Today, at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country, the international conference “The concept of the world of Magtymguly Fragi and diplomacy of neutral Turkmenistan” and the opening ceremony of the specialized training centre "Diplomatic Protocol" of the Institute took place.

The opening of the training centre once again attested to the special attention of the state to improvement of the work of higher educational institutions and strengthening of their material and technical basis. 

The diplomatic protocol represents a set of rules, traditions and the conventions observed by the governments, departments of foreign affairs, diplomatic representatives, and other officials in the course of the international dialogue. Rules of the protocol are based on the so-called principle of "international courtesy”. In the given context, necessity of improvement of the system of training of qualified diplomats according to the world standards, capable to represent interests of the country on the world scene arises.

Thus, the timely decision on the opening of the training centre in the IIR will develop research and academic potentials of one of the leading higher educational establishments of Turkmenistan.

Participants of the solemnity visited the museum “The history of Turkmen diplomacy“ of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where they familiarised themselves with the history of establishment of the higher  educational institution and its achievements. Here diplomatic documents, copies of letters, hand-written books, data on the structure of the institute, international conferences and forums as well as manuals, proceedings, books of the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag, published in different languages are presented.

In the forum dated to Day of diplomats of Turkmenistan some Deputy-Chairmen of the Cabinet, heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to our country, representatives of the national foreign service, public organisations, mass-media, the faculty and students of some higher educational establishments took part. 

In the foyer of the Institute the thematic exhibition and demonstration of a short video film devoted to the history of Turkmen diplomacy as well as establishment of this higher educational institution was organised.

The gathered with great attention listened to the message of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to diplomats on the occasion of their professional holiday. As is marked in the message of the head of the state, the foreign policy and diplomacy of Turkmenistan play an important role on the international arena, make a positive impact on development of the modern agenda, and enjoy authority and recognition of our partners. Unanimous support given to 25 resolutions of the General Assembly of the United Nations Organization, initiated by our country attests to this fact.

In recent years, a number of important decisions on expansion of diplomatic participation of the country on the world scene, preparation and retraining of experts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and for this period the number of embassies, consulates and representations of our country at international organisations has increased almost by twice, the head of Turkmenistan underlined.

In his message, the President of the country expressed confidence that in development and strengthening of diplomatic service of Turkmenistan, disclosing of its potential, expansion of geography and lines of activity, undoubtedly, there are big merits of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

In speeches of participants of the conference, it was underlined that under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov our country steadily realises the constructive foreign policy aimed at promotion of multiplane international cooperation, consolidation of efforts of the world community in achievement of goals of sustainable development in regional and global dimensions. This far-sighted strategy and creative initiatives put forward by the head of the state was met with general approval and support.

As was marked, the creative heritage of the great poet and thinker Magtymguly Fragi is an invaluable national legacy and integral part of the treasury of world culture. His poems find response in the hearts of people as they express eternal universal values - love for the country, humanism, peaceful disposition, call to creation, friendship and brotherhood. These principles have laid down a basis of the maintenance of neutrality of the Turkmen state and continue to be a source of wisdom, succession and significance of diplomatic service of our country.

The civil positions of Magtymguly based on respect for other people and good neighbourhood, democracy and traditional character and, at the same time, his own merit - some kind of the will of the poet to the descendants, which they have kept and have passed on today. It is called as the dialogue of civilisation. Today one can tell that Magtymguly was an outstanding diplomat as the foreign policy of our country is a continuation of ideas of the great poet and philosopher, his views of the world and the role of the Turkmen people in it. 

UN Resident Coordinator in our country Dmitry Shlapachenko, Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany, Iran, Italy and Turkey to Turkmenistan also spoke at the forum.

It was underlined that thanks to unprecedented efforts of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the international authority of Turkmenistan increases and basic vectors of the foreign policy act development of friendship with all interested countries, expansion of fruitful cooperation with authoritative international and regional structures, first of all with the United Nations Organization. Fulfilling its adopted bilateral and multilateral international agreements, contracts and conventions, our country entirely and strictly follows its obligations, fully using the impressive political, economic and cultural potential for peace and progress.

Joint projects realized and under implementation in various areas today and a number of the resolutions prepared and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at the initiative of Turkmenistan can serve the best visual example for it. In interaction with the Community of the Nations, our country shows a responsible approach to pressing issues of the regional and global development, consolidated search and development of their solutions.

The key role is given in the successful foreign policy activity of Turkmenistan in the field of preservation of the environment, energy security, transport and communications, cultural-humanitarian spheres and others to the policy of neutrality inseparably linked with development of culture of peace and trust in relations between states. At the same time, recognition of the heritage of Turkmen people, products and crafts created by our ancestors throughout many centuries by the United Nations, is an acknowledgement of their value for the world civilisation.

In the given context, diplomats underlined that this year it is planned to host several international actions on the occasion of the 300th birthday anniversary of the great poet and thinker Magtymguly Fragi and declaration of the city of Anau as cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024. The friendly countries are ready to bring their contribution to the organisation of these actions and to take part in them.

During the conference, its participants placed an emphasis on high requirements shown to diplomats of Turkmenistan. Being guided by instructions of head of the state Serdar Berdimuhamedov, diplomats carry out due work for successful solution of responsible tasks put before them - effective implementation of peace-making foreign policy of our independent neutral state and protection of its national interests.

In this connection, it was underlined that in the conditions of globalisation and interdependence, importance of Turkmen diplomacy increases in the international relations which serves an example combinations of traditional and modern functions and forms of activity and brings an important contribution to the strengthening of bonds of friendship between states, following principles of equality, mutual respect, good neighbourhood, mutual understanding and trust.

It was stated that equation, sequence and adherence to multilateral constructive approaches in the solution of the international issues are distinctive features of foreign policy strategy of our fatherland. In recent years, Turkmenistan has initiated development of such actual areas of diplomacy, as economic, transport, energy, ecological, water, science and medicine as well as culture and sports.

Dynamically developing friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, our country is confidently integrated into modern system of world economic relations, its international authority increases. The network of diplomatic representative offices and consular establishments of Turkmenistan abroad extends every year. Therefore, according to requirements of the time, the priority role is given to preparation of highly skilled personnel with a view of giving qualitatively new impulse to development of the national school of diplomacy. It causes necessity of opening of new specialities, effective introduction of digital technologies and innovative techniques in the educational process, exchange of experience with leading foreign profile high schools. Thanks to the effective support of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the material and technical basis of the diplomatic service of Turkmenistan is regularly strengthened and its infrastructure is modernised.

Importance of preventive diplomacy as an effective tool of maintenance of peace and settlement of arising disputes and conflicts, strengthening of trust was also underlined. The active foreign policy activity of Turkmenistan serves as acknowledgement of its many opportunities in solution of actual international problems, opposition to threats and present challenges.

One should point out that our country displays a far-sighted approach in development of basis and methods of cooperation for long-term, strategic prospect, proceeding from commonality of history and future purposes and in strengthening of principles of regional relations.

So, at present, the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia established in Ashgabat in 2007 solves important and topical issues in respect of international efforts for building security in the region and realisation of goals of sustainable development with the support of all states of Central Asia. Maintenance of peace, good neighbourhood, cooperation and development in the region was and remains an overall objective of the foreign policy of Turkmenistan that is one of the powerful contributions of our country in stability of modern world order.

At the end of the conference, its participants adopted the letter of gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in which they expressed sincere gratitude for unrelenting attention to issues of perfection of the diplomatic service of the country, and assured to make henceforth all efforts for successful solution of important tasks put before them.

On the occasion of the significant holiday of the national calendar under solemn conditions, marks of distinction “Türkmenistanyň ussat diplomaty” ("Honoured Diplomat of Turkmenistan") and corresponding certificates for their personal contribution to realisation of peaceful constructive foreign policy of Turkmenistan, strengthening of relations with foreign states in various areas, expansion of effective dialogue with authoritative international organisations and for other merits before our fatherland were presented to diplomats of the foreign service.

By tradition in commemoration of the professional holiday, the awarding ceremony of young employees of the foreign service and students of the final year of the IIR diplomas of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for active participation in implementation of the foreign policy strategy of Turkmenistan also took place.

Upon completion of the conference at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a festive concert was held with participation of art and culture groups of the higher educational establishments.

The day before on the margins of the forum in the Olympic village sports events of friendship with participation of employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to our country were held. Diplomats competed in such sports, as table tennis, mini football, volleyball and bowling. As the participants marked, similar actions promote strengthening of friendly relations and expansion of possibilities for informal dialogue.

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Today, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan the ceremony of signing of documents between ministries, departments, public organisations of Turkmenistan and representations of structural divisions of the United Nations Organization in Turkmenistan - UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF took place. In particular, the following were signed:

The working plan of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography of Turkmenistan, the Union of Women of Turkmenistan and UNICEF representation in Turkmenistan for 2024 in realisation of the Program of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025;

The work plan of the Office of Prosecutor General of Turkmenistan and UNICEF representation in Turkmenistan for 2024 in realisation of the Program of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025;

The work plan of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan and UNICEF representation in Turkmenistan for 2024 in realisation of the Program of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025;

The work plan of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and UNICEF representation in Turkmenistan for 2024 in realisation of the Program of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025;

The work plan of Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and UNICEF representation in Turkmenistan for 2024 in realisation of the Program of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025;

The work plan of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and UNICEF representation in Turkmenistan for 2024 in realisation of the Program of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025;

The work plan of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan and UNICEF representation in Turkmenistan for 2024 in realisation of the Program of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025;

The work plan of the State Committee of Turkmenistan on Statistics and representation of UNICEF in Turkmenistan for 2024 in realisation of the Program of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025;

The work plan of the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan and UNICEF representation in Turkmenistan for 2024 in realisation of the Program of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025;

The work plan of the Office of the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan and UNICEF representation in Turkmenistan for 2024 in realisation of the Program of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025;

The amended project document “The second phase of "Strengthening the trade potential of Turkmenistan" between the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan and representation of the Development Program of the United Nations Organization (UNDP) in Turkmenistan;

The project document “Assistance to the strengthening of the institutional and legislative environment for improvement of financial markets» for 2024-2025 between the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and representation of the Development Program of United Nations Organization (UNDP) in Turkmenistan;

The amended Agreement “Procurement of medicines and health products for the control of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Turkmenistan through in Turkmenistan through the Development Program of the United Nations Organization” between Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and representation of the Development Program of the United Nations Organization (UNDP) in Turkmenistan;

The amended Agreement “Procurement of health products for the control of infectious diseases in 2021-2023 for the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan” between Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and representation of the Development Program of the United Nations Organization (UNDP) in Turkmenistan;

The work plan of the second phase of the regional project “Strengthening the resilience of society and cross-border cooperation to prevent violent extremism in Central Asia” by Turkmenistan for 2023-2024  between the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan and representation of the Development Program of the United Nations Organization (UNDP) in Turkmenistan;

The amended project document "Single Window for Export-Import Operations" in Turkmenistan and representation of the Development Program of the United Nations Organization (UNDP) in Turkmenistan;

The project document “Support in improving statistics of foreign trade in services, as well as in improving statistical information on the volume of passenger and cargo transportation” for 2024-2025 between the State Committee of Turkmenistan on Statistics and representation of the Development Program of the United Nations Organization (UNDP) in Turkmenistan;

The project document “Support to the development of a financial account to further introduce System of National Accounts 2008” for 2024-2025 between the State Committee of Turkmenistan on Statistics and representation of the Development Program of the United Nations Organization (UNDP) in Turkmenistan;

The amended project document Assistance in Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of the Office of the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan” between the Office of the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan and representation of the Development Program of the United Nations Organization (UNDP) in Turkmenistan;

The project document “Assistance in capacity building of the Central Commission for Holding Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan” for 2024-2025 between the Central Commission for Holding Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan  and representation of the Development Program of the United Nations Organization (UNDP) in Turkmenistan;

The joint work plan of the State Committee on Physical Culture and Sports of Turkmenistan and representations of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Turkmenistan for 2024-2025;

The joint work plan of the Institute of State, Law and democracy of Turkmenistan and representation of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Turkmenistan for 2024-2025.