Rashid Meredov Presented Turkmenistan's Strategy and the Group of Friends of Neutrality at the UN Security Council
Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov began a working visit to New York to participate in the high-level open debate of the United Nations Security Council on the invitation of the Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, as part of China's current presidency of the Security Council. The meeting is devoted to the fundamental topic of upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and improving the international architecture of cooperation based on the central role of the Organization. During the visit and scheduled bilateral meetings, the Turkmen delegation aims to thoroughly discuss key issues on the global agenda directly related to ensuring strategic stability, developing multilateral partnerships, and enhancing the UN's authority in contemporary geopolitical processes.
Speaking from the Security Council rostrum on behalf of Turkmenistan, the foreign minister emphasized that Ashgabat is consistently implementing a policy based on promoting a culture of trust and preventive diplomacy.
The Turkmen diplomat's speech focused on the importance of global international initiatives put forward by National Leader of the Turkmen People, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, and the President of Turkmenistan. In particular, the concept of "Peace through Development," which reveals the inextricable link between security and sustainable socioeconomic progress, was presented in detail.
In this context, Meredov recalled the results of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC-3), which was successfully held in Turkmenistan in August 2025, becoming an authoritative platform for developing solutions on the climate agenda, energy, and sustainable transport infrastructure. The head of the delegation called on the international community to practically and effectively implement the Avaza Political Declaration and the ten-year Avaza Action Programme adopted at the forum.
Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the philosophy of "Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace," which excludes the use of force in favor of constructive negotiations, as well as on the initiative to establish a specialized University of Peace and Neutrality to train qualified experts in peacebuilding.
Looking forward, Turkmenistan aims to develop a Global Security Strategy and advance the proposal to declare 2028 the International Year of International Law, continuing to develop the principles of mutual understanding enshrined in the 2025 International Year of Peace and Trust, initiated by the country and proclaimed by the UN General Assembly.
A significant indication of the growing authority of Turkmen diplomacy at the UN was Rashid Meredov's separate statement, delivered during the debate on behalf of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security, and Sustainable Development. Outlining the consolidated position of this multilateral association, the minister clearly outlined four strategic areas of joint activity.
The first pillar unequivocally reaffirmed the central coordinating role of the UN and the enduring value of its Charter as the unshakable foundation of modern interstate relations.
The second key aspect was the recognition of the growing importance of mediation, facilitation, and diplomatic instruments. In this regard, the Group of Friends warmly welcomed the adoption by the UN General Assembly on May 20, 2026, of a new resolution on the role and significance of neutrality in strengthening peace, also initiated by Turkmenistan. The head of the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed full support for the practice of using the territories of neutral states as safe dialogue platforms for peace negotiations.
The third pillar of the Group's manifesto established the direct dependence of stability on expanding regional and interregional transport and logistics connectivity and close economic cooperation.
The fourth pillar focuses on the need to enhance the real effectiveness of multilateral diplomacy. In conclusion, the Turkmen diplomat, on behalf of the entire Group of Friends of Neutrality, reaffirmed his firm commitment to constructive international dialogue under the auspices of the UN.
