The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan has sent a diplomatic note to the Secretariat of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) requesting it to initiate necessary procedures to formalize Turkmenistan''s associated membership in the organization.

The ministry said this decision was made in accordance with conceptual provisions of the foreign policy of Turkmenistan as a permanently neutral state.

It should be recalled that Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the 10th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization in Tehran on 11 March. During the forum the head of state said Turkmenistan would continue its membership in the ECO as an associated member.