The visit of H.E. Dr. Aisha l. Abdullahi, Commissioner for political affairs to Turkmenistan

H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission delegated H.E. Dr. Aisha L. Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs to represent her at the International Conference on Peace, Security and Development taking place in Ashgabat on 12 December 2015 as part of the country's 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan Status of Permanent Neutrality.

On arrival in Ashgabat, H.E. the Commissioner for Political Affairs was received by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, H.E. Mr. Mr. Berdyniyaz Myatiyev, who welcomed the Commissioner and her delegation to Ashgabat.

The Commissioner for Political Affairs then met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Mr. Raşit Meredow. During the meeting, the Commissioner for Political Affairs thanked the Government and the people of Turkmenistan for the hospitality and the warm welcome as well as the invitation extended to the African Union to be part of the country's celebrations of Neutrality.

Dr. Abdullahi also indicated that with the status of permanent neutrality Turkmenistan contributes to the strengthening of peace and security in its region through its foreign policy of permanent positive neutrality and its preventive diplomacy. She concluded by adding that this status also strengthens ties between Africa and Turkmenistan in the mutual recognition of the importance of neutrality.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan thanked the African Union for its efforts to build a united, peaceful and prosperous continent. He further added that neutrality is a commitment to peace, cooperation, and dialogue between states. He also highlighted that fact that neutral status is associated with other important values and principles, such as non-proliferation, conflict prevention, and human rights. The added that countries that maintain their neutrality ensure regional stability and security, facilitate constructive relations between nations, and are important partners for peace and sustainable development.

H.E. Mr. Raşit Meredow concluded by reiterating the commitment of His Excellency Mr. Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the President of Turkmenistan to support the African Union with its efforts to implement the sustainable development goals and to improving the cooperation ties with African counties.

H.E. Commissioner Abdullahi was accompanied by Amb. Salah S. Hammad and Ms. Safiya Balla from the Department of Political Affairs. During the three-day assessment visit, H.E. the Commissioner for Political Affairs is expected to address the International Conference on Peace, Security and Development as well as meeting with officials from the government of Turkmenistan.