China is ready to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in key areas, strengthen transport links and develop cooperation in the ‘China-Central Asia’ format. This was stated by Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The diplomat recalled that this year Turkmenistan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality, recognised by a Resolution of the UN General Assembly. According to the Ambassador, the policy of positive neutrality has become the basis for the country's development and the strengthening of regional stability. The Head of the diplomatic mission emphasised that in recent years they have reached the level of comprehensive strategic partnership and are demonstrating high results in all areas of cooperation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a state visit to Turkmenistan next week. This was announced by Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, according to the news website Asmannews. According to Bayraktar, cooperation in the field of natural gas supplies will be on the agenda of the negotiations. The minister stressed that connecting Turkmen gas is important for both Turkey and European countries, as it opens up opportunities for its transportation via the southern gas corridor.
This year, Turkmenistan celebrates 30 years of Permanent Neutrality. The UN General Assembly Resolution of 12 December 1995 enshrined this status for the country, becoming the basis for its current foreign policy, according to TDH. After the status was recognised, the country intensified its peacekeeping efforts, promoting initiatives at the UN. These include resolutions on the role of neutrality, the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, the creation of a zone of peace and cooperation in the region, and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. All initiatives are aimed at strengthening international security, developing a culture of trust and supporting dialogue as a key tool for conflict resolution. The legal basis for foreign policy is enshrined in the Constitutional Law ‘On the Legal Basis of the Policy of Peace and Trust of Neutral Turkmenistan,’ signed by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on 19 September 2025. The document defines the principles of neutrality, equality, non-use of force, good neighbourliness and non-interference, as well as the goals of developing preventive diplomacy, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and creating favourable external conditions for the country's development. The policy includes promoting national initiatives for Peace and Trust, strengthening the role of the strategic ‘Turkmenistan-UN’ Consultative Council, supporting transport connectivity projects for landlocked countries, and expanding international cooperation in various areas, from ecology to water resources. Special attention is paid to the development of cultural and humanitarian ties and the participation of young people and women in regional dialogue. The law enshrines the special role of preventive diplomacy, including cooperation with the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. It also emphasises the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and the work of the Group of Friends of Neutrality, created on the initiative of Turkmenistan. The country is strengthening its cooperation with international organisations, primarily the UN, and is preparing to host the International Forum on Peace and Trust in December. These steps confirm Turkmenistan's commitment to developing multilateral dialogue and participating in shaping the international peace and security agenda.
A special issue of ‘ECO Heritage’ magazine, prepared by the ECO Cultural Institute, was published to mark the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. This was reported by TDH. The magazine contains articles on Turkmenistan's foreign policy. It highlights the country's participation in key international forums, including the Third UN Conference on LLDCs in Awaza, which concluded with the adoption of the Awaza Programme of Action. The issue examines Turkmenistan's cooperation with the ECO and neighbouring countries in the region, the development of transport, energy and water diplomacy, as well as the implementation of infrastructure projects. The November issue of ‘Business Central Asia’ magazine (New Delhi) is also dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. It analyses the country's foreign policy and the participation of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in key international summits. The economic section covers reforms, the investment climate and support for the manufacturing sector. The issue concludes with an article on cultural diplomacy. A separate special issue of ‘Foreign Business in Georgia’ (Georgia) focuses on bilateral cooperation and events of the International Year of Peace and Trust. The March meeting between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze takes centre stage. The magazine reflects the results of the negotiations, Turkmenistan's participation in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the UN Conference on LLDCs and participation in the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum. All three publications provide an overview of Turkmenistan's international initiatives and key events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality.
On 12 December, Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Turkmenistan to participate in events marking the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality, according to the news website Turkmenportal. This was announced by Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation Yuri Ushakov at a briefing. He emphasised that the visit will be held at the invitation of the Turkmen side. Earlier it was reported that President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited Vladimir Putin to Ashgabat to participate in the Peace and Trust Forum.
At the beginning of winter, Turkmenistan enters a period of some of the most significant and solemn events of the year. During these days, the country is filled with a festive atmosphere, and the people are filled with enthusiasm in anticipation of International Neutrality Day, according to the IIC. Large-scale preparations are underway in Ashgabat and other regions of the country ahead of 12 December. This date, which plays an important role in the socio-political life of the country, is accompanied by high-level international meetings, scientific and practical conferences and exhibitions. According to tradition, on this festive day, the celebration of peace and friendship will be marked by a ceremony of laying flowers at the Monument of Neutrality with the participation of government representatives, foreign diplomats and public figures.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Amanov held a meeting with Executive Director of the Global Gas Centre (GGC) Valérie Ducrot. The negotiations were held on 1 December in Ashgabat and focused on expanding export routes for Turkmen gas, according to the press service of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN in Geneva. According to the source, the parties also exchanged views on the increasing importance of security of gas supplies to international markets and the development of regional energy cooperation. Particular attention was paid to strengthening long-term partnerships and diversifying export destinations. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to actively cooperate with international energy structures, emphasising its role as a reliable and predictable partner in the regional and global energy space.
On December 3, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov had a phone talk with Somalia's Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali. This was shared by the press service of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation in international organisations, primarily in the UN. They noted the coincidence of the positions of Turkmenistan and Somalia on issues of global peace and sustainable development. They also discussed preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat and will be dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the International Day of Neutrality.
On 1 December, Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the UAE, presented his credentials to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. The first part of the ceremony, with an honor guard and national anthems, was held on 27 November, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court of the UAE Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Ambassador conveyed greetings from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the UAE leadership. The President of the UAE congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and expressed his readiness to further strengthen bilateral ties. The parties discussed the participation of the Emirati delegation in an international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. B. Bayramov also extended an invitation to the President of the UAE to visit Turkmenistan. Concluding the meeting, the Ambassador thanked for the support of cooperation and confirmed his readiness to promote the development of partnership between the two countries.
From 12 November to 3 December, a delegation from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the 37th Inter-Parliamentary Internship Programme organised by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and held in New Delhi. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The programme was aimed at studying the basics of parliamentary activity, exchanging experience and improving the professional skills of participants. The interns were presented with detailed information about the structure and work of the Indian Parliament — its committees, apparatus, as well as the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha chambers. Particular attention was paid to the legislative process, the role of parliament in the country's political system, the interaction of deputies with the media, and the educational work of the Institute of Parliamentary Studies. The participants gave presentations on their parliaments and countries. Representatives of Turkmenistan spoke about the priorities of Turkmenistan's peaceful policy, the composition of the Mejlis, and the ongoing reforms of the legal framework, including the development of parliamentary diplomacy. Excursions to historical and cultural sites in India, which were held as part of the programme, will allow participants to consolidate their knowledge in practice.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his condolences to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka over the floods caused by heavy rains. The disaster has led to loss of life and destruction, according to TDH. Head of State conveyed words of support to the families of the victims and wished the victims a speedy recovery.
Turkmenistan remains a key partner for Romania in Central Asia, said Ion Naval, Romania's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, at a reception on the occasion of Romania's National Day. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the diplomat, over the past 33 years, bilateral relations have encompassed political dialogue, cultural ties, water resource management, transport and energy. I. Naval emphasised the role of the Inter-governmental Joint Turkmen-Romanian Commission on Economic, Trade, Technical and Scientific Cooperation, which has already held seven sessions, as well as active contacts at the level of governments and foreign ministries in 2025. The diplomat paid particular attention to transport cooperation, including the agreement on the liberalisation of road transport and the development of the international route ‘Black Sea - Caspian Sea’ through Turkmenistan, Romania, Azerbaijan and Georgia. In the energy sector, cooperation continued through the Romanian-Turkmen working group, which identified new opportunities for cooperation. In the field of education, the number of Romanian scholarships for Turkmen students increased, and the range of training expanded from the oil and gas industry to medicine, biotechnology and computer sciences. The Ambassador congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its neutrality, emphasising the country's importance as a constructive participant in international dialogue and a supporter of peaceful solutions in the UN and other forums.