On 25 June, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who arrived in Turkmenistan on an official visit, gave a lecture at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat. In his speech, the Head of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry noted the strong relations of mutual respect and cooperation between the leaders and peoples of the two countries, which serve as a model of equal partnership. This was reported by the IIC.

Sergey Lavrov emphasised that strategic cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan is important not only for bilateral relations, but also for the stability of the entire Central Asian region. Particular attention was paid to the philosophy of international relations, ‘Dialogue is the guarantee of peace.’

During the discussion, the participants discussed a wide range of issues, including the prospects for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, new areas of cooperation in education, science, culture and energy, as well as the role of young people in strengthening Russian-Turkmen ties. A significant part of the conversation was devoted to the concept of Turkmenistan's positive neutrality and its contribution to the formation of a new architecture of international relations, including preventive diplomacy.

The meeting confirmed the parties' shared interest in deepening their strategic partnership and developing multilateral dialogue in the international arena.