At the initiative of Turkmenistan, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2025 the “Year of International Peace and Trust”. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the Year of International Peace and Trust, large-scale events have been launched in our country and abroad.
On the announcement of the “Year of International Peace and Trust” and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality, the international magazine “Atavatan Turkmenistan” began organizing interviews with Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of foreign countries to Turkmenistan.
In this regard, an interview was conducted with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates Ahmed Al Hay Al Hameli. During the interview, Mr. Ambassador shared interesting facts about Turkmenistan-UAE relations, as well as the importance of Turkmenistan’s permanent Neutrality.
Below we offer this interview to the attention of our readers.
- The relations between the United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan are constantly developing. How do you assess them, particularly in the areas of trade and cultural exchange?
The United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan share close historical ties, evidenced by mutual visits of the leadership of both countries. It highlights the depth of their relations and commitment to expand cooperation, especially in the trade sector. From January to November 2024, the trade turnover between the two countries reached approximately $1.291 billion.
Within the framework of strong bilateral relations, the UAE has contributed to several projects in Turkmenistan, including construction of the Sheikh Zayed Orphanage, Children’s Hospital in Mary and Martyrs’ Mosque in Koshi, Ashgabat. These facilities were donated by the deceased Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
- This year, Turkmenistan celebrates the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of its permanent neutrality. How does the United Arab Emirates view Turkmenistan’s neutral position, and how does it affect bilateral relations?
This year, Turkmenistan celebrates the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality—an event that reflects country’s commitment to the principles of peace, – neighborliness, and respect for other cultures. This neutral status has contributed to strengthening of regional and international stability.
The United Arab Emirates views Turkmenistan’s neutrality as an effective tool for managing international relations and conflict resolution. Turkmenistan’s neutral position serves as a foundation for achieving peace in Central Asia, thereby fostering regional cooperation.
Turkmenistan’s neutrality creates opportunities for collaboration in addressing global challenges such as international security, climate change, and sustainable energy. Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states and the peaceful resolution of conflicts aligns with the foreign policy of the United Arab Emirates, which is based on promoting peace and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan’s neutrality provides ideal conditions for development of economic and investment relations with the United Arab Emirates. Turkmenistan has a strategic geographical location and abundant natural resources, while the UAE possesses advanced expertise in investments, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
Turkmenistan’s neutrality also plays positive and a key role in strengthening relations and fostering dialogue between the Gulf and Central Asian countries. It facilitates establishment of sustainable strategic partnerships, which are based on mutual trust and a shared vision on development, opening new horizons for future cooperation, particularly through dialogue between the Gulf and Central Asia. Both countries can leverage this approach to enhance sustainable development and regional stability.
The 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality presents an opportunity to emphasize the role of this policy in strengthening peace and stability at both the regional and international levels. This approach reflects Turkmenistan’s strong values, which it shares with the United Arab Emirates, further enhancing productive cooperation between the two countries in various fields and laying the foundation for a brighter future.
- The youth of Turkmenistan is showing an increasing interest in studying in various countries around the world. In this regard, what areas of cooperation in education can be strengthened between Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates?
On November 21, 2022, Ministry of Education of the UAE and Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of education. Signing ceremony took place at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Excellency Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan. The memorandum aims to exchange information on qualifications issued by educational institutions of both countries, facilitating their mutual recognition. Additionally, it encourages organization of scientific conferences and seminars, exchange of visits by experts, researchers, and faculty members, as well as sharing of information related to academic quality, results assessment, and teaching methods development. These efforts contribute to strengthening of educational cooperation and provide opportunities for Turkmen youth to study at the universities of UAE.
- Amid rapid changes, what are the key prospects and forecasts for relations between Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates in 2025?
Relations between two countries are demonstrating significant progress, and both sides intend to continue expanding cooperation based on shared values and national initiatives. The United Arab Emirates has declared 2025 as the “Year of Community” under the slogan “Hand in Hand,” Turkmenistan has proclaimed the same year as the International Year of Peace and Trust. These initiatives create a solid foundation for uniting efforts aimed at achieving peace, sustainable development and well-being of nations.
Cooperation in diplomatic, cultural, economic and innovation sectors can lead to a qualitative leap in bilateral relations, laying the groundwork for a promising partnership, which fosters stability and prosperity for both countries and the world as a whole.
In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates is committed to strengthening cooperation with Turkmenistan in various fields, particularly in economic, investment, and trade sectors. The UAE aims to increase the trade turnover between the two countries to more than $3 billion in the coming years.