Russian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ivan Volynkin, who was awarded the jubilee medal "For the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality," stated that he views this award as a result of the work of the entire embassy staff, and not as a personal achievement.

"Today, a number of diplomats and heads of diplomatic missions received high praise for their work from Turkmenistan's leadership. This is very gratifying, very touching. And I see this not as my personal achievement, but as the result of the work of our entire embassy team," the ambassador said following the conference "International Year of Peace and Trust: Decisive Steps for Neutral Turkmenistan."

Volynkin emphasized that this award is a credit to the entire team. "Secondly, I see this award as an advance payment—meaning we must work even harder. And we must work to ensure that relations between the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan develop even more rapidly, in all areas—for the sake of peace, tranquility, and prosperity in this region and throughout the world," he added.

The diplomat noted that the work must be carried out for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.

Earlier, in accordance with a decree by Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Russian ambassador was awarded a commemorative medal and a commemorative silver badge in honor of the 30th anniversary of neutrality.