The International scientific-practical conference “The policy of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan” held in Islamabad

On March 15, 2015, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in collaboration with the Institute for Peace Studies and Diplomacy of the IRP, Pakistan Society of Civilizations organized international scientific-practical conference “The policy of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan” in Islamabad.Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the IRP Sartaj Aziz,  Chairman of the Standing Committee on foreign policy of the National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Aiwaz Ahmad Khan Leghari, representatives of the Pakistan Society of Civilizations, Institute of Peace Studies and Diplomacy of the IRP, heads and members of diplomatic missions accredited in Islamabad, representatives of higher educational institutions, academics and experts, prominent public figures, representatives of the Turkmen diaspora in Pakistan, as well as representatives of the media of Pakistan participated in the work of the conference.At the beginning of the conference the keynote address was delivered by Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan S.K.Berdyniyazov. In his report, he elaborated on the basic principles of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, spoke about the path traversed by Turkmenistan in the years of independence, about economic achievements and major international projects aimed at strengthening peace, cooperation and stability in the region.
In his speech, Minister of Foreign Affairs of IRP Sartaj Aziz highly appreciated the Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy. Stressing the close relations between the two countries, he noted the importance of expanding trade and economic relations between the two countries. He also noted that the TAPI gas pipeline will contribute to peace and economic prosperity of the countries of Central Asia and South-East Asia.
In his speech, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan A.N.Movlamov, expressed his gratitude to the leadership and nation of Pakistan for their support and co-sponsorship of the UN General Assembly special resolution “On the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan” on  December 12, 1995 which was initially launched at the summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization in Islamabad. 
During the academic session, Rector of the International University of Humanities and Development of Turkmenistan E.M.Aydogdyev in his report spoke about the international aspects of neutrality, which contributed to strengthening of the authority of Turkmenistan in the international arena.
Participants speaking at the conference highly evaluated the choice of direction and realization of the potential of Turkmenistan's neutrality under the wise leadership of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. It was noted that the granting of the status of permanent neutrality to Turkmenistan was an important milestone not only for Turkmenistan, but also for the entire world community.
At the final session, the Chairman of the Standing Committee on foreign policy of the National Assembly of the IRP's Sardar Aiwaz Ahmad Khan Leghari noted in his statement that the announcement of 2015 – as the Year of Peace and Neutrality - is a symbol of the triumph of peace and security, friendship and good relations, understanding, lofty goals and principles of humanism. In this respect, the international scientific-practical conference is a significant event, testifying to the friendly relations between the two countries.
At the conference, the Embassy presented a video that reflects the culture and achievements of neutral and independent Turkmenistan. After the conference there was a dinner in honour of the guests and participants of the event, during which expert discussions and analysis of the current world trends of development, the role and place it in Turkmenistan continued.
On the same day, State Television of Pakistan and many private channels showed video report of the conference. Almost all Pakistani media, including 16 newspapers in English, Urdu and Pashto languages published photos and articles about the conference.