On December 11, 2010, Assistant Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping, on behalf of the Chinese government, attended the international conference and the celebrations on the 15th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality in Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan.
President of Turkmenistan Berdimuhamedov Chairs the Conference and Delivers Remarks
President of Turkmenistan Berdimuhamedov chaired the conference. Over 300 delegates attended the conference, including Afghan President Karzai, Pakistani President Zardari, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, UN Under-Secretary-General Pascoe, Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States Lebedev, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization Maroofi, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Imanaliev as well as ministers of foreign affairs or ministerial officials from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Belarus, Pakistan, the United States, Turkey, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Algeria and experts, scholars and journalists. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent a congratulatory message to the conference. The Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of the Romanian Academy of Sciences awarded Turkmen President Berdimuhamedov the title "Man of the Year".
President Berdimuhamedov delivered a keynote speech. He thanked the international community for supporting Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality and role in the international affairs. He completely reviewed Turkmenistan's foreign policy and achievements since Turkmenistan became independent 19 years ago, especially since it gained the status of neutrality 15 years ago. He said Turkmenistan will adhere to the foreign policy of neutrality and peace and contribute more to peace, stability and development of the region and the world at large. Talking about Turkmenistan's diplomatic priority, he especially pointed out China is Turkmenistan's great neighbor and important partner. The bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation on energy has achieved fruitful results and enjoys huge potential. Turkmenistan expects to continue to develop the friendly cooperation with China.
Assistant Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping Addresses the Conference
Assistant Foreign Minister Cheng addressed the conference on behalf of China. He conveyed President Hu Jintao's cordial greetings to President Berdimuhamedov and warm congratulations on the 15th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality status. He spoke highly of Turkmenistan's outstanding achievements of national development and international exchanges since it gained neutrality 15 years ago. He noted the Chinese leaders and government attach great importance to China-Turkmenistan relations and will, as always, firmly support Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality and boost the development of bilateral friendly cooperation. Representatives of international organizations and countries also addressed the conference, extending congratulations on Turkmenistan's neutrality day, fully recognizing its foreign policy of permanent neutrality and peace and wishing Turkmenistan achieves greater development under the leadership of President Berdimuhamedov.
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| Assistant Foreign Minister Cheng Meets with Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Meredov | Assistant Foreign Minister Cheng Meets with Turkmen First Deputy Foreign Minister Hajiyev |
Cheng met with Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Meredov and First Deputy Foreign Minister Hajiyev after the conference and the two sides exchanged in-depth views on issues concerning the bilateral relations. He was also invited to attend the series of grand celebration activities.
On December 12, 1995, the 50th UN General Assembly adopted the resolution recognizing and supporting the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.