Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the permanent neutrality in Turkmenistan

World leaders arrived in Turkmenistan for the Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the permanent neutrality 

BY DERYA SOYSAL

At a critical juncture for global diplomacy, the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, hosted a high-level international gathering centered on peace and trust. Organized within the framework of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust proclaimed by the United Nations, the International Forum on Peace and Trust brought together heads of state and government, prime ministers, ministers, representatives of international organizations, and diplomatic delegations from various regions of the world.

Against the backdrop of an evolving multipolar world order, increasing regional conflicts, and growing global insecurity, the forum emerged as a significant global platform delivering strong messages aimed at restoring peace, trust, and multilateralism as central values in international relations.

Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality Discussed as a Model in the International System

The forum focused on peace, trust, dialogue, mutual respect, and multilateral cooperation. Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 1995, was addressed not merely as a foreign policy choice, but as a functional diplomatic model contributing to conflict prevention, the strengthening of mediation mechanisms, and confidence-building processes.

Participants emphasized that neutrality is gaining increasing relevance in today’s international system. In an environment marked by intensified military bloc formations, Turkmenistan’s approach was highlighted as one that keeps channels of dialogue open and promotes reconciliation and peaceful engagement.

Strong Support from Central Asian Leaders

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality has played a historic role in preserving peace and stability in Central Asia. Referring to Turkmenistan’s concept of “positive neutrality,” Tokayev underlined its compatibility with national traditions and cultural values, citing the words of Makhtumkuli Fragi on peace and emphasizing that a culture of peace constitutes the foundation of strong states.

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov highlighted the strategic importance of developing regional transport networks and logistics corridors, not only from an economic perspective but also in terms of peace and stability. Acknowledging Turkmenistan’s constructive and balancing role, Japarov stressed that good-neighborly relations are indispensable for the future of Central Asia.

President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon pointed out that at a time when norms of international law are eroding and security threats are becoming more complex, the concepts of peace and trust require renewed interpretation. In this context, he described Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy as a stabilizing reference point.

Emphasis on Conflict Resolution and Dialogue from the Global South and the Middle East

President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan stated that Turkmenistan’s neutrality contributes to regional peace, emphasizing that peace should not be understood merely as the absence of armed conflict, but as the construction of lasting trust, mutual understanding, and reconciliation processes.

The Iraqi representative drew attention to the deep and multi-layered crises facing the Middle East, stressing that the humanitarian tragedy experienced by the Palestinian people is a matter of global conscience. It was noted that a lasting solution can only be achieved through dialogue, justice, and adherence to United Nations resolutions.

The President of São Tomé and Príncipe emphasized that safeguarding sovereignty, development, and regional stability is vital for small and developing states, expressing strong support for the principles of neutrality and multilateralism.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif praised Turkmenistan’s peace initiatives and stressed the need to enhance international solidarity in areas such as the reconstruction of Gaza, addressing climate-induced disasters, and strengthening humanitarian assistance mechanisms.

Strategic Messages from the Caucasus, Africa, and Asia

The Prime Minister of Georgia described the Middle Corridor not only as a trade route but also as a strategic axis that strengthens economic integration and political stability across Eurasia.

The Prime Minister of Azerbaijan emphasized that Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy has evolved into an effective soft power instrument over time, highlighting the importance of preserving the Caspian Sea as a zone of peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

Representatives of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Myanmar also underscored that peace and trust constitute the fundamental pillars of the international order, describing Turkmenistan’s neutrality approach as an inspiring example.

Turkmenistan’s Vision for Global Peace and Trust

One of the most notable segments of the forum was the speeches delivered by Turkmenistan’s senior leadership. National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, stated that the International Year of Peace and Trust in 2025 offers a historic opportunity to rebuild confidence in international relations. He emphasized that dialogue and mutual respect remain the strongest guarantees of peace.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in his address, underlined that peace, trust, and cooperation must become the cornerstones of the new world order. Emphasizing that Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality is constitutionally guaranteed, Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed that non-use of force, peaceful conflict resolution, and respect for human rights form the core principles of the country’s foreign policy.

Strong Support from the United Nations and International Organizations

Representatives of the United Nations, along with numerous international and regional organizations, expressed appreciation for Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy and its contributions to global peace. The Iranian representative also thanked Turkmenistan for hosting the forum, emphasizing the importance of an international order based on multilateralism, justice, and mutual respect.

Conclusion: A Global Call for Neutrality, Dialogue, and Trust

The International Forum on Peace and Trust, held on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, delivered a powerful global call centered on peace, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation. The forum was not merely a commemorative event, but a diplomatic platform that articulated a normative vision for the future international order.

Participants shared the common view that peace and trust are indispensable components of sustainable development, regional stability, and lasting global peace.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also congratulated President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the International Forum on Peace and Trust held in Ashgabat to mark the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. Erdoğan stated that Türkiye highly appreciates Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy and its contributions to regional and global peace, noting that this approach represents a constructive and balancing model for the international community.