On December 12 in Ashgabat, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, participated in an International Forum marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, the International Day of Neutrality, and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.

The event, held under the chairmanship of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was also attended by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, as well as leaders of other states, heads of governments, and heads of international and regional organizations.

In his address, the President of Uzbekistan, sincerely congratulating the Turkmen side on the 30th anniversary of permanent Neutrality, emphasized that this significant date embodies Turkmenistan’s unwavering commitment to the development of peaceful, trust-based, friendly, and mutually beneficial relations with all countries of the world.

“Turkmenistan’s neutrality, which has become part of the modern identity of the Turkmen people, is rooted in its deep historical traditions and cultural and spiritual values, as well as such inherent noble qualities as generosity, tolerance, and good neighborliness”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.

In this context, support was expressed for Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish, jointly with the United Nations, a University of Peace and Neutrality.

The Head of State noted that for the New Uzbekistan, openness to the world, mutual respect, and a commitment to dialogue are fundamental values. One manifestation of this is the Samarkand Initiative of Solidarity for Common Security and Prosperity, proposed by Uzbekistan, aimed at engaging in dialogue with all those who seek peace, harmony, and sustainable development.

In addition, Uzbekistan intends to define the key priorities of its upcoming chairmanship in the Non-Aligned Movement as promoting a global movement in support of a culture of peace and non-violence, strengthening trust in relations between states through political dialogue, and contributing to the establishment of an atmosphere of tolerance, mutual understanding, and solidarity in the world.

During the chairmanship, it is also planned to designate 2027 as the Year of Preventive Diplomacy to support efforts to resolve conflicts in the interests of future generations. Within this framework, a program of activities will be implemented, including organizing conferences and forums, as well as exchanges of parliamentary, public, and youth delegations.

The President of Uzbekistan noted the growing relevance of maintaining a universal commitment to the principles of peacefulness and mediation amid the current global tensions and declining trust between states. For this reason, Uzbekistan supported Turkmenistan’s proposal to proclaim 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust and co-sponsored the relevant resolution of the United Nations General Assembly.

He also emphasized that the principles of mutual trust, respect, and unity form the basis of the policy aimed at transforming Central Asia into a space of peace, cooperation, and good neighborliness.

“The seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of the region, held last month in Tashkent, once again demonstrated our readiness to strengthen solidarity, undertake joint actions to ensure peace and stability in the region, and expand multifaceted economic cooperation”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.

In this context, the Head of State highlighted the special role of Turkmenistan’s constructive, peace-oriented policy in ensuring stability and development in Central Asia.

He expressed confidence that Turkmenistan’s international initiatives and proposals, which are based on the noble ideas of peace and trust, would be duly reflected in the agenda of Ashgabat’s chairmanship within the framework of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of the region.

Highlighting the importance of humanitarian interaction for strengthening cooperation based on mutual respect, trust, and solidarity, the Leader of Uzbekistan proposed holding the international humanitarian forum “Dialogue of Cultures” in Tashkent next year and launching the regional program “Youth for Peace and Trust”.

In conclusion, the Head of State emphasized Uzbekistan’s readiness to continue making a constructive contribution to the building of a just and stable world order.

UzA