In Ashgabat on December 12, with the participation of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the International Conference "Policy of neutrality and its importance in ensuring international peace, security and sustainable development", dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, was held.

 The forum was also attended by the leadership of our country, heads of diplomatic missions and representative offices of international organizations accredited in Ashgabat.

 As Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized at the opening of the conference, “the legal status of permanent neutrality is a key principle of Turkmenistan's foreign policy”.

 “We called it positive, thereby emphasizing the nature and direction of our international interaction, the desire to build good and constructive relations with all states, - Berdimuhamedov said.  - Turkmenistan offered them friendship, cooperation, equality, taking upon itself, as a neutral country, the obligation of non-interference in internal affairs, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-participation in multilateral military-political treaties and alliances”.

 The President also noted the international initiatives of Turkmenistan in such areas as energy security, transport cooperation, ecology, food security, access to water resources and others.

 “Possessing gigantic global reserves of natural gas, Turkmenistan is a consistent supporter of fair and equitable access to the planet’s energy resources”, - the President said, stressing the need to abandon one-sided schemes for the supply of energy raw materials, eliminate discriminatory barriers, and ensure transparency in pricing.

 Afghan problems and Turkmenistan's approaches to resolving the situation in that country took an important place in the President's speech.  In addition to humanitarian support, Turkmenistan is also implementing such large infrastructure projects with Afghan participation as the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline, railways, power lines and TAP fiber-optic communications.

 - We plan to continue working on the implementation of significant projects with the participation of Afghanistan and other neighboring countries, we are ready to further expand our cooperation with international organizations, primarily the UN, in providing comprehensive support to the brotherly Afghan people, - the head of state emphasized.

 The President also mentioned that as a neutral state, Turkmenistan was ready to provide its political space and all conditions for holding inter-Afghan negotiations.

 - Today neutrality is applicable to almost all areas of international partnership of Turkmenistan, has great potential in establishing cooperation and mutual understanding, plays a significant role in the implementation of the fundamental goals and strategies of the UN, - the head of Turkmenistan summed up.

 During the forum, the achievements of Turkmenistan in political, social, trade, economic and other spheres during the years of independence and neutrality were also discussed, and the success of the strategy of positive neutrality chosen by Turkmenistan was emphasized.

 Partners of Turkmenistan, countries and international organizations presented their vision of the success of the Turkmen model of positive neutrality at the event.  It was stressed that one of the main pillars of the policy of neutrality was international cooperation based on respect, openness and trust.

 At the end of the conference, the Ashgabat final document was adopted.