By Rehan Khan
Islamabad, Sunday, 16 March 2025 (TNS): Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Atadjan Movlamov announced that Turkmenistan will host the International Forum for Peace and Trust in Ashgabat on December 12, 2025, to mark the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality.
Speaking at the International Conference on The Role of Neutrality in Strengthening International Peace, organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), Ambassador Movlamov emphasized Turkmenistan’s longstanding commitment to regional and global peace.
He said Turkmenistan’s international year of peace and trust initiative aligns with the 30th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s recognition of its permanent neutrality. “This was the first time Turkmenistan’s neutrality gained international support, and later, all ECO member states, along with other friendly countries, became co-sponsors of the UNGA resolution, which was adopted on December 12, 1995,” he said.
Highlighting Turkmenistan’s role in peacebuilding efforts, Ambassador Movlamov recalled that Ashgabat served as a venue for Inter-Tajik and Inter-Afghan negotiations under the aegis of the United Nations in the late 1990s. He reiterated that Turkmenistan remains committed to fostering international cooperation to resolve global crises through diplomacy and dialogue.
“In today’s international landscape, neutral Turkmenistan calls for the consolidation of global efforts to address ongoing crises by establishing political and diplomatic frameworks for constructive engagement,” he remarked.
Ambassador Movlamov also underscored Turkmenistan’s role in initiating the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, which was unanimously adopted with the co-sponsorship of 86 states. He highlighted Turkmenistan’s advocacy for preventive diplomacy as a tool for conflict resolution and the promotion of neutrality as a mechanism for peaceful dispute settlement.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the conference, he noted that the event was held in the same venue in Islamabad where, 30 years ago, on March 15, 1995, during the 3rd summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), member states officially endorsed Turkmenistan’s status as a neutral state.
The conference served as a platform to reaffirm Turkmenistan’s commitment to fostering a culture of trust, dialogue, and diplomatic cooperation to promote international peace and stability.
