Ashgabat Hosts Distinguished Guests at the International Forum and Celebrations in Honor of Neutrality
Ashgabat, December 10 | ORIENT. Turkmenistan is hosting the culminating events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality and International Neutrality Day. The central event will be the International Forum, which is demonstrating an unprecedented level of representation: the participation of the heads of state of Russia, Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan, and other countries has been confirmed.
The high-level diplomatic marathon in Ashgabat confirms that Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality has become a pivotal factor in predictability and stability in this strategically important region.
The visits of heads of state and high-ranking representatives underscore Turkmenistan's role as a universal and trustworthy platform for dialogue.
Russia - Vladimir Putin: The program of the visit announced by the Kremlin also includes bilateral meetings with other countries' leaders on the sidelines of the forum. For Moscow, neutral Ashgabat is an important partner in energy and transport connectivity.
Turkey - Recep Tayyip Erdogan: The Turkish leader's participation in the forum, dedicated to peace and trust, positions Ankara as a stabilizing mediator and partner in energy and trade cooperation. Erdogan will also hold bilateral meetings with the leadership of Turkmenistan and other heads of state and government participating in the event.
Iran - Masoud Pezeshkian: President Pezeshkian, arriving from Kazakhstan, will use the forum to further expand trade and economic cooperation and highlight Iran's deep civilizational ties with the countries of Central Asia.
Kazakhstan - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: The participation of the Kazakh leader in the forum in Ashgabat confirms the continued priority of regional integration and joint work within Central Asia.
Iraq - Abdul Latif Rashid: The visit of President of Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid to Ashgabat to participate in the celebrations marking the anniversary of neutrality reflects Turkmenistan's growing role in fostering dialogue and cooperation with Middle Eastern countries.
Media also reported on Wednesday the arrival in Ashgabat of Sao Tome and Principe President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, who had previously visited Turkmenistan (for the UN LLDC-3 Conference), underscoring the high global standing of Ashgabat's peacekeeping policy among developing African states. Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan also arrived in the Turkmen capital that evening.
The Presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, the heads of government of Azerbaijan and Georgia, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan are also expected to participate in the Forum.
The presence of virtually all neighboring and key regional countries demonstrates that Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality serves as a unifying factor for stability across Eurasia.
The significance of the forum's theme—the 30th anniversary of neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025)—goes beyond diplomatic etiquette. Today, Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality, supported by the UN, is viewed internationally as an effective, non-confrontational tool:
— guarantees predictability and equal opportunities for all regional and global players;
— creates a reliable platform for advancing transport (North-South and West-South corridors), energy, and cultural initiatives, strengthening the strategic influence of all participating countries.
— serves as a proven, non-aligned model for conflict prevention, resolving contradictions, and fostering a culture of peace and trust in today's complex geopolitical environment. The international forum in Ashgabat is thus becoming not just a celebration, but a landmark event demonstrating the practical value of Turkmen diplomacy in the interests of regional and global security.
ORIENT
