On May 26, 2026, during the high-level open debate of the UN Security Council entitled «Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system», the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, delivered a statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development.
In his statement, it was noted that dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation are currently gaining particular relevance.
Speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends of Neutrality, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan outlined four key areas.
First, the central role of the United Nations and the enduring significance of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as the foundation of modern international relations were reaffirmed.
Second, the growing role of diplomacy, mediation, and dialogue in addressing contemporary international issues was emphasized. In this regard, the Group welcomed the adoption by the UN General Assembly on May 20, 2026, of the resolution entitled «The Role and Importance of the Policy of Neutrality in Maintaining and Strengthening International Peace, Security and Sustainable Development», initiated by Turkmenistan.
The head of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy agency stressed that neutrality is an important instrument for conflict prevention, mediation, confidence-building, and peaceful interaction among states. Support was also expressed for the use of the territories of neutral states as venues for peace negotiations, dialogue platforms, and mediation processes.
Third, the close interconnection between peace, security, and sustainable development was highlighted. The importance of strengthening regional and interregional connectivity, sustainable transport, and economic cooperation as factors of stability, trust, and sustainable development was noted.
Fourth, the need to further strengthen the effectiveness and authority of the United Nations, as well as to enhance the role of multilateral diplomacy, was emphasized.
In concluding his statement, the Turkmen diplomat, on behalf of the Group of Friends of Neutrality, reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at strengthening peace, trust, dialogue, and constructive international cooperation under the central coordinating role of the United Nations.