Ashgabat, Dec. 12 (ANI): Vice President M. Hamid Ansari drew a parallel between the 'Neutrality of Turkmenistan' and the 'Non-Aligned Movement' (NAM) while addressing the International Neutrality Conference here, and said that India supported the Central Asian country's neutrality.
"The idea of neutrality or its use as a political precept is not unknown to India. The basic values that underline the policy of neutrality are of peace, non-violence and peaceful resolution of disputes. This has remarkable similarities with the overall approach of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the fundamental objective of the latter also being preservation of world peace and security, and of which, Turkmenistan is now an active member," he said.
Vice President Ansari also highlighted the cardinal principle of NAM which was independence from great powers or block politics and rivalries. He added that the principal did not imply a passive role for the Movement in international politics but formulation of positions in an independent manner so as to reflect the interests of its members.
"As one of the founding members of NAM, India has always taken a supportive position on Turkmenistan's neutrality. We have- both bilaterally and at international forums- conveyed our appreciation of the positive contribution made by this policy towards providing security, stability, sustainable development and humanitarian assistance in the region as well as the all-round progress of the Turkmenistan," he said.
The vice president congratulated the people of Turkmenistan on the 20th Anniversary of adoption of the status of 'Permanent Neutrality' by the country.
He also lauded the bond shared between the two nations.
"India and Turkmenistan have shared historical links.This bond has grown stronger in the contemporary times. During the recent visit of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Turkmenistan, we reiterated our vision for a shared future," he said.
India and Turkmenistan have enjoyed close, friendly and historical ties. The 'Turkman Gate' built in Delhi in 1650s bears testimony to this friendship. India's first prime minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru also visited Ashgabat in June 1955.
