The opening of a monument commemorating 30 years of neutrality was held in Ashgabat to mark International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutral status. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan.

Located in the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, the 95-metre-high monument symbolises the country's commitment to the principles of peace, humanism and creativity.

The architecture of the structure is unique: it is supported by three columns resembling a traditional hearth stand, or ‘tagan,’ while carpet ornaments from the country's five regions symbolise the unity of the Turkmen tribes. The columns are decorated with bas-reliefs reflecting the history of Turkmenistan from ancient times to the present day.

The reconstruction projects were approved by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who personally supervised the process. Inside the monument, there is a branch of the Museum of Neutrality, where interactive LED screens in Turkmen, English and Russian display documents, photographs and exhibits demonstrating the role of neutrality in ensuring security, peace and international cooperation.

The opening of the monument was a symbolic prelude to the International Forum ‘Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future’, which will be held on 12 December with the participation of Heads of State, international organisations and foreign delegations.