Turkmenistan is celebrating today the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of its permanent neutrality, recognized three times by the UN. Ashgabat has become the venue for large-scale international events timed to this date and the International Day of Neutrality, according to the IIC.

The morning began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of Neutrality. The event was attended by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, heads of states and governments, and leaders of international organizations and diplomatic missions, reaffirming broad international support for Ashgabat’s peace initiatives.

Among the participants were Russian President Vladimir Putin, leaders of Central Asian countries, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Armenia, and the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan. Also attending the celebrations were Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, President of São Tomé and Príncipe Carlos Manuel Vila-Nova, Prime Minister of Eswatini Russel Dlamini, and Prime Minister of Myanmar Nyo Saw.

The Monument of Neutrality, located at the foot of the Kopetdag Mountains, served as the symbolic center of the celebrations. Its height of 95 meters refers to the year 1995, when Turkmenistan obtained its neutral status. The three pylons of the monument form a “tagan,” symbolizing home and homeland, while the bas-reliefs reflect the history of the Turkmen people.

The wreath-laying ceremony opened the International Forum “Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals in the Interest of a Sustainable Future.” The forum aims to strengthen global dialogue on the role of neutrality, cooperation, and mutual trust in ensuring peace and sustainable development.

The high-profile composition of participants underscores the relevance and international recognition of Turkmenistan’s neutral course.