Ashgabat hosted a high-level international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. The forum was widely covered by the world media, according to TDH.

Foreign publications noted Turkmenistan's neutrality as a key factor in its foreign policy and a basis for dialogue on regional and global issues. It was emphasised that the initiative to declare the International Year of Peace and Trust, put forward by Turkmenistan and supported by the UN General Assembly, is seen as a call for the restoration of inter-state dialogue.

The media paid particular attention to the high level of representation at the Forum. The participation of Heads of State, heads of regional organisations and UN structures was cited as evidence of international support for Turkmenistan's peacemaking role.

The publications also covered the practical outcomes of the Forum. These included proposals to strengthen energy security, develop sustainable transport, regional infrastructure and cooperation in the environmental sphere. Bilateral and multilateral meetings aimed at expanding economic and humanitarian cooperation were noted.

Kazakh media quoted President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's statement on the importance of the Forum for international dialogue. The Chinese agency ‘Sinhua’ and other publications emphasised its high status and the symbolism of the dates on which it was held.

‘EADaily’ noted the Forum’s packed programme, including the ceremony of laying flowers at the Monument of Neutrality and the plenary session ‘Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future’. ‘Infashos’ focused on the final document, the Ashgabat Declaration, as well as on cooperation between Turkmenistan and Russia within the CIS.

Media outlets in Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Middle East linked the Forum to the strengthening of regional stability and good-neighbourly relations. The Indian newspaper ‘The Economic Times’ and the Azerbaijani publication ‘Tred.az’ noted the economic agenda, including the development of transport routes and the transit potential of the region.

Russian media covered President Vladimir Putin’s participation and bilateral meetings in detail. The ‘TASS’ and ‘RIA Novosti’ agencies reported on discussions of trade and economic cooperation, infrastructure projects and international transport corridors, including the North-South route.

The Iranian agency ‘IRNA’ presented the Forum as a platform for the development of economic cooperation and the implementation of infrastructure initiatives. The Turkish agency ‘Anadolu’ noted the importance of bilateral negotiations and discussions on regional projects.

According to international observers, the Ashgabat Forum confirmed Turkmenistan’s role as a neutral platform for multilateral negotiations and coordination of efforts in the interests of Peace and Trust and sustainable development.