Today Turkmenistan celebrates the 34th anniversary of its independence. On this occasion, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed his compatriots with a congratulatory message, which reads:
Dear compatriots!
Respected people!
I sincerely congratulate you on the national holiday of Turkmenistan – Independence Day! I firmly believe that this sacred holiday will further strengthen our national pride for our beloved Motherland, which confidently follows the path of prosperity and progress, and will give us strength to achieve new successes and great heights.
Independence is the greatest treasure and national pride of our people. Thirty-four years ago, on the eve of the third millennium, our independence was proclaimed and a model of democratic, legal, and secular statehood was chosen, based on the path of sovereign and free development of Turkmenistan. During this glorious period, our country has pursued an independent, progressive policy, made a worthy contribution to overall political, economic, and cultural progress, and united efforts in the name of peace and friendly relations on the planet.
In the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state, we continue to strengthen the foundations of our independence and neutrality, confidently leading our country toward a great future. Therefore, we treat with special reverence the sacred holiday – Independence Day, which is a symbol of our achievements, progress, and prosperity. On this historically significant holiday, we solemnly open new social, industrial, and cultural facilities in our cities and villages, whose architectural appearance is becoming more beautiful, proclaiming to the whole world the independence of our Motherland, the happiness, glory, and honor of our people.
In the first month of the blessed autumn of the International Year of Peace and Trust, when each day of our sovereign Fatherland is marked by new historical events and celebrations, guided by the principles of national statehood rooted in deep antiquity, we opened in Ashgabat as festive gifts the complex of buildings of the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, a glass production plant, the modernized 15th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence park, the modern villages of Dowletli Mekan and Bagtyly Zaman in Akhal region, the settlement of Bitaraplyk in Dashoguz region, an additional academic building of the Turkmen State Energy Institute in Mary region, a dormitory, a sports complex and the building New Power along the bypass road, as well as dozens of other facilities, demonstrating to the world the greatness of our sacred independence and epoch, the inviolability of our unity and cohesion.
Dear compatriots!
We are successfully implementing state programs that provide for the modernization of the national economy, raising the level and quality of life of citizens, building new villages, cities, and districts. We are carrying out great work to strengthen the position of our state in the world community and increase its international authority. On the eve of Independence Day, under the chairmanship of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, another historic meeting of the highest representative body of people’s power was held, at which important decisions were adopted related to the further prosperity of our state and society. Remarkable achievements, high milestones, and glorious victories are the foundation of our progress and future great successes.
Respected compatriots!
Over the years of independence, the policy of neutrality, based on the principles of peace and friendship, humanism and trust, originating from centuries-old national unity, has received full support in the world and has been recognized as a new political experience.
Three times recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, the permanent neutrality of our country in the International Year of Peace and Trust is the highest recognition of the international community and its great trust in our principles of peace, humanity, and goodwill. Neutrality is the guarantee of our rapid development, new opportunities for the more successful realization of the centuries-old dream of our ancestors for peace and stability, friendship, and good neighborliness. The legal status of permanent neutrality of our independent state has become a solid international legal foundation for the systematic expansion of political, economic, and cultural ties both with foreign countries and reputable international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in order to ensure peace and harmony, to unite efforts for global development. The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held at the highest level in the National Tourist Zone Avaza, has become a wonderful result of the implementation of the state policy of peace, goodwill, and neutrality.
Dear compatriots!
Respected people!
Once again, I sincerely congratulate you on Independence Day!
I wish you strong health, long life, great happiness and family well-being, and great success in your work for the further prosperity of our beloved Motherland!
President of Turkmenistan
Serdar Berdimuhamedov
