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 an impressive array of global leaders, including heads of state and government from whole around the world. Among the distinguished participants were Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and the leaders of Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Also in attendance were Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan. In addition, the forum featured the participation of prime ministers from Myanmar and Eswatini, further broadening its international scope.

The presence of senior representatives from prominent international organizations-such as the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO)-served to underscore the forum’s importance on the global stage.

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 Makhtumguly Pyragy on peace and emphasizing that a culture of peace constitutes the foundation of strong states.

He said: “The initiatives and proposals voiced at this Forum convincingly demonstrate the enduring and positive significance of neutrality in the 21st century. Turkmenistan’s policy of positive neutrality is deeply rooted in the centuries-old cultural traditions and spiritual values of the Turkmen people."

He also noted that this Forum will be an important initiative of dialogue: “I am confident that the Ashgabat Forum will make a meaningful contribution to strengthening constructive partnerships among states and will provide a strong impetus to international efforts aimed at building a just world order based on mutual trust, peace, and cooperation."

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.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, noted also the crucial importance of Turkmenistan in the region and the importance of its permanent neutrality:

Turkmenistan’s neutrality, which has become part of the modern identity of the Turkmen people, is grounded in deep historical traditions, cultural and spiritual values, as well as qualities such as generosity, tolerance, and good-neighborliness,” the President of Uzbekistan noted.

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.

He underlined the crucial initiatives of Turkmenistan to promote the peace whole around the world:

“The title of today’s plenary session “Peace and Trust: Unity Goals for a Sustainable Future” captures the essence of what our world needs most today. While conflicts, divisions, human rights violations and global insecurity challenge the international order, we should reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism anchored on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

"The General Assembly resolution proclaiming 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust creates a momentum to advance peaceful settlement of disputes and good-neighbourly relations among nations.

"This year marks the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s recognition as a permanently neutral state by the UN. Permanent neutrality has proven to be a crucial factor for peace and stability in the region. We commend Turkmenistan’s contribution to international peace and security through promoting the objectives of neutrality, trust and dialogue. Armenia has always supported initiatives of Turkmenistan in the United Nations to this end.”

The Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid 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:

"Dialogue and constructive engagement remain the most effective path for resolving disputes and conflicts in the region and beyond."

The President of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, 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.

“Let us move from zero-sum mindsets to purposeful cooperation, invest in connectivity as bridges for people and ideas, resolve disputes peacefully, and reaffirm our commitment to the UN Charter,” he underlined.

Sharif also thanked Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran for their sincere efforts to mediate with Afghanistan following recent clashes between the two neighbors.

“We are very grateful to our brotherly countries, Türkiye, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran, for their sincere desire and efforts to achieve a ceasefire, which, as I speak, is still very fragile,” he said.

Strategic messages from the Caucasus, Africa, and Asia

The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, 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:

“Georgia remains fully committed to collaborating with its partners to transform the ideals of the International Year of Peace and Trust into complete and lasting progress.

"We believe that a sustainable future requires both dialogue and action, and that our common goals rely on a shared purpose and effort. Together, we can build a more secure, stable, and sustainable future for the generations to come,” Irakli Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov 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.

In his speech, he said:

“The value of peace, cooperation, and culture, alongside the emergence of new foundations and visionary approaches to the international order, increasingly shape contemporary global dynamics. The level of cooperation achieved with our partners and our determination to meet shared objectives have acquired new significance within the context of the International Year of Peace and Trust.

"This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutral status—an outcome of the country’s long-term and consistent efforts to promote and strengthen peace. Guided by the principles of peace and trust, Turkmenistan has undertaken a number of key initiatives in this direction.

"A tangible outcome of these efforts, realized in collaboration with the United Nations, is the adoption of a special UN Resolution declaring this year the International Year of Peace and Trust. Turkmenistan expresses its sincere gratitude to all states and international organizations that supported this decision.

"The Constitutional Law of Turkmenistan enshrines the principles of permanent neutrality, including non-use of force, peaceful settlement of international disputes, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. These constitutional principles continue to guide the country’s future policies and activities.”

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.

“As Türkiye, we are working with all our strength—guided by the sense of responsibility instilled by our history, geography and civilization—to ensure that peace and dialogue prevail,” Erdogan said at the International Peace and Trust Forum in Ashgabat.

In conclusion, Turkmenistan concluded this year 2025 by holding one of the largest peace promotion forums in recent times.

External sources

Forum In Ashgabat: From Leaders’ Dialogue Into Tangible UN Initiatives

Speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhammedov at the International Forum on Peace and Trust | EUReflect | EUReflect

Ashgabat Welcomes Global Leaders for 30-Year Neutrality Milestone Forum - Eurasia