Large-scale reforms in the legal, socio-economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres carried out under the leadership of President Gurbanguly Berdimukhamedov indicate that Turkmenistan is entering new frontiers of state and social development.
Peace, equality, respect for the sovereignty of states and their right to their own path of development forms the basis of our foreign policy. This has contributed to raising the international prestige of Turkmenistan and the international community, primarily through the United Nations, has always lent support. Time has proved the correctness and validity of the choices made by our country. Over 19 years of active cooperation with the United Nations, Turkmenistan was able to find their place in the international system and has accumulated great experience in cooperation with the international community in building a harmonious, equal and respectful relations with other countries. This is evidenced by the fact that on Dec. 12, 1995, the UN resolution on the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, which became the foundation of our foreign policy and was largely determined by the criteria of internal policy, was adopted.
Cooperation with the United Nations is the defining vector of our foreign policy. In this context, it should be noted that on Dec. 10, 2007 the regional center of the United Nations for preventive diplomacy in Central Asia was opened in Turkmenistan. Opening of the center marked a new step in our country and our neighbors to ensure peace, security and stability in the region.
Progressive reforms by the president of Turkmenistan brought about rapid development of national economy, culture, science, education, health and social welfare. Over the past 19 years of independence the economy of Turkmenistan as a result of incremental progressive reform has strengthened considerably.
During this period, many issues were resolved, in particular food security, establishing full-fledged state administrative structures, and building of companies, universities, theaters, schools, hospitals, kindergartens, housing and other facilities. At present the people of Turkmenistan enjoy free gas, fuel, electricity and water, while making a symbolic payment for housing. This is thanks to government regulation supported by extremely low prices for bread and other utilities.
The prospects for cooperation in oil and gas sector are unusually wide. Oil and gas complex is a priority sector of our economy. The country now produces in year 70-80 billion cubic meters of gas and 10 million tons of oil. To meet the challenges in improving the institutional arrangements in Turkmenistan, the nation adopted the concept of development of oil and gas industry for the period until 2030. The goal of the program is to increase gas production to 230 billion cubic meters, and oil - up to 110 million tons a year.
As one of the largest producers of oil and gas Turkmenistan has a significant place in the global energy system. In this regard, Turkmenistan is building international cooperation, taking into account its own national interests and the needs of its partners. President Gurbanguly Berdimukhamedov is now embarking on the policy of diversifying supplies of hydrocarbon raw materials and energy security.
In this regard, Turkmenistan introduced in the 65th session of the UN General Assembly the creation of a UN expert group to develop a universal mechanism to ensure a safe and secure transit of energy resources to world markets, and in the future of a special body, the Energy Council of the UN, for the systemic, professional discussion of the complex issues of energy.
The country's leaders understand the vital importance of successful investment policy for the modernization of the country. Attractive to investors should be issues such as long-term political stability of the country's sustained economic growth and the rate of national currency, a strong resource base. Favorable conditions for life and work of investors have been created in Ashgabat and other cities are actively developing modern infrastructure, which includes hotel, communications, new roads, transportation and medical centers.
The state guarantees freedom of economic activities for all companies and entrepreneurs interested in cooperation with Turkmenistan on long-term basis. Interests of foreign investors are protected at the state level, with equal treatment of property rights of foreign and local investors, and preferential tax and customs regimes.
The relations between Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia are very warm and trusting. The first step toward the establishment of bilateral relations was the visit of Prince Saud Al-Faisal, minister of foreign affairs, to Ashgabat on Feb. 22, 1992, during which the Joint Statement was signed to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In September 1995, the president of Turkmenistan received the representative of King Fahd - Ahmed Muhammad Badib. During the meeting it was agreed that the two countries would open embassies in their respective capitals. Saudi Arabia established its embassy in Ashgabat in May 1997 - the first diplomatic mission from the Arab countries in Turkmenistan.
Partnership and commitment of cooperation significantly strengthened and expanded ties between the two countries. Representatives of the Kingdom participated in various forums, festivals and other events in Turkmenistan.
On April 13-16, 2007, President Berdimukhamedov made an official visit to Saudi Arabia and the General Agreement on cooperation between the two countries in various fields was signed. During the visit, Berdimukhamedov met with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, during which the two leaders discussed the current state and prospects of further cooperation. King Abdullah awarded the president of Turkmenistan, the highest award of his country - the Order of King Abdul Aziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud - in recognition for the president's efforts in bolstering ties.
The two states also reached agreement on opening the embassy of Turkmenistan in Riyadh and, it began operations in April 2008.
The two countries signed several bilateral documents - the General Agreement on Bilateral Cooperation, Agreement on Cooperation between the Council of Chambers of Commerce of Saudi Arabia and the Chamber of Commerce of Turkmenistan, which was signed during a visit to Ashgabat in May 2009. Also the first meeting of the intergovernmental commission between the two countries is to be organized in Riyadh, which will facilitate the development and deepening of relations between the two countries.
The organization of Cultural Days of Turkmenistan in May 2009 in Saudi Arabia evidenced the developing cultural ties between the two countries. The program enabled the people of Saudi Arabia to get acquainted with its rich culture, distinctive customs and traditions of the Turkmen people and trends of contemporary art.
Participants noted that the Cultural Days of Turkmenistan in Saudi Arabia was symbol of friendship and fruitful cultural cooperation between the two countries. Following the success of this program it is expected to hold Cultural Days of Saudi Arabia in Turkmenistan soon.
In conclusion, I would confidently note that the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between our two countries will continue to grow and develop to the benefit of our people under the leadership of President Berdimukhamedov and King Abdullah.
I take this opportunity to wish the people of the brotherly country peace, prosperity and happiness.
