The new Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Holy See, Vepa Hajiyev, presented his credentials to Pope Francis on December 7.

As reported on the website of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Geneva, the award ceremony took place in the Vatican, in St. Peter's Basilica.

The Pope, stressing the key role of diplomacy in resolving global problems, noted the Holy See's commitment to the principle of “positive neutrality” and called for hope and a creative approach to problem solving.

During the brief conversation, Ambassador Vepa Hajiyev conveyed greetings and best wishes to the Pope from the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The similarity of the approaches of both countries to foreign policy, based on the principle of neutrality, was noted.

Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the good wishes and conveyed his best wishes to the leadership and people of Turkmenistan.

On the same day, V. Hajiyev met with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the political, cultural and humanitarian spheres, the source notes.