Policy
Turkmenistan Strengthens Cooperation Through Its Policy of Neutrality
13.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov said at the Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat that the country’s status of permanent neutrality creates stable external conditions for its internal development. According to him, this principle enables Turkmenistan to maintain steady rates of economic and social growth, the publication «Turkmenistan: The Golden Age» reports. The head of state noted that neutrality and the «open doors» policy help strengthen trade and investment ties, improve living standards, and allow the country to participate in major international projects as a reliable partner. The president also emphasized that this course has enabled Turkmenistan to build a high level of trust and cooperation with dozens of countries and international organizations, both on a bilateral and multilateral basis.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov: The Forum of Peace and Trust Strengthens Dialogue and Partnership
13.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov delivered a speech at the Peace and Trust Forum in Ashgabat, held to mark the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, the publication «Turkmenistan: The Golden Age» reports. In his address, the head of state highlighted the international significance of the event. According to the President of Turkmenistan, the Forum provides an opportunity to discuss regional and global processes, as well as to strengthen principles such as peace, cooperation, equality, trust, and dialogue. The President stated that new approaches to world order and responsible development strategies are being shaped in Turkmenistan. He emphasized the value of cooperation with partner countries and expressed confidence that the current meetings would enhance mutual understanding and joint efforts to address common challenges.
At the forum in Ashgabat, a proposal was made to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality
12.12.2025Turkmenistan has proposed establishing a University of Peace and Neutrality jointly with the United Nations. The initiative was announced by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov while speaking at the Forum of Peace and Trust, «Turkmenistan: The Golden Age» reports. The head of state noted that the policy of neutrality enables the country to build constructive and friendly relations with many states. According to him, this demonstrates both the relevance of neutrality and its potential in various regions of the world. Berdimuhamedov explained that the initiative is based on the UN’s experience in peacekeeping and preventive diplomacy. The new university, he said, could serve as a platform for academic and educational work in the field of neutrality and dialogue. The president expressed hope for support of the initiative from international partners and stated Turkmenistan’s readiness for further discussion of the project.
The President of Russia highly praised Turkmenistan’s foreign policy course
12.12.2025President of Russia Vladimir Putin, speaking at the International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, highlighted Turkmenistan’s contribution to strengthening regional and global security, according to the state news agency Turkmenistan: The Golden Age. Vladimir Putin emphasized that the country pursues a balanced foreign policy and consistently promotes stability. He recalled that Turkmenistan’s choice in favor of permanent neutrality became the foundation of its strategic course as an independent state. According to the Russian president, Turkmenistan enjoys respect in Central Asia and on the international stage. He noted that the country, relying on its historical and cultural heritage, demonstrates steady growth in both the economy and the social sphere. Putin also reminded that December 12 marks the 30th anniversary of the day when the UN General Assembly officially recognized Turkmenistan’s neutral status. This date became a national holiday and was designated the International Day of Neutrality. In conclusion, the Russian leader congratulated the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as the people of the country on the anniversary.
Vladimir Putin noted the strengthening of the partnership between Russia and Turkmenistan
12.12.2025Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat that Russian companies are preparing new major investment projects in Turkmenistan, according to the outlet Turkmenistan: The Golden Age. He noted growth in bilateral trade. According to Putin, in the first ten months of 2025, trade turnover increased by 35% — more than during the entire previous year. The Russian leader stressed that Russian businesses intend to expand their presence in the Turkmen market. Putin added that the strategic partnership between the two countries is strengthening on the basis of friendship and good-neighborliness and serves as an example of effective cooperation in a multipolar world. Cooperation, he said, is actively developing in the fields of energy and transport, which both sides consider priorities. The president also pointed to joint projects in the Caspian region and Central Asia, including work on creating the North–South corridor and the growth of interregional contacts. In conclusion, Putin thanked Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the warm welcome.
Turkmenistan and WHO have agreed on a cooperation plan until 2030
12.12.2025On December 11, 2025, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova met with the WHO Representative to the European Union and Head of the WHO European Regional Centre for Global Health Diplomacy, Oksana Domenti, the press service of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. The parties discussed current cooperation and plans for the coming years. One of the key points of the talks was the preparation of Turkmenistan’s Country Cooperation Strategy with WHO for 2026–2030, with work on the document nearing completion. The WHO initiative to conduct a course on health diplomacy in Turkmenistan in early 2026 was also considered. The Turkmen side expressed support for the proposal, noting its importance for enhancing the skills of specialists. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to continue joint work and advance new projects in the field of healthcare.
The Head of the UN Office in Geneva highlighted Turkmenistan's unique status
12.12.2025In Ashgabat, the international forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality continues. The focus of the day was the Plenary Session “Peace and Trust: Unity of Purpose for a Sustainable Future,” featuring a speech by Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office in Geneva, as reported by the IIC. She emphasized Ashgabat’s importance as a regional diplomatic hub and highlighted the 18-year work of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, which has become a platform for collaborative solutions among countries in the region. Valovaya addressed global challenges and the need for preventive diplomacy, referencing the “Pact for the Future” adopted at the 2024 UN Summit. She paid particular attention to Turkmenistan’s unique status as a neutral mediator between Asia and the Middle East. In conclusion, she congratulated the people of Turkmenistan on the anniversary, stressing: “When peace is chosen, everyone wins.”
The International Forum on Neutrality concluded its work in Ashgabat
12.12.2025The International Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality has concluded in Ashgabat. The event was attended by heads of state, government representatives, and officials from international and regional organizations, reports IIC. Participants discussed the role of neutrality in strengthening security and fostering international dialogue. It was noted that Turkmenistan’s model of neutrality contributes to regional stability and the creation of an atmosphere of trust. Turkmenistan’s peacekeeping initiatives were highly praised, including its proposal to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. At the conclusion of the forum, the parties reaffirmed their readiness for further cooperation in the interests of peace, stability, and sustainable development, as well as to expand engagement on both international and bilateral platforms.
Turkmenistan and the ICRC discussed cooperation plans for 2026
12.12.2025On December 11, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Bashimova held a meeting with Biljana Milosevic, Head of the Regional Representation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Central Asia, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry’s press service reported. At the beginning of the conversation, the guest was thanked for her visit to Ashgabat and her participation in the International Conference “The Role of Women in Modern Society,” as well as in events dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. The parties discussed the results of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the International Committee of the Red Cross over the past year and confirmed their readiness to continue collaboration in accordance with international humanitarian law. During the meeting, priorities for joint work in 2026 were also outlined.
Turkmenistan and UNFPA discussed cooperation plans for 2026
12.12.2025On December 11, in Ashgabat, a meeting took place between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova and the Country Director of UNFPA in Turkmenistan, Chinwe Ogbonna, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reported. The parties noted the successful organization of the International Conference “The Role of Women in Modern Society,” which was held the previous day at the National Tourist Zone “Avaza.” Participants emphasized its importance for promoting cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. During the talks, the current level of interaction between Turkmenistan and UNFPA, as well as work plans for the coming year, were discussed. UNFPA representatives expressed their gratitude to the Turkmen side for the warm welcome and the high-quality organization of the conference.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov called for strengthening international dialogue
12.12.2025The plenary session “Peace and Trust: Shared Goals for a Sustainable Future” continued in Ashgabat. The main event was the speech by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, reports the IIC. The Hero Arkadag emphasized that the forum’s agenda covers issues of strengthening stability, sustainable development, and the humanitarian agenda. In his address, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the significance of 2025, declared the International Year of Peace and Trust at Turkmenistan’s initiative. According to him, this initiative continues the country’s long-standing policy aimed at supporting peace and reducing tensions. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty pointed out that, in conditions of global instability, the consolidation of states’ efforts is necessary. He stressed the key role of the UN as the only universal international structure and called for adherence to the principles of its Charter—equality, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference. Separately, the Hero Arkadag noted the need to expand diplomatic instruments, including interparliamentary contacts, as well as initiatives in women’s and youth diplomacy. The Ashgabat forum continues its work and remains an important platform for discussing issues of international security.
The Armenian President highly appreciated the role of Turkmenistan’s neutrality
12.12.2025Armenian President Vaagn Khachaturyan, speaking at the International Forum in Ashgabat, expressed his gratitude to Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the government for their warm welcome and for organizing the event, timed to mark the 30th anniversary of the country’s permanent neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust. This was reported by the IIC. Vaagn Khachaturyan emphasized that Turkmenistan’s neutrality contributes to stability, international dialogue, and trust-building, creating conditions for peaceful development and cooperation. The Armenian President highlighted the country’s active role in promoting security initiatives, noting that peace requires continuous work on dialogue, respect for human rights, and strengthening trust between states. He also noted recent diplomatic achievements in the region, including agreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan on transport links, which foster economic development and stability. In conclusion, the Armenian President reaffirmed the country’s readiness to continue cooperation with Turkmenistan and international partners to strengthen peace and mutual understanding in Central Asia and beyond.
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