During an expanded Cabinet of ministers meeting on Monday, 9 December 2024, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the country’s diplomatic corps, outlining priorities for the nation’s foreign policy and cooperation with international organizations.
In his speech, the Head of state noted significant events of 2024, including the wide celebration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Fragi both in Turkmenistan and abroad, the holding in Ashgabat of the International Conference “Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the basis of peace and development”, the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution “Treaty on a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia.”
The President stressed that these events testify to the wide recognition by the international community of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy aimed at ensuring universal peace, sustainable development and strengthening relations based on trust.
Berdimuhamedov outlined the key objectives of foreign policy for 2025, including:
- Preparations for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent Neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust. In this regard, the Head of state instructed to develop a document of international importance reflecting the norms of neutrality.
- An increase in the number of nations supporting the initiative to grant neutral countries the status of a priority partnership with the United Nations in peacekeeping efforts, as well as the initiative to create an Alliance for Global Energy Security and sustainable Development.
- Strengthening cooperation with the United Nations in the framework of joint programs, including the Framework Program for Cooperation on Sustainable Development for 2026-2030 and the Joint Program “Youth, Peace and Security”.
- Development of relations with neighboring countries, the states of Central Asia, the Caspian region, South Asia, the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, America, and African countries.
- Intensification of multilateral diplomacy. The President instructed Turkmenistan’s representatives to international organizations to focus on increasing the number of countries supporting Turkmenistan’s position as a neutral state.
- In connection with the upcoming celebration of the 30th anniversary of Neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust, the Head of State instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to prepare for the first meeting of the Organizing Committee.