Turkmenistan celebrates the 32nd anniversary of its independence
Turkmenistan, a country rich in natural gas in Central Asia, is celebrating the 32nd anniversary of its independence.
On the occasion of September 27, Independence Day, which is considered a national holiday of Turkmenistan, events such as official ceremonies, the reading of the national anthem, folk dances and musical performances, sports events and exhibitions are organized throughout the country.
In order to strengthen the sense of national unity and solidarity of the people of Turkmenistan, perpetuate the memory of the struggle for independence and celebrate the independence of the country, films about historical figures who fought for independence are broadcast on national TV channels, and fireworks are displayed throughout the country.
"Independence Day" began to be celebrated on September 27, 2018
After the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), a referendum entitled "State sovereignty of Turkmenistan" was held in Turkmenistan on October 26, 1991.
As a result of the referendum, 94 percent of the country's population voted for independence. In accordance with these results, the law "On the foundations of independence and the State structure of Turkmenistan" was adopted on October 27, 1991, and this date was determined as the Independence Day of Turkmenistan.
Later, on October 9, 2017, the Constitution of Turkmenistan was amended and the law on the celebration of Independence Day was amended. With this change, since 2018, Independence Day was appointed on September 27 and this date began to be celebrated throughout the country.
Celebrating the 32nd anniversary of its establishment as an independent state, Turkmenistan is represented by carpet motifs symbolizing Turkmen tribes on a green background, and the Turkmen flag depicted by a five-star crescent symbolizing the five velayats of the country, the state emblem and the national anthem symbolizing the unity and solidarity of the people.
Turkmenistan, which has a population of 7 million people, has a coast to the Caspian Sea in the west and has an area of about 491 thousand square kilometers. Turkmenistan has good neighborly relations with Kazakhstan in the north, Uzbekistan in the east, Afghanistan in the south and Iran in the southwest.
The principle of neutrality in foreign policy
After the declaration of independence, Turkmenistan included in the country's military doctrine a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other States and respect for their territorial integrity.
One of the main reasons why the country has chosen the path of permanent neutrality in foreign policy is related to its geopolitical position. Its role as a bridge between East and West in the field of trade, transport and logistics, as well as the country's vast natural resources, initiated attempts to obtain the status of neutrality in foreign policy.
On December 12, 1995, Turkmenistan was declared a permanent neutral country with the support of 185 countries at the UN General Assembly.
A country rich in natural gas
Turkmenistan, which ranks fourth in the world in terms of natural gas reserves, in 2021 reached the highest level of natural gas production since the country gained independence, having completed 83 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Turkmenistan, which is already the largest supplier of natural gas to China, has started exporting gas to Azerbaijan since 2021 in addition to Russia.
While Turkmenistan is working on alternative pipeline projects in the natural gas trade, in the future it is planned to sell 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually through the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPH) gas pipeline, which is currently under construction.
Relations with Turkey
Turkey was the first country to recognize Turkmenistan's independence in 1991.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on February 29, 1992, and Turkey became the first country to open an embassy in Ashgabat.
Although trade relations between Turkey and Turkmenistan are growing rapidly, the goal is to increase the volume of trade, which exceeds $2 billion in 2021, to $5 billion in the short term and to $10 billion in the long term.
Turkmenistan stands out as the second country where Turkish companies work the most after Russia.
The two fraternal countries carry out comprehensive cooperation within the framework of regional and international organizations.
SOURCE: AA