ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan -

On 23 April, SRSG Miroslav Jenča participated at the presentation of the new photo albums “Turkmenistan” and “Ashgabat” authored by the President of Turkmenistan. The books illustrated the most important moments of the socio-political life of the country, development of the national economy’s sectors and social field. Ambassador Miroslav Jenča presented his address on the occasion of the books’ presentation that took place in the Institute of International Relations.
 
Dear ….,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honored to speak today on the occasion of the presentation of two new books – “Turkmenistan” and “Ashgabat-the city of love and hope” – published under the auspices of the President of Turkmenistan. Both books are dedicated to the twentieth anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence.

Twenty years. A lot has been achieved in the course of these years, a lot for the country, and a lot for its capital. Every day we observe the transformation of Turkmenistan and its capital: We see new administrative and residential buildings, industrial plants, roads, pipelines, hospitals, schools, cultural centers and museums, sports and recreational complexes. It is also about deep reforms to change the life of the people in Turkmenistan and take active role in regional and world affairs. In short – there is a lot to describe, to write about and the books that are presented today bear witness to the reforms, rapid transformation of the country and its capital, which in a way could be described as a symbol of the transformation of the entire country and a vision of the future. This new vision is distilled in the announcement of the era of prosperity and happiness that was made by the President after his re-election to the highest office.

Twenty years ago, Turkmenistan declared its independence, and 17 years ago Permanent Neutrality. These two events are closely interwoven and form the key elements of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy both in its bilateral relations with the outer world, and in multilateral undertakings.

I recall the words of the UN Secretary-General on the occasion of Turkmenistan’s 20th anniversary of its Independence, when Ban Ki-moon said: “Turkmenistan’s decision to adopt the status of permanent neutrality, which was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 1995, signaled the country’s intent to pursue partnership across borders, and to reject confrontation and military power as part of its foreign policy. This has contributed to the promotion of peace and stability in Central Asia. Turkmenistan’s support for the stabilization of neighbouring Afghanistan is also important. In addition, Turkmenistan promotes initiatives in fields such as energy security, disarmament and the environment, which can further contribute to regional and international cooperation.”  End of quote.

Shortly after declaring its independence Turkmenistan joined the United Nations. Over these two decades, Turkmenistan has become Organization’s important and valued Member State. UN agencies, programmes and funds are actively working in the country. The outstanding importance attached to the UN in the Turkmenistan foreign policy has been demonstrated by the participation of the President himself in 63, 64, 65 and 66 sessions of the UN General Assembly, where he announced a number of far going global and regional initiatives aimed at strengthening of international peace and stability.

Turkmenistan’s role in international relations has been steadily growing. More and more the country and its leadership become key actors in the international theatre both within the region and well beyond. Turkmenistan’s choice of Permanent Neutrality puts the country and particularly its leadership into a unique position to promote cooperation and to make use of preventive diplomacy and mediation as a tool for preventing and resolving conflicts. In other words to help to achieve the main objective of the UN that is peace and security in the world.

Therefore, it is not a coincidence that Ashgabat, the city of love and hope was chosen as location of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia (UNRCCA) and the location from where the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the Central Asia region operate.

It is also not a coincidence I believe that the Institute of International Relations of Turkmenistan has been chosen as the venue for today’s presentation of the books of President Berdimuhamedov. The institute is becoming a reliable and important instrument that helps promoting Turkmenistan’s international policy and contributes to the identification and implementation of sustainable solutions based on international law that are conducive to stability, prosperity and progress in the region and beyond.