‘Neutrality basis of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy’

ANKARA

Turkmenistan’s Embassy in Ankara on Wednesday organized an event to promote the country’s declaration of 2020 as a year of Turkmenistan – Homeland of Neutrality.

“Turkmenistan is the first and only country that gained a legal status of neutrality,” said Ishankuli Amanlyev, Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Turkey.

He said the neutrality is the basis of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy.

This is not a passive neutrality, Amanlyev said, adding the country is eager to contribute to global peace and stability.

"We are against war, and are on the side of peace," he stressed.

He noted Turkmenistan’s diplomatic missions along with its international partners will organize cultural and sports activities, media forums and fairs to mark the 25th anniversary of the country’s neutrality.

On Dec. 12, 1995, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing and supporting the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan with the support of 185 member states.

In 2017, the UN declared Dec. 12 as the International Day of Neutrality to strengthen peace and security in relevant regions and develop peaceful, friendly and mutually beneficial relations between the countries.

Speaking at the event, Yalcin Topcu, a senior adviser to the Turkish president, said that Turkey is the first country that recognized the neutrality of Turkmenistan.

Topcu underlined that Turkey and Turkmenistan have shared values in history, culture, religion and language.

He added that the trade volume and economic ties between the two countries continue to increase.

Turkey has multidimensional relations with Turkmenistan, especially on economics, said Adem Kula, secretary-general of the Economic Cooperation Organization Trade and Industry.

Highlighting that Turkmenistan has become the leading country for Turkish contracting companies, Kula said Turkish companies carried out 80% of the construction projects in Turkmenistan worth $50 billion.