13. Türkmenistan recognizes the independence of the adjoining republics in the USSR, the definitiveness of their borders, and their territorial integrity and indivisibility.

14. It is as an independent state that Türkmenistan is a member of the world community, having equal rights to determine and execute its foreign policy. Türkmenistan joins the United Nations Organizations and other international organizations as a direct member, establishes diplomatic relations, open embassies and other competent agencies and makes international contracts.

(48-49)

Türkmenistan guarantees equal rights and freedoms to its citizens, as well as the equality of citizens before the law irrespective of nationality, origin, property, status or official position, place of residence, language, attitude towards religion, or membership of any party, association or institution.

(258)

Türkmenistan accepts mutual respect, conciliation, reconciliation and humanism as the basis of international relations, and employs the same principles in its domestic politics as well. Türkmenistan maintains and works for domestic, regional and international peace, welfare and social cooperation, and it sustains the same principles within its own society and state.

(279-280)

The National Council of Türkmenistan that convened on 27 December 1999 accepted the document, “A Declaration on Türkmenistan’s Foreign Policy of 21^st Century that Depends on Neutrality, Peace-loving, Good Neighborhood Relations, and Democratic Principles”. In this historic document it is declared that Türkmenistan as a neutral state has and employs a foreign policy related to love and respect for human life, full respect for democracy, and protection of human rights and freedom. These principles are the basis of Türkmen foreign policy and diplomacy.

Türkmenistan accepts international human rights standards accepted by other members of the international community. It was also stated in the document that Türkmenistan now and in the future is willing to cooperate with the United Nations.

(283-284)

My Türkmen nation, may you never be belittled before a great nation, and may you never grow greedy before a small nation. The Türkmens will maintain the balance in international relations. Let this balance be an unshakable pillar of the Türkmen policy!

(405)