When is Turkmenistan Neutrality Day?
Neutrality Day is a public holiday in Turkmenistan, celebrated on December 12th.
Known as 'Bitaraplyk baýramy' in Turkmen, it commemorates the UN resolution on the neutrality of Turkmenistan, adopted in 1995.
History of Neutrality Day
On December 12th 1995, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution A/50/80, recognizing and supporting the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
As UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in 2010, "This was a historic day for the people of Turkmenistan and a unique achievement in the foreign policy of their Government. Not only did Turkmenistan make a strategic decision to adopt the status of permanent neutrality, the country also made a public commitment to build harmonious relations with its neighbours and to promote international peace and security in the wider world."
The declaration is viewed with pride by the citizens of Turkmenistan and Neutrality Day is regarded as one of the most important holidays in this Central Asian country. It is marked by mass festivities and holiday concerts across the country and in the capital city of Ashgabat.
