On 20 February, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted an international conference dedicated to the Day of Diplomatic Workers of the country. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

A thematic exhibition dedicated to the professional holiday was set up in the foyer of the institute. The exhibition was designed in an equestrian style, in keeping with the motto for 2026 in Turkmenistan.

The event was attended by leaders, employees and veterans of the diplomatic service, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited in the country, professors, teachers and students of universities, as well as representatives of public associations and the media.

The conference participants listened with particular attention to the Address of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of the professional holiday. The document reaffirmed the country's unwavering commitment to the principles of permanent neutrality, equality and good-neighbourliness. It noted that the threefold recognition of neutrality by UN General Assembly resolutions, the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat, and the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust testify to Turkmenistan's high international authority and its contribution to strengthening global peace and cooperation.

During the conference, speeches were made by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan; Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia; Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan; Arsen Avagyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Turkmenistan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Turkmenistan Stephen Conlon, and Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Office in Turkmenistan Eric Livny.

In his speech, Rashid Meredov emphasised that Turkmenistan's foreign policy, based on the principles of permanent neutrality, is aimed at forming a sustainable and fair system of international cooperation. The country's active role in promoting the agenda of energy and transport interconnectivity, environmental diplomacy and strengthening international law with the support of the central role of the UN was noted.

The forum participants noted the growing importance of Turkmen diplomacy in the context of globalisation, emphasising its contribution to strengthening peace, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. It was noted that, with the support of the Head of State, the material and technical base of the diplomatic service is being consistently improved, its infrastructure is being modernised and its human resources are being expanded.

Following the conference, an appeal was made to the President of Turkmenistan, expressing gratitude for his constant attention to the development of the diplomatic service and confirming the readiness to conscientiously fulfil the tasks of protecting national interests and strengthening the country's international authority.

In a solemn atmosphere, young employees of the diplomatic service and graduating students of the IMO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan were awarded diplomas from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their active participation in the implementation of the state's foreign policy strategy.