In 2025, Turkmenistan celebrates two significant anniversaries: 30 years of UN recognition of its permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. These milestones symbolize the deep and long-standing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN, based on the country’s neutrality policy, which has become a key element in strengthening peace and security at both regional and global levels.

The history of Turkmenistan’s neutrality can be divided into several key phases. Since the declaration of permanent neutrality at the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1992, Turkmenistan has consistently built its foreign policy around peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity. In 1995, Turkmenistan achieved international recognition of its neutrality when the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution acknowledging this status. This was a crucial step in establishing neutrality as a tool for promoting global peace and stability.

Over the years, Turkmenistan has become an active participant in international initiatives aimed at conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, and strengthening cooperation among nations. One of the most notable examples of this is Turkmenistan’s initiative to declare December 12th as International Neutrality Day, which was endorsed by a UN General Assembly resolution in 2017. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of political neutrality in the global context.

In 2025, in addition to celebrating these anniversaries, Turkmenistan has proposed declaring the year as the International Year of Peace and Trust. This initiative aims to encourage collaborative efforts among all nations to overcome differences and achieve sustainable peace. An important part of this initiative is the creation of the Group of Friends of Neutrality within the UN, which already includes over 20 countries and plays a pivotal role in promoting the principles of neutrality in international relations.

Another important achievement has been the development of multi-layered diplomacy, which includes cooperation at the levels of parliaments, civil society, and cultural exchanges. Turkmenistan has actively supported initiatives aimed at strengthening humanitarian ties between peoples, as well as addressing pressing environmental and social issues. A significant step forward was the development of the Global Security Strategy under the auspices of the UN, which aims to provide a long-term and comprehensive approach to tackling international challenges, including armed conflict, climate change, and economic instability.

In recent years, Turkmenistan has been a strong advocate for peaceful conflict resolution, including in its neighboring Afghanistan, where the country has been involved in large infrastructure projects. Turkmenistan’s neutrality continues to be a core element of its foreign policy, ensuring stability in Central Asia and beyond.

In 2025, Turkmenistan plans to host an international forum that will serve as the culmination of all efforts to promote peace and trust. This forum will bring together leaders from countries and international organizations to discuss key issues related to international security, sustainable development, and cooperation based on mutual trust.