On December 12, 2025, Turkmenistan celebrates a historic landmark: the 30th anniversary of its internationally recognized status of Permanent Neutrality. This is not just a national holiday but a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy, a diplomatic blueprint that has shaped its engagement with the world over three decades.
The observance is particularly significant as it coincides with the year 2025, which was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly – at the initiative of Turkmenistan – as the International Year of Peace and Trust. This dual celebration highlights the nation’s commitment to diplomacy, stability, and peaceful coexistence on a global scale. The neutral concept is framed as “Positive Neutrality” – a proactive policy of using its status to provide a neutral platform for dialogue and reconciliation in the region. Over the past 30 years, Turkmenistan’s neutrality has evolved from a declaration into an active diplomatic tool as: regional peacebuilding, the UN Regional center, energy and transport diplomacy, and international recognition.
The 30th anniversary celebrations in 2025 are being marked with high-level international events, reflecting the country’s desire to leverage its status on the global stage. The central event is the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th Anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan took place in Ashgabat. This gathering was attended by numerous heads of state and senior representatives from international organizations, focused on how positive neutrality and dialogue could address 21st-century global issues.
At the same time, national celebrations across Turkmenistan feature cultural festivals, exhibitions showcasing the country’s achievements in the years of independence, and traditional Turkmen performances, all centered around the national motto celebrating peace and trust.
In its three-decade journey, Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality has become more than a foreign policy position; it is seen as an expression of the Turkmen people’s historic values of good neighborliness, tolerance, and respect. As the country looks to the future, its neutral status remains the compass guiding its path in a geopolitical landscape, positioning it as an essential bridge for dialogue between civilizations.
Habib HALMAMEDOV
Senior Lecturer at the International
university for the Humanities and Development
