Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Dec. 16 / Trend H.Hasanov /
The adoption of a resolution entitled "Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan" is a unique achievement of the Turkmen government in the foreign policy, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in his message addressed to President Gurbangulu Berdimuhammedov, the local media reported.
Ban Ki-moon recalled that on Dec. 12, 1995, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution entitled "Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan".
The UN Secretary-General said that this was a historic day for the people of Turkmenistan and a unique achievement of their Government in the foreign policy. The UN Secretary General welcomed steps taken by Turkmenistan to build harmonious relations with its neighbors and to promote international peace in the wider world.
Ban Ki-moon highlighted Turkmenistan's close partnership with the UN.
He recalled that Turkmenistan hosted inter-Tajik peace talks as well as Turkmen people's humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Ban Ki-moon appreciated the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia which opened three years ago.
"The opening of the Center was a new landmark in cooperation between the UN and the countries of Central Asia," he said.
"Fifteen years is a short time in the context of world affairs. Nevertheless, they demonstrated the sustainable implementation of Turkmenistan's ambitions to become a force for progress and prosperity throughout the region and beyond," the statement reads.