings were held with the heads of these states within the framework of various events. During the negotiations, the most important agreements were reached between Turkmenistan and the countries of Central Asia and relevant proposals were put forward.

Cooperation is developing constructively with our neighboring countries – Iran and Afghanistan. In particular, appropriate measures are being taken to develop partnership with the Islamic Republic of Iran in such areas as energy, transport, trade, etc.

In the foreign policy of the Homeland, great importance is also attached to cooperation with the Republic of Turkey. Friendly and fraternal relations with this country are growing stronger and expanding every year. We will continue to improve our strategic bilateral partnership in all areas, the head of state stressed.

Our relations with Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia are stable. Attaching importance to cooperation with these countries, Turkmenistan strives to enrich cooperation with new content. It is necessary to continue taking appropriate measures to expand and deepen the interstate partnership, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said.

The Asia-Pacific region is also one of the key areas of our country’s foreign policy. We plan to increase equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with Japan, India, Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia and other countries of the region.

The partnership with the Caspian littoral states is also being carried out fruitfully. On June 29, this year, the Sixth Caspian Summit was held at a high level in Ashgabat. In this context, the head of Turkmenistan noted that the issues discussed during the meeting and the agreements reached will facilitate even closer cooperation between the coastal countries.

Relations with European countries also occupy an important place in the international activities of our state, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, stressing the need to intensify this interaction.

Turkmenistan also attaches great importance to the comprehensive strengthening of cooperation with the countries of the Middle East. In this regard, it is necessary to build up multifaceted relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait and the Sultanate of Oman.

Much attention is also paid to relations with the States of Israel and Palestine located in the Middle East region, and necessary steps should be taken to expand cooperation with them in the future.

Turkmenistan will also increase cooperation with African countries. In order to implement this direction of our foreign policy, it is necessary to continue to establish diplomatic relations with the states of the African continent, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated.

Great efforts are also being made to develop our country’s international economic relations. Turkmenistan aims to participate more widely in the system of world economic relations. To this end, we strive to increase cooperation with various states and international financial and economic organizations and structures both on a bilateral and multilateral basis.

Purposeful work is underway on our country’s accession to the World Trade Organization. In February of this year, Turkmenistan was granted the status of an acceding country (“active observer”) to the WTO. In full compliance with the requirements for Turkmenistan’s membership in this Organization, it is necessary to continue work and implementation of measures in this direction, the head of state noted.

Having focused the attention of the participants of the meeting on the topic of the development of parliamentary diplomacy, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the need to intensify relations between legislative bodies with various states of the world. The experience of inter-parliamentary cooperation achieved this year has shown that parliamentary diplomacy has a great future.

Speaking about this, the head of state mentioned the visits of the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Japan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Korea, as well as the visits of the speakers of the Parliaments of Turkey and Azerbaijan to our country, the first Interparliamentary Forum “Central Asia + Russia” held in Ashgabat.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also highlighted that, of course, great importance is attached to the domestic diplomatic service in the implementation of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy strategy. Therefore, special attention is always paid to improving the financial and logistical conditions of our diplomatic and consular offices abroad. This work should not just be kept in the spotlight, but continued and improved.

As the head of Turkmenistan emphasized, our state and Government will continue to make every effort to implement a constructive and balanced foreign policy at a high level, increase the authority of the Homeland on the world stage and build mutually beneficial and equal partnership relations with various states and international organizations.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also noted that for many years the state has been doing everything necessary to improve the work of the domestic diplomatic service, strengthening it with personnel, providing logistical and financial support. In continuation of the above, the head of state signed a Resolution “On financial issues of the diplomatic service of Turkmenistan”.

Then President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree “On the opening of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the State of Qatar (Doha)”.

In order to create favorable social and living conditions for family members of employees of diplomatic missions of our country abroad, the head of state signed a decree “On the construction of a 12-apartment residential building for employees of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Uzbekistan (Tashkent city)”.

In addition, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a number of Resolutions: “On the construction of a complex of buildings of a 540-place secondary school named after Makhtumkuli in the Republic of Tajikistan”; “On improving the activities of the State Committee of Turkmenistan on Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography”, providing for the opening of an International Information Center; “On approval of the Plan of measures scheduled for the implementation of activities to improve Humanitarian Association of the Turkmen of the World and the development of relations with compatriots living in foreign countries”.

Then, addressing the participants of the session, the head of state noted the significant contribution of Deputy Prime Minister R.Meredov, who has been heading the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for many years, in improving the foreign policy of the Homeland, establishing friendly and fraternal relations of our country with various states of the world.

Having informed that, taking into account the great successes in strengthening the state independence and neutrality of Turkmenistan, the implementation of its foreign policy course, as well as many years of conscientious work, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov decided to award Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R.Meredov the “Türkmenistanyň ussat diplomaty” insignia and signed a corresponding Resolution.

Then the floor was given to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Azerbaijan G.Elyasov, who, on behalf of the country’s diplomats, congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the International Day of Neutrality, noted that every day of the year “The Epoch of the People with Arkadag” is marked by events of historical significance.

Expressing great gratitude on behalf of the staff of the diplomatic corps for the comprehensive support in the effective work of embassies and consular offices of Turkmenistan in foreign countries, as well as for the constant attention to improving material and technical conditions, the envoy once again congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the upcoming holiday and wished health, long life and great success in large-scale activities in the name of the prosperity of an independent, permanently neutral Homeland and the multiplication of its international authority.

Then the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the French Republic M.Charyev, on behalf of the country’s diplomats, congratulated the head of state on the International Day of Neutrality, widely celebrated in the world and one of the national holidays, and wished him sound health, longevity and success in all his endeavors.

According to the envoy, a complex of works is currently being carried out aimed at the successful implementation of the Concept of the country’s foreign policy Course for 2022-2028. At the same time, special importance is attached to the development of inter-parliamentary ties, holding political consultations, strengthening economic cooperation with the countries of the world, organizing business forums, cultural events.

At the end of his speech, M.Charyev, on behalf of the country’s diplomatic corps, expressed deep gratitude to the head of state for the unflagging attention paid to strengthening the legal and logistical base of the diplomatic service, improving the social and living conditions of its employees.

Then the floor was again given to the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R.Meredov, who, on behalf of the diplomatic corps of the country, cordially congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the International Day of Neutrality, expressing his best wishes in this regard.

As it was emphasized, under the leadership of the head of state, Turkmenistan consistently pursues a foreign policy based on the principles of permanent neutrality, peacefulness and constructive cooperation.

The initiatives of our country concerning the global agenda are receiving universal recognition, which causes the progressive growth of the Homeland’s authority on the world stage.

On the initiative of the Hero-Arkadag, a modern structure of the national diplomatic service was created, all conditions for its effective work are provided, and a national professional school has been formed. This large-scale work continues systematically under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The profile regulatory and legal framework is being modernized, the social and living conditions of diplomats are improving. The network of embassies and consular offices is expanding. Turkmenistan is worthily represented in reputable international organizations.

In order to fulfill the instructions of the head of state, effective steps are being taken to intensify cooperation with major international structures and foreign countries, and to prepare appropriate proposals. In this context, the importance of the documents signed by the President of Turkmenistan today was noted

In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured that the Turkmen diplomats will continue to make every effort to solve the important and responsible tasks assigned to them.

After hearing the report and thanking for the congratulations, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan is always open for cooperation with all interested partners both in bilateral and multilateral formats, within the framework of leading international organizations on the basis of mutual respect and trust.

Concluding the enlarged session of the Cabinet of Ministers, the head of state once again warmly congratulated everyone on the upcoming International Day of Neutrality and wished them good health, prosperity and great success in their work for the benefit of the people and the Homeland.

* * *

Then, a ceremony of presenting President Serdar Berdimuhamedov the “Türkmenistanyň ussat diplomaty” insignia was held with the participation of the heads of the Halk Maslakhaty and the Mejlis of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, members of the Government, heads of military and law enforcement agencies.

The Chairwoman of the Mejlis G.Mammedova read out the relevant Resolution of the Mejlis of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan.

As it was noted, for his great personal contribution to strengthening the independence and neutrality of the Homeland, increasing its authority on the world stage, pursuing a peaceful foreign policy, successfully implementing global programs, developing effective relations with foreign countries and major international organizations, taking into account special merits in improving the activities of the domestic diplomatic service, as well as in honor of the International Day of Neutrality, by the Resolution of the Mejlis of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov is awarded the above-mentioned insignia.

In a solemn atmosphere, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis G.Mammedova presented the head of state the “Türkmenistanyň ussat diplomaty” insignia.

Having gratefully accepted this award, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that he perceives it as a high assessment of joint cohesive activity for the benefit of the Homeland. 

As the head of Turkmenistan emphasized, the work aimed at turning our independent neutral state into one of the leading countries in the world and activating international relations will continue in the future.

Speaking about this, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his conviction that we will achieve the great goals set working in the name of the dynamic development of the Homeland and the multiplication of its international prestige.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R.Meredov, on behalf of the audience, cordially congratulated the head of state on the presentation of the “Türkmenistanyň ussat diplomaty” insignia. 

As it was noted, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who has extensive positive experience in foreign policy, tirelessly makes efforts to increase the international prestige of an independent neutral Homeland, promote its initiatives of global importance.

The constructive proposals voiced by the head of state concerning the development of balanced solutions to topical issues on the global agenda are widely recognized by the world community. Emphasizing the great merits of the President of Turkmenistan in the successful implementation of the country’s foreign policy, the Deputy Prime Minister, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again congratulated Arkadagly Serdar on the high award and wished him further success in his large-scale noble activities.