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

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.

Today, the concepts of peace and trust hold particular importance amid profound positive changes in the understanding of the global order and the construction of a more constructive international system. As the architecture of global security and development undergoes transformation, the International Year of Peace and Trust coincides symbolically with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality serves as the guiding principle of all its actions on the international stage. Benefiting from a high level of international trust, the country’s open foreign economic policy has fostered conditions for rapid economic progress, expanded trade cooperation, and established Turkmenistan as a reliable and promising partner in major international projects.

On its 80th anniversary, the United Nations increasingly views Turkmenistan as an important partner in addressing significant regional and global challenges, as well as in advancing international cooperation. Turkmenistan remains committed to further deepening its cooperation with the United Nations.

The UN General Assembly reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s neutral status through unanimously adopted resolutions in 1995, 2015, and 2025. Moreover, at Turkmenistan’s initiative, the Group of Friends of Neutrality was established within the United Nations.

For Turkmenistan, neutrality is not a rigid or static concept; rather, it represents a political platform for reconciliation and dialogue. Turkmenistan advocates for the use of neutrality as a model for bridging differing interests and promoting pragmatic, mutually beneficial partnerships. The country continues to develop advantageous bilateral and multilateral relations, demonstrating the extensive potential of neutrality.

Turkmenistan has also proposed the establishment of a University of Peace and Neutrality, in cooperation with the United Nations. Neutrality, in this context, is the natural outcome of the country’s sovereignty and independence, rooted in the unity of the Turkmen people and their centuries-old historical experience. Independence and neutrality remain inseparable and mutually reinforcing pillars of the national identity.

Looking ahead, Turkmenistan remains committed to strengthening friendship, cooperation, and constructive engagement with the international community—with confidence and optimism for the future.