Amidst the active international agenda surrounding the 30th anniversary of its neutrality, Turkmenistan continued to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in Africa, as evidenced by two events: the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe and the official commencement of the mission of the new Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea.
On December 11, a Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe was signed in Ashgabat.
The document was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov and Minister of Health of Sao Tome and Principe Celso Vaz do Nascimento Matos.
The parties emphasized that this step will provide an important impetus for the further strengthening of friendly bilateral ties, as well as for the development of political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation, including interaction within international organizations, primarily within the UN. On Monday, December 15, the official inauguration ceremony of Luciano Nkogo Ndong Ayekaba, the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to Turkmenistan (with residence in Moscow), took place in Ashgabat.
The Ambassador presented his credentials to Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The guest praised Turkmenistan's positive policy of neutrality congratulated on the 30th anniversary of the recognition of its status by the UN, and noted that he would continue to support initiatives of universal significance promoted by Turkmenistan in the international arena.
The Ambassador emphasized that it is a great honor for him to represent his country in Turkmenistan, which is recognized as a center of peacekeeping in the region and supports the establishment of effective interstate relations for the benefit of common well-being.
Earlier that day, Deputy Foreign Minister Serdar Muhammetdurdyev received copies of the Ambassador's credentials. During the meeting, there were discussed opportunities for strengthening the legal framework, developing trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties, and the effectiveness of cooperation within the United Nations.
Ambassador Luciano Nkogo Ndong Ayekaba assured that he would make every effort to elevate bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level, reaffirming his mutual interest in intensifying the partnership.
These events highlight the growing importance of the African continent in Turkmenistan's foreign policy and its commitment to using the principles of permanent neutrality to strengthen global dialogue and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.
ORIENT
