Seminar: ‘Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality catalyst for change’

Event marks 20 years of the Central Asian country’s policy of neutrality.

Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality has enabled it to focus on economic development, said Ambassador-at-large of Turkmenistan Sapar Berdiniyazov.

The envoy was speaking at the seminar on “Turkmenistan’s Policy of Permanent Neutrality” organised by the Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU)’s National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research, said a press release.

The event marked twenty years of the country policy of permanent neutrality.

Berdiniyazov said Turkmenistan considers Pakistan an important regional player due to its strategic location and energy resources.

“It was March 15, 1995, when then President of Turkmenistan announced the policy of Permanent Neutrality which has been strictly observed by all the successive governments ever since. Turkmenistan has proved with its actions and participation in the affairs of the international community that its policy of neutrality aims to ensure peace, progress and prosperity in the region and in the world”, said the ambassador.

He said the policy was being used for the progress, prosperity and to ensure peace in the region without interfering in affairs of other countries.

“Efforts are being made to promote people to people contacts besides improving trade and economic ties between Turkmenistan and Pakistan,” he said.

QAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Javed Ashraf said that Turkmenistan, with its policy of neutrality and vast energy resources, can play a key role in the development of the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2015.