Peace and Trust policy: Turkmenistan's new legal guidelines

Peace and Trust policy: Turkmenistan's new legal guidelines
17 05.12.2025

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.