Ashgabat, December 12 | ORIENT. President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin participated in the International Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. In his speech, the Russian leader praised Ashgabat's neutral course and emphasized the strategic importance of cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan.

President Putin noted that the choice made in favor of permanent neutrality 30 years ago defined Turkmenistan's strategic development vector, earning it well-deserved respect and authority both in Central Asia and throughout the world.

The Russian leader praised the draft Ashgabat Declaration, stating that Russia unconditionally supports this document and its commitment to the key principles of the UN Charter.

Emphasizing the importance of multilateral institutions, Putin called the UN, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary, a unique, often the only, mechanism for ensuring an international balance of interests and finding agreed-upon solutions.

He expressed his conviction that honest, open, and mutually beneficial relations between states in the new era of a multipolar world must be built on the principles of the UN Charter.

Vladimir Putin called the strategic partnership between Russia and Turkmenistan a shining example of the successful development of such relations, developing in the spirit of friendship and good-neighborliness.

The positive dynamics of bilateral economic ties were confirmed, with trade turnover in the first 10 months of 2025 growing by 35%, significantly exceeding the entire previous year. Russian companies are committed to new investment projects.

Cooperation in energy and transport is strengthening. The importance of multilateral initiatives in Central Asia and the Caspian Sea, including the construction of the North-South main transport corridor, was noted.

Cooperation in education was highlighted, with the number of Turkmen students studying in Russia confirmed to be over 54,000.

The President of Russia assured Turkmenistan of his full support in connection with Turkmenistan's assumption of the CIS presidency in 2026, according to the Kremlin website.