On September 27, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated his compatriots on Turkmenistan's national holiday, Independence Day.

"Independence is a great asset and national pride for our people. On the eve of the third millennium, thirty-four years ago, our independence was proclaimed and an exemplary model of democratic, legal, and secular government was chosen, based on the path of sovereign and free development for Turkmenistan. During this glorious period, our country pursued an independent, progressive policy, made a worthy contribution to global political, economic, and cultural progress, and united efforts in the name of peace and friendly relations on the planet.

In the era of the Renaissance of a new era of a powerful state, we continue to strengthen the foundations of our independence and neutrality, confidently leading our country toward a great future. "Therefore, we treat this sacred holiday—Independence Day—with special respect, a symbol of our success, progress, and prosperity. On the occasion of this historically significant holiday, we ceremoniously open new social, industrial, and cultural facilities in our cities and villages, whose architectural appearance is becoming ever more beautiful, proclaiming to the entire world the independence of our homeland and the happiness, glory, and honor of our people," the head of state noted.

"Our country's permanent neutrality, recognized three times by the United Nations General Assembly during the International Year of Peace and Trust, is the highest praise of the international community and its deep trust in our principles of peacefulness, humanity, and goodwill. Neutrality is the key to our rapid development and new opportunities for more successfully realizing our ancestors' centuries-old dream of peace and stability, friendship, and good neighborliness." The legal status of permanent neutrality of our independent state has become a solid international legal basis for the systematic expansion of political, economic, and cultural ties with both foreign countries and authoritative international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, with the aim of ensuring peace and harmony and uniting efforts for global development. The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held at the highest level in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, was an excellent result of the implementation of the state policy of peace, goodwill, and neutrality," the president emphasized.

The head of state wished his compatriots good health, long life, great happiness and family well-being, and great success in their work for the continued prosperity of their beloved homeland.

Source: Electronic newspaper "Turkmenistan: Golden Age"