On December 6, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers with the participation of the heads of diplomatic missions and consular offices of Turkmenistan and the country's representative offices to international organizations. The meeting focused on the results of international activities and the identification of foreign policy priorities for 2026. The meeting was held ahead of an important date: the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality.

The head of state emphasized that the country's foreign policy is based on the inviolable legal status of permanent neutrality and is implemented within the framework of the Foreign Policy Concept of Turkmenistan for 2022–2028.

The meeting summarized the main achievements of the International Year of Peace and Trust, declared by the UN General Assembly on the initiative of Turkmenistan and marked by a number of historic achievements.

The significance of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held at the Avaza National Tourist Zone, was noted. Following its outcome, the Avaza Political Declaration and the Avaza Action Plan for 2024–2034 were adopted, which were also approved by consensus as a UN General Assembly Resolution. Turkmenistan was also unanimously elected by the General Assembly to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the period 2026–2028.

In the coming days, Ashgabat will host a representative Forum for the International Year of Peace and Trust, which aims to further strengthen the country's international standing.

The main foreign policy goal for the coming year is the promotion and practical implementation of UN resolutions adopted on Turkmenistan's initiative. Cooperation will be expanded both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Regional Dialogue: Dialogue with neighboring states remains a priority, strengthening relations with the countries of Central Asia and the Caspian region.

Economic Corridors: The "Great Silk Road" strategy will continue to be implemented as a key link in the transport and transit corridor from Asia to Europe. Close partnership with the countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) will be maintained.

European Vector: Particular attention will be paid to cooperation with European countries in high technology, the transition to green energy, and the implementation of artificial intelligence.

Geographic Expansion: Interaction with countries in South Asia, the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region, as well as with countries in North and South America and the African continent will expand significantly.

Among the key events of 2026 were the ceremonial celebration of the country's main holiday—the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's sacred independence.

Next year, Turkmenistan will also host the VIII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.

At the same time, Turkmenistan will chair the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) next year and host the regular meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State.

At the end of the meeting, the head of state signed a Resolution on the financial issues of the diplomatic service and documents awarding citizens the jubilee medal "Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna." He also announced the completion of his new book, "Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygy – parahatçylygyň we ynanyşmagyň aýdyň ýoly," dedicated to the results of the current year.

ORIENT