On 12 December, Turkmenistan celebrated the national holiday - Neutrality Day. By tradition, this important date was marked by concerts and cultural and sport events that took place across the country.

Ashgabat''s Olympic Stadium and Ruhiyet Palace were the venue of main celebrations that included a grand theatrical performance and public concert of masters of art. The festivities ended with grand fireworks.

On this occasion, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to the Turkmen people.

"Day of Neutrality is one of our most important national holidays celebrated solemnly and enthusiastically. We are stringently pursuing the policy of neutrality based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries in the name of triumph of the idea of humanism, morality, brotherhood and friendship proclaimed by humanity and the international community, the president said. We have adopted a very responsible approach to addressing issues of international cooperation and constantly take care of triumph of mutual understanding, peace and friendship throughout the world."

At present, Turkmenistan maintains diplomatic relations with 129 countries of the world and is a member of more than 100 reputable international organizations, the message said.

It should be recalled that on 12 December 2005 the UN General Assembly adopted a special resolution on the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.