Ilham Aliyev sends congratulatory letters to Turkmenistan's president, People's Council chair

On December 11, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent letters to Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People's Council) of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to congratulate them on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.

The letter to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reads:

“Dear brother,

It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and the brotherly people of Turkmenistan on the momentous occasion of the 30th anniversary of the international recognition of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.

Thirty years ago, the recognition of Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality by the international community was an important event and a major historic achievement that stimulated your country’s dynamic and sustainable development and strengthened its standing in the international arena.

The essence of Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality stems from your people’s centuries old humanist, peace-loving and moral-ethical philosophy. Today, Turkmenistan’s constructive initiatives aimed at broad international cooperation serve noble goals such as strengthening global peace and security and promoting human values. At the same time, by actively advocating its peace oriented doctrine on the global stage, your country contributes to the enhancement of international dialogue through mutually beneficial cooperation.

Azerbaijan has always treated with deep respect the neutrality policy of brotherly and friendly neighbour Turkmenistan. It is no coincidence that the Republic of Azerbaijan was a co-author of the relevant United Nations General Assembly resolutions on your country’s neutrality status both in 1995 and in 2015.

The current level of relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan is a source of great satisfaction. I would like to particularly highlight your consistent and resolute personal efforts to strengthen our interstate relations and fraternal ties. Taking this opportunity, I recall with the fondest impressions your two visits to Azerbaijan this year, my August visit to the enchanting Awaza, and our meetings and conversations held in an atmosphere of sincerity and mutual trust.

I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts consistently to further reinforce the bonds of brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan and to elevate our multifaceted cooperation to a new stage.

Dear Gurbanguly Myalikgulyyevich, on this festive occasion, I once again extend my congratulations to you, and wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, as well as lasting peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Turkmenistan.”

The letter to Serdar Berdimuhamedov reads:

“Dear Serdar Gurbanguliyevich,

I sincerely congratulate you and your fraternal people on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the recognition of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.

The adoption on 12 December 1995 of the resolution by the United Nations General Assembly — with the unanimous support of 185 countries — recognizing Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality status was a landmark event inscribed in golden letters in your country’s history. Over the past period, Turkmenistan, pursuing a policy of neutrality, has achieved significant success and has developed rapidly in all areas.

Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality status is based on the historical heritage and traditions of your peace-loving people and is rooted in the principles of dialogue and mutual respect. Today, Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy plays an important role in strengthening peace and security both regionally and globally.

We have always respected your country’s neutrality policy. For this reason, the Republic of Azerbaijan was a co-author of the relevant United Nations General Assembly resolutions on Turkmenistan’s neutrality in both 1995 and 2015.

I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts to preserve and strengthen the good traditions of Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan interstate relations — stemming from the will of our fraternal peoples — and to deepen our strategic partnership.

On this remarkable day, I extend my best regards to you and wish lasting peace and prosperity to the fraternal people of Turkmenistan.”

By Khagan Isayev