2004 Press Releases

Turkmen Neutrality Day TV Address by Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson

Dec. 10, 2004

TV Channel Altyn Asyr

Men Turkmenistanyň halkyny Bitaraplyk güni bilen gutlaýaryn. [The United States congratulates the people of Turkmenistan on Neutrality Day.]

On December 12, 1995, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality.

Through the adoption of that resolution, UN member states expressed the hope that Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality would contribute to the strengthening of peace and security in the region.

Over the past nine years, Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy, combined with its willingness to play a positive role in the fight against terrorism, has helped promote regional stability, just as the United Nations had hoped.

The United States shares the goals of peace and security in Turkmenistan and in the broader region. We believe that the key to achieving these goals is the promotion of democratic reform, economic development, and improved security capabilities. The education of the next generation will form the basis of Turkmenistan’s ability to promote these goals in the future. We are pleased to cooperate with Turkmenistan in all these areas, while fully respecting the country’s neutral status.

We also believe that regional and multilateral cooperation in these areas is also critically important, and are pleased that Turkmenistan is expanding its international ties, for example, through the recently signed Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with the United States and other Central Asian nations. As a neutral country working cooperatively with neighbors and partners, Turkmenistan can continue to contribute to regional peace and security.

Once again, I extend my best wishes to the people of Turkmenistan on this important day.