Oriented on making people closer

The first Central Asia-Italy summit became a platform for an important speech by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who outlined Turkmenistan’s key foreign policy priorities in a new format of dialogue with Europe.

In his speech, the head of Turkmenistan focused on key topics of our time – from regional security and neutrality to green energy and the Afghan agenda.

The President proposed new approaches to strengthening the region’s sustainability and advocated openness to new initiatives, expanding economic and humanitarian cooperation with Italy.

Strengthening the partnership between Central Asia and Italy

The speech of the President of Turkmenistan at the First Central Asia – Italy Summit emphasizes Ashgabat’s readiness to actively participate in the formation of strong and mutually beneficial cooperation with Italy in a multilateral format.

Particularly emphasized is gratitude to Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgio Meloni for organizing the summit, which sets a positive diplomatic tone and strengthens the political basis for further dialogue.

The idea that regional consolidation is the basis for sustainable development runs through many speeches of the head of state Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which we had the opportunity to observe in Astana.

The President of Turkmenistan noted the importance of Central Asian cooperation, emphasizing that the countries of the region are consolidating efforts to ensure sustainable development.

The documents signed in Astana - the Joint Statement and the Concept "Central Asia - 2040" - were presented as a long-term strategic framework demonstrating the political maturity and growing subjectivity of the region.

Security is a cross-cutting and universal category

One of the key blocks in the speech of the head of state was the understanding of security issues. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov especially noted that Turkmenistan views security as an indivisible and universal category, and the sustainability of the international architecture is possible only with reliance on UN mechanisms.

In this context, a reminder was made of the Turkmen initiative - declaring 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust, approved by the resolution of the UN General Assembly.

And this fact, according to experts, strengthens the international image of Turkmenistan as a supporter of partnership and positive neutrality.

Particular attention is paid to the concept of such a powerful diplomatic resource as neutrality, which Turkmenistan not only proclaims, but also consistently implements in practical foreign policy.

Neutrality is considered an effective mechanism for preventive diplomacy and peacebuilding.

The President invited the summit participants to the International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat in December 2025, timed to the 30th anniversary of the country's neutral status. This event is intended to strengthen humanitarian and political ties between the states.

The Afghan problem – pragmatism and humanism in Turkmenistan’s approach

The statement by the head of state that “Turkmenistan considers it important to continue practical work to establish international dialogue with the new de facto authorities of Afghanistan” reflects Ashgabat’s balanced and realistic position.

Recognition of the need for practical interaction, regardless of the international legal personality of the authorities, indicates a pragmatic approach to ensuring regional stability.

This approach is justified not only from a humanitarian, but also from a geo-economic point of view, since Afghanistan remains an important transit link in projects that promote the integration of Central and South Asia.

Moreover, the lack of necessary support can lead to an exacerbation of instability, which in its development poses a threat to the entire region. Therefore, in relation to Afghanistan, the head of the Turkmen state is betting on infrastructure projects and humanitarian aid.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov confirmed the continued support for large regional projects: the TAPI gas pipeline, the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan power transmission line and railways along the same route.

These initiatives are tools for the economic stabilization and development of Afghanistan, and also strengthen regional interconnectedness and complementarity.

Turkmenistan also emphasizes the importance of humanitarian support for the Afghan people, positioning itself as a responsible participant in the regional and international community.

Economic cooperation – from traditional areas to a “green” future

Transport and energy are strategic areas! This is one of the main ideas of the head of the Turkmen state.

Turkmenistan promotes the idea of ​​transport interconnectivity along the Asia-Europe route, emphasizing the importance of the “Middle Corridor”. The strategic goal is to become an active participant in new logistics configurations.

In the energy sector, Turkmenistan demonstrates its readiness to expand natural gas exports, including to Europe.

The prospect of information exchange in the field of hydrogen energy was also emphasized – especially in terms of “blue” hydrogen based on natural gas.

The head of state identified digitalization, environmental and resource-saving technologies, as well as artificial intelligence as new areas to which Turkmenistan seeks to adapt and offer partnership.

Environmental issues occupied a special place in the speech. The President outlined a proposal to establish a UN Regional Center for Climate Technologies in Ashgabat.

Such an initiative indicates Turkmenistan's aspiration for leadership in the field of sustainable development and confirms its focus on long-term solutions in the context of climate change.

Culture and history as a humanitarian basis for cooperation

A separate section of the speech was devoted to cultural and historical ties. Historical heritage is the basis for bringing peoples together.

From the ancient contacts of Parthia and Ancient Rome to the journey of Marco Polo and the Great Silk Road - all these images serve as a humanitarian background for modern interaction.

The head of Turkmenistan emphasized the contribution of Italian archaeologists and expressed his intention to organize a large-scale exhibition in Rome.

Support for educational and academic ties, including interest in the Italian language and culture, was also voiced.

A partnership, looking to the future

The speech of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov demonstrated the strategic and multifaceted agenda of Turkmenistan in the framework of the dialogue with Italy as a key player in the European Union.

Attention to issues of peace, security, sustainable development, humanitarian interconnectedness and an inclusive approach to complex regional situations - all this underlines the maturity and openness of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, confidently implemented by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Бекдурды АМАНСАРЫЕВ

Photo: akorda.kz