Today, on the instructions of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, a solemn ceremony of presenting passports to persons granted the citizenship of Turkmenistan has taken place at the State Migration Service.

This significant event, timed to coincide with the national holiday, Independence Day of the Homeland, became another vivid confirmation of its constant commitment to highly humane traditions, the principles of philanthropy and goodwill.

In a keynote speech at the meeting of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan held the day before, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized: “Neutral Turkmenistan, widely celebrating the 32nd anniversary of independence, is confidently going forward along the path of progress. All the capabilities of our sovereign state are aimed at achieving our high goals, ensuring a happy and prosperous life for every citizen and all the people of the country”.

According to the Decree signed by the head of state at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on September 22, the citizenship of Turkmenistan was granted to 1 thousand 301 people, representatives of 32 nationalities, permanently residing in our country. In addition, in accordance with the Decrees of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, residence permits in Turkmenistan were issued to 265 persons, who are citizens of 13 states and representatives of 25 nationalities.

During the solemn ceremony of presenting passports, persons granted the citizenship of Turkmenistan expressed their words of deep gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for paying great attention to addressing the problems of stateless persons and creating all the conditions for their prosperous life.

It was emphasized that our country demonstrates effective practice of legislative regulation and fulfillment of international obligations in the field of migration, including in terms of dealing with issues of providing social protection and equal opportunities to stateless persons and migrants. In March 2012, the Law of Turkmenistan “On Migration” was adopted, which is periodically amended and improved in view of the changes taking place in the state.

As was specified, the humanitarian aspect is one of the key components of the state policy of the Homeland. In accordance with the Constitution of Turkmenistan, a person is recognized as the highest value of society and the state. In this context, based on the national legislation and international law, a lot of work is under way to protect and guarantee the rights, freedoms and interests of all people living in our country. It was emphasized that the Government of Turkmenistan, jointly with the UN and other international organizations, is taking appropriate measures to guarantee the rights of refugees and stateless persons.

Thus, over many years, according to the Decrees of the President of the country, 29 thousand 697 people living in our Homeland, who are not citizens of any state, were granted the citizenship of Turkmenistan. To date, 4 thousand 753 foreign citizens and stateless persons have received residence permits in Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan, as a permanent member of the International Organization for Migration, makes a significant contribution to the efforts of the world community by implementing projects and programs in this area. By acceding to the main international legal documents of the UN, including the Conventions Relating to the Status of Refugees, the Status of Stateless Persons, and the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, our country in fact confirms its commitment to its obligations.

Thus, the current event once again confirmed our country’s unwavering commitment to generally accepted provisions of international law, the promotion of regional and global humanistic initiatives put forward by Head of Turkmen State Serdar Berdimuhamedov.