Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Dec. 3 / Trend H.Hasanov /
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted that Turkmenistan's foreign policy is an essential factor in strengthening regional security and stability.
She made the statement at the meeting with Turkmen President Gurbangulu Berdimuhamedov in Astana, Turkmen local media reported.
Expressing her respect for the Turkmen leader, Clinton conveyed the hearty greetings of U.S. President Barack Obama, the Altin Asir television channel reported.
Turkmenistan is committed to a policy of positive neutrality and the country will mark the fifteenth anniversary of the proclamation of this status on Dec. 12.
The meeting focused on positive dynamics of bilateral relations. It was noted at the meeting that the Turkmen leader's visits to the United States had given new incentives to foster Turkmen-U.S. cooperation. In addition, Clinton said the United States welcomed and supported the initiatives put forward by Berdimuhammedov at U.N. sessions. These proposals relate to energy security and were announced at the sixty-fifth session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
Turkmenistan has also made a proposal to create specialized events under the U.N. Regional Center for Central Asia and Caspian Basin, as well as to establish a forum on security, peace and cooperation in the region. Ashgabat also announced its readiness to conduct U.N. inter-Afghan peace talks.
The headquarters of the U.N. Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia is located in Ashgabat.