ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

Delivered by Mr. B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs

President Berdimuhamedov,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honoured to convey my greetings to all those gathered to mark the fifteenth anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality.

On 12 December 1995, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution A/50/80, recognizing and supporting the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. This was a historic day for the people of Turkmenistan and a unique achievement in the foreign policy of their Government. Not only did Turkmenistan make a strategic decision to adopt the status of permanent neutrality, the country also made a public commitment to build harmonious relations with its neighbours and to promote international peace and security in the wider world.

Concrete steps have followed, including the building of a close partnership with the United Nations. During the civil war in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan hosted UN-sponsored inter-Tajik peace talks and contributed greatly to their success. In the face of continued strife in Afghanistan, Turkmenistan has provided vital humanitarian aid and economic assistance to the Afghan people. And three years ago, representatives of the Central Asian countries gathered in Ashgabat to inaugurate the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.

The launch of the Centre, with its location in neutral Turkmenistan, marked a new phase in the partnership between the United Nations and the countries of Central Asia. I was honoured to visit it myself earlier this year. The Centre's existence reflects the shared challenges facing the region -- from extremism and terrorism to drug trafficking and environmental challenges – and the shared commitment to solving them.

Fifteen years is not a long period in world affairs, yet it has brought the steady realization of Turkmenistan's aspiration to become a force for progress and prosperity across this region and beyond. We at the United Nations look forward to our continued partnership. Congratulations again on this important anniversary.