ALMATY, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkmenistan celebrated Neutrality Day on Friday with President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov glorifying the country's neutral status, according to reports reaching here.

    In an address televised nationwide, Berdymukhamedov said the perpetual neutral status, granted by the international community in 1995, is a great honor for Turkmenistan, and represents tremendous trust in the country and its people.

    "For the peace and development of the world, Turkmenistan maintains, on the principles of trust and pragmatism, constructive strategic partnerships with many countries and authoritative international organizations including the United Nations, the Organisation for European Security and Cooperation, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Union and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development," Berdymukhamedov said.

    He pointed out that the policy of neutrality is the cornerstone of Turkmen diplomacy, and aims to fulfill the New Millennium Goal of peace, social progress and economic prosperity.