Policy
The National Leader of the Turkmen people held a meeting with the Head of the UNRCCA
09.12.2025On 8 December, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kakha Imnadze. This was reported by TDH. Kakha Imnadze conveyed greetings from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and noted his support for Turkmenistan's initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and sustainable development in the region. He also highlighted the country's contribution to the work of the Regional Centre, established on the initiative of Hero Arkadag. The National Leader of the Turkmen people thanked him for his words of support and recalled that the meeting was taking place on the eve of International Neutrality Day. Hero Arkadag noted that 2025 has been declared the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust,’ and its significance is enhanced by the coincidence with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN. According to the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, many events have already been held in Turkmenistan and abroad to mark these dates. An international forum with the participation of representatives from different countries will be held in Ashgabat in the near future. It is expected to become a platform for discussing issues on the global agenda, sustainable development and humanitarian cooperation. The Head of the UN Regional Centre noted that the holding of such a forum reflects consistent support for Turkmenistan's initiatives in the field of peace and stability. As noted at the meeting, Turkmenistan's cooperation with the UN is long-term and strategic in nature. The country supports the UN's leading role in addressing global challenges and promotes initiatives in the areas of peace, preventive diplomacy, energy security, transport and the environment. These proposals receive broad international support. The role of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in maintaining stability and good neighbourliness in the region was noted separately. Kakha Imnadze expressed his gratitude to Turkmenistan for its support for the Centre's work and confirmed his readiness to develop the partnership.
Elizabeth Rood: The United States highly values Turkmenistan's neutrality
08.12.2025Elizabeth Rood, the US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent Neutrality. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. The Diplomat emphasised that this status makes Turkmenistan an example for international dialogue and cooperation, including through humanitarian aid. The Ambassador noted that the United States values Turkmenistan's neutrality, confirmed by UN Resolutions 2015 and 2025. E. Rood also highlighted the coincidence of several anniversaries in 2025 — the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, the 80th anniversary of the UN, the 10th anniversary of the ‘C5+1’ platform and the 250th anniversary of US independence — which opens up new opportunities for cooperation. The Diplomat added that Turkmenistan and the United States continue to develop economic and cultural ties, including the ‘C5+1’ and ‘B5+1’ formats, which contribute to the stability and development of the region. Elizabeth Rood conveyed her congratulations to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the people of the country, wishing them peace, stability and prosperity.
British Ambassador emphasises importance of the neutrality of Turkmenistan
08.12.2025Stephen Conlon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Turkmenistan, congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent Neutrality, noting its key importance for foreign policy and national identity. This was reported by IIC. The Ambassador emphasised the role of British diplomats in preparing the 1995 UN Resolution that enshrined Turkmenistan's neutrality, as well as the international recognition of the country's neutrality, confirmed by subsequent Resolutions in 2015 and 2025. S. Conlon stressed that International Neutrality Day on 12 December symbolises the unique status of Turkmenistan, which over three decades has become a reliable partner and platform for peace initiatives. The Ambassador expressed confidence in Turkmenistan's continued adherence to the principles of international law and confirmed the UK's support for the country's course, hoping to strengthen the partnership based on mutual respect.
The President of Turkmenistan has pardoned a group of foreign nationals
08.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed a Decree pardoning a group of foreign nationals convicted in the country, according to TDH. The pardon is timed to coincide with International Neutrality Day. The document notes that this measure is aimed at strengthening friendly ties between states and reflects a commitment to the principles of humanism. Foreign citizens are exempt from further serving their sentences.
A presentation of the new book by the President of Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat
08.12.2025A new book by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygy – parahatçylygyň we ynanyşmagyň aýdyň ýoly’ (The Neutrality of Turkmenistan — A Bright Way of Peace and Trust) was presented in Turkmenistan. The presentation took place at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and was one of the key events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent Neutrality, according to TDH. Before the presentation began, participants viewed a thematic exhibition. The programme also included a literary and musical composition prepared by students of the Institute. The book consists of nine chapters and details the stages of Turkmenistan's neutrality, its contribution to peace, security and sustainable development. It was noted that over the past 30 years, Neutrality status has become an important tool for international stability and the basis for effective foreign policy interaction. The publication contains historical documents, speeches by the President of Turkmenistan at international forums and materials on Turkmenistan's cooperation with UN agencies. To date, about 30 agreements have been implemented with them in the areas of motherhood and childhood, health care, education and social support. As the participants in the presentation emphasised, the book is valuable for diplomats, specialists in the political and economic spheres, researchers and journalists. It is published in Turkmen, English and Russian and features extensive artwork. The publication highlights the importance of permanent Neutrality, which has been confirmed three times by the UN General Assembly, and reflects Turkmenistan's initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, trust and international cooperation.
President of Turkmenistan highlighted key initiatives in the Year of Peace and Trust
08.12.2025On 6 December, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers with the participation of Heads of foreign diplomatic missions and representative offices to international organisations. This was reported by TDH. At the meeting, the Head of State recalled that the UN General Assembly, on the initiative of Turkmenistan, adopted the Resolution ‘2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust.’ During this period, major international events were held, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN and the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. The UN General Assembly also unanimously approved the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’ - this is the third confirmation of the state's status. Thematic events were held in Turkmenistan and abroad, and accompanying documents were adopted. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan plans to expand international cooperation. The priorities are cooperation with the countries of Central Asia and the Caspian region, partnership within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organisation, and the development of contacts with the states of South Asia, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Turkmenistan intends to strengthen ties with European countries in the fields of high technology, ‘green’ energy and artificial intelligence, as well as to develop partnerships with countries in North and South America and Africa. In 2026, Turkmenistan will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its independence, host the 8th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and chair the CIS, where a meeting of the Council of Heads of State will be held. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the need for further work to implement UN resolutions and promote Turkmenistan's interests on the international stage.
The President of Turkmenistan pardoned 231 convicts on Neutrality Day
07.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree pardoning 231 convicts. The decision was timed to coincide with International Neutrality Day, which the country will celebrate on 12 December. This was reported by TDH. The Decree was signed at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. The discussion was attended by Heads of diplomatic missions and consular offices of Turkmenistan abroad, as well as representatives of the country to international organisations. Foreign policy issues were on the agenda. Begench Gundogdyev, Secretary of the State Security Council and Chairman of the Commission for the Preparation of Proposals on Citizenship and Pardon, presented a report on the work done. After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan approved the decision on pardons. He instructed the Commission and law enforcement agencies to ensure the speedy return of those released to their families.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented a book dedicated to the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality
07.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced the completion of the book ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygy – parahatçylygyň we ynanyşmagyň aýdyň ýoly’ (Turkmenistan's Neutrality – The Clear Path to Peace and Trust). The publication is dedicated to the results of the year and the 30th anniversary of permanent Neutrality, according to TDH. The announcement was made at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers with the participation of Heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices and representatives of Turkmenistan to international organisations. Key areas of foreign policy were discussed at the meeting. The President congratulated the participants of the meeting and the residents of the country on the upcoming International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of permanent Neutrality. According to the Head of State, the book reveals the role of Turkmenistan's neutrality, which has been recognised three times by the UN General Assembly. It reflects initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and trust, as well as the country's achievements over the current year. The President noted that the book will be a gift to the people.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan presented commemorative medals to mark the 30th anniversary of neutrality
07.12.2025On 6 December, at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, a ceremony was held to award anniversary medals ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘To the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’) to diplomatic service employees. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov noted that the events marking the 30th anniversary of permanent Neutrality include a number of international events, including a forum to be held on 12 December in Ashgabat. The Head of the Foreign Ministry stressed that the diplomatic service faces the tasks of strengthening the country's position in the international arena and developing foreign policy dialogue. After that, the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan on awarding the medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ was announced. Diplomats were presented with state awards and commemorative medals. The medals were awarded to employees who contributed to strengthening the independence and legal status of neutrality, as well as to enhancing the country's international authority.
The President of Turkmenistan was awarded a commemorative medal for the 30th anniversary of Neutrality
07.12.2025The Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted a Resolution on awarding the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov with the Turkmenistan’s anniversary medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘To the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’) and a set of commemorative badges. The decision is timed to coincide with International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality, reports AsmanNews. The document notes that the status of permanent Neutrality remains as a key element of the country's foreign policy. It also highlights the contribution of the President of Turkmenistan to strengthening the independence and sovereignty of the state, developing international cooperation, promoting an ‘open door’ policy and the doctrine of ‘Dialogue - a Guarantee of Peace’. The Resolution was signed by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova.
Turkmenistan and the UN discussed new formats for cooperation
06.12.2025On 4 December, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a telephone conversation with Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and High Representative for the Alliance of Civilisations. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current areas of cooperation and highlighted issues of intercultural and interreligious dialogue. It was noted that the meeting in September on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly gave a new impetus to joint work. During the conversation, Turkmenistan's proposals to hold an International Forum ‘Central Asia – Space of Peaceful Coexistence’ under the auspices of UNESCO and the Alliance of Civilisations were considered, including the idea of a Global Summit on Culture of Peace, Trust and Mutual Respect. The interlocutors also exchanged views on the preparation of the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan and the EU discussed cooperation and preparations for the Peace and Trust Forum
06.12.2025On 5 December, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a telephone conversation with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Kaja Kallas congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality and noted the role of the country's neutral course in maintaining peace and sustainable development. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation and noted the importance of mechanisms for interaction in the ‘EU-Turkmenistan’ format. The main issues on the bilateral agenda were considered. Preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat, were discussed separately.
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