The Concept of foreign policy course of Turkmenistan for 2017 – 2023 is approved

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held extended session of the Cabinet of Ministers with participation of the Mejlis deputies, representatives of diplomatic corps of the country, members of the State Security Council, directors of high education institutions, heads of mass media and other.

Opening the session, the Head of the State informed on the agenda, which includes strategic issue – foreign policy of Turkmenistan for the next seven years.

Prior the discussion, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov cordially congratulated the participants on the Day of Diplomats of Turkmenistan and wished them strong health, further success in work and prosperity.

After, the Head of the State gave floor to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov.

The leader of the MFA reported on the draft Concept of foreign policy course of Turkmenistan for 2017 – 2023 that was developed according to the assignment of the head of the State. The document was drafted following the attitude of our country to topical issues of modern international politics and aims at provision of favourable external conditions for steadfast development of our state and society, further accumulation of constructive cooperation in regional and global scale for provision of universal peace, security and prosperity. 
Seven-years concept is aimed at consolidation of the role and improvement of the authority of the country in the world arena, bringing of cooperation of our country with other states and international organization to new level, filling of these relations with new content in accordance with modern realities.

Paying large attention to cooperation with competent international structures, Turkmenistan attaches special importance to development of close, strategic partnership with the UN and that was reflected in the Concept. It also includes the initiatives and proposals of the Leader of the Nation related to wide implementation of preventive diplomacy and political and diplomatic measures for solution of complicated situations in the world. In this regard, further consolidation of cooperation with the UN, OSCE, Non-Aligned Movement, OIC and other international organizations.

Active participation in achievement of the Goals of sustainable development adopted by the United Nations are among key directions of Turkmenistan activity in the world arena. Particularly, the expansion of cooperation with foreign countries and international organization for development of balanced solutions of urgent issues in such spheres as energy and provision of energy security establishment of sustainable transport system, ecology and environment protection, food security and others is planned.

At the same time, the Concept presents specific plans and directives for further consolidations of friendly relations and accumulation of fruitful partnership with neighbouring countries and states of the region, with the peoples of which old historical and cultural relations unite Turkmen people.

Besides, main vectors of the development of regional and bilateral cooperation with Asian, European, North and South American and African Countries were outlined.

Having noted that new Concept includes number of other important directions of foreign policy of neutral Turkmenistan, the Vice-premier, the Head of the MFA presented the Draft for review to the Head of the State.

Summing up the report, the head of the State highlighted the importance of this programme document and pointed the necessity of thorough development and timely solution of all issues related realization of foreign policy course of our country for designated period taking into account current international situation and changes in the world.

Chairperson of the Mejlis A. Nurberdiyeva informed on the main activities of national Parliament for realization of the Concept of foreign policy course of Turkmenistan for the next seven years.

The basis of the Concept includes programme speeches of the President of Turkmenistan on foreign policy subjects, international legal documents signed with foreign states, international organizations as well as documents related to international law.

At present time, Turkmenistan, resting upon its neutral legal status, carries out comprehensive foreign policy, expands steadfast cooperation with the countries of the world and international organizations. New directions of cooperation are established. Turkmenistan uses its permanent neutral legal status for consolidation of peace and security, development of friendly and beneficial relations with other countries as well as for further improvement of social and economic, cultural and ecological cooperation in the Central Asia and Caspian region.

In this context, legal framework of protocol work of diplomatic and consulate services is improved; the work for legal support of realization of foreign policy initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan is carried out.

Improvement of national legislation, taking into account advanced practice, enhances comprehensive integration of Turkmenistan into world community, efficient participation of our country in international political, economic, investment, scientific, cultural, educational and natural protection projects.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted exclusive importance of legislative support of international activity of Turkmenistan and pointed the necessity of the development of proposals on amendments and addendums of existing legislation following from new Concept of foreign policy course of our neutral state.

Speaking of the methods of efficient implementation of opportunities of parliamentarian diplomacy, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed the increase of numbers of inter-parliamentary groups of friendship and steadfast development of contacts with specialized UN structures and other international organizations.

Chairman of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Sports T. Komekov reported on preparation to V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games by related department and fulfilment of the assignments given by the Head of the State during his visit of the Olympic village on February 9.

The slides with the sketches of decoration of horse silhouette rising above multifunctional stadium were presented to the attention of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that the Olympic stadium would hold opening and closing ceremonies of the Games. The appearance of this large facility will be key image of the Asian Games in Ashgabat and that is why such great attention is paid to its decoration, especially to the head of the horse, which is a symbol of national heritage. The look of the horse risen above the dome of the stadium have to pass the message of the role and importance of the horse throughout the history of Turkmen people, - the Head of the State highlighted and made few corrections in presented drafts.

Having continued the session, the Head of the State dwelt on the priorities of foreign policy course of Turkmenistan. Wherever directions the policy is undertaken in, it should always be balanced and coordinated, - the Head of the State emphasized. It has to follow one main purpose – the establishment of favourable international conditions for internal development of Turkmenistan, to enhance the provision of legal interests of our neutral state in the world and to improve its authority as reliable and stable partner.

Having noted that current session is held on the eve of large national holiday - the State Flag Day, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated the participants on this event and wished everybody strong health and happy life, great success in responsible work.