ASHGABAT, December 12. /TASS/. Russia wholeheartedly respects Turkmenistan's status of positive neutrality, Russian Ambassador to Ashgabat Ivan Volynkin said in his congratulatory message on the occasion of the International Day of Neutrality.

"The constructive and innovative initiatives of Turkmenistan consistently attract the interest of the global community. For example, this year, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by your country, titled ‘2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust.’ Russia, as one of the co-authors of the aforementioned document, fully supports Turkmenistan's declared status of positive neutrality and deeply respects this purposeful and sovereign choice," the Russian embassy's press service quoted Volynkin as saying.

The ambassador emphasized that Turkmenistan's foreign policy commands great international respect, contributing to the strengthening of stability and security at both regional and global levels. It also plays a pivotal role in fostering friendly and mutually beneficial relations between states.

On December 12, 1995, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a special resolution on Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, with the support of 185 countries. The document was reaffirmed on June 3, 2015, during another General Assembly session, receiving unanimous backing from 193 nations.

Since 2017, December 12 has also been celebrated as the International Day of Neutrality. The initiative for its establishment was first announced by then-President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on December 12, 2015, during an international conference in Ashgabat marking the 20th anniversary of the country’s neutral status. On February 2, 2017, during its 71st session, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution 71/275, proclaiming December 12 as the International Day of Neutrality. In Turkmenistan, this day is a public holiday.