In 2021, Turkmenistan will strengthen bilateral cooperation with neighboring countries, relations with which are at a high level of trust. This was stated by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at a meeting with the doyen (elder) of the diplomatic corps in Ashgabat, Ambassador of the Russian Federation Alexander Blokhin.

 This year, due to difficult circumstances, the traditional New Year's Eve meeting with foreign ambassadors was held via videoconference last Tuesday.

 The Turkmen leader congratulated Alexander Blokhin as a doyen of the diplomatic corps, and in his person the heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan, on the upcoming New Year 2021.

 Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan carries out international cooperation in two strategic directions: strengthening bilateral relations with foreign states and active interaction with international organizations.

 - Today, Turkmenistan maintains diplomatic relations with 149 states of the world and is a member of about 50 international organizations.  There are 40 diplomatic missions and consulates of Turkmenistan operating abroad, - the head of Turkmenistan emphasized.  - There are 46 accredited diplomatic missions and consulates of foreign states and representations of international organizations in the country.

 “Measures are being taken to further develop cooperation with authoritative international organizations, including the UN, OSCE, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, etc. In organizations such as the CIS and the Economic Cooperation Organization, Turkmenistan has the status of an associated member, -” Berdimuhamedov continued.

 The President mentioned that the priority directions of our country's foreign policy are the maximum assistance to ensuring peace and stability, the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening cooperation in the region and beyond, ensuring energy security.

 Touching upon the issues of interaction with foreign countries, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that Turkmenistan is consistently strengthening mutually beneficial relations with neighboring states, including the countries of Central Asia and the Caspian region.

 The Ambassador of the Russian Federation A. Blokhin congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the entire Turkmen people in his person on the upcoming New Year 2021.  The diplomat emphasized that the outgoing year was special for Turkmenistan: the country celebrated the 25th anniversary of gaining the status of permanent and positive neutrality with dignity.

- Over the past years, the policy of neutrality of Turkmenistan has become an important factor in ensuring regional stability, security and sustainable development, has contributed to the creation of conditions for peaceful dialogue and cooperation of other states, - the ambassador said.

- The coming year will mark the 30th anniversary of independence.  The achievements of these years give the Turkmen people a lot of reasons to be proud of their Motherland, the diplomat noted, expressing his conviction that all the plans for the coming 2021 will be successfully implemented.

 “As the Ambassador of Russia, I highly appreciate your personal contribution to the strengthening of Russian-Turkmen relations, built on the principles of strategic partnership.  Thanks to the traditionally friendly ties and trusting dialogue at the highest level between our two countries, it was possible to build a solid foundation of mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation”, - A. Blokhin said.