Holidays of Turkmenistan - Day of Diplomatic Workers

Every year on February 18, the Republic of Turkmenistan celebrates the Day of Diplomatic Workers. This professional holiday was established in 2009 by decree of the second Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The need for the holiday is due to the important role of diplomatic service employees in the development of the country. Turkmenistan occupies one of the leading places in the international arena: mutually beneficial diplomatic relations have been established with more than 100 countries, the Republic is a member of 40 international organizations. The celebration begins with a congratulation from the head of state, which reflects the importance of the diplomatic department for the economic, cultural, technical, and political prosperity of Turkmenistan. In his address, the President thanks the ambassadors and diplomats for their conscientious service for the benefit of the country. On February 18, Diplomatic Worker's Day, conferences, symposiums, exhibitions, and meetings are held. Traditionally, a ceremony is organized to award state awards to the best representatives of the department for conscientious service. On this day, it is customary to present diplomas and personalized scholarships to the best students of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and awards to the winners of competitions. Residents and guests of the country can get acquainted with the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at exhibitions, expositions, and forums. During the celebration, concerts are held and folk groups perform. The foundation of today's diplomatic service was laid under the first President of the Turkmen Republic S. Niyazov. The department included high-ranking officials, career diplomats, and former government members. The objectives of the modern diplomatic service of Turkmenistan are to promote the country to world energy markets (oil and gas supplies, modernization of production in the energy sector), establish cooperation in the field of high technology, protect the rights and interests of organizations and citizens of the country outside its borders. The professional activities of diplomatic workers are aimed at preserving peace, sustainable development of the country, and security, which is supported by the international community. Turkmenistan has adopted a neutral foreign policy course for 2017-2023, based on mutual respect and understanding of other peoples of the world. Turkmen diplomacy is based on the principles and traditions laid down in ancient times: peace and mutually beneficial cooperation. Thanks to the professional knowledge and experience of diplomats, the Republic integrates into the system of international relations, demonstrating active activity on the world stage.