Photo exhibit celebrates Turkmenistan’s neutrality

By Mehmet Sah Yilmaz

ANKARA (AA) - Turkmenistan’s Embassy in the Turkish capital Ankara on Tuesday held a photo exhibit marking the 25th anniversary of the country’s permanent neutrality status.

The exhibition took place at the offices of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) and was hosted by Dyusen Kaseinov, the group’s secretary general.

Distinguished guests at the event included Ishankuli Amanlyev, Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Ankara, Yalcin Topcu, a senior adviser to the Turkish president, and many politicians.

Kaseinov said that since its first days, Turkmenistan has tried to forge peaceful and friendly relations with countries worldwide.

On Dec. 12, 1995, Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality was agreed on with the votes of 185 countries in the UN General Assembly, he said.

Since then, maintaining this status with no concessions, Turkmenistan has been greatly appreciated by all countries, Kaseinov added.

The 25th anniversary exhibit includes 1,500 works by some 300 artists from the Turkic world.

Amanlyev said many national and international events have been organized to mark the anniversary.

On Turkey’s ties with Turkmenistan, Topcu said: “Thanks to the good relations in every field, especially politics, trade, the economy, culture, and education, I hope to embrace the future as ‘two brother countries, two states’.”

The exhibit spotlighted photos showing Turkmenistan’s cultural and natural beauty.

* Writing by Dilan Pamuk in Ankara