Tashkent Hosts Roundtable on Turkmenistan’s Contribution to Peace and Regional Cooperation
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: On February 7, the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA) hosted a roundtable discussion on the theme “International Year of Peace and Trust: Turkmenistan’s Contribution to Global and Regional Cooperation.” The event was jointly organized with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Uzbekistan and the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Ties with Foreign Countries under the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan.
The initiative to declare the International Year of Peace and Trust was proposed by Turkmenistan and received broad support from the global community, underscoring the country’s constructive role in fostering stability and dialogue worldwide. The UN General Assembly resolution, adopted in March 2024, was backed by 86 countries, including Uzbekistan.
Strengthening Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan Cooperation
The event commenced with an address by IICA Director Javlon Vakhabov, who highlighted Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan cooperation and the trusting relationship between the two nations’ leaders as a key factor in strengthening strategic ties. He emphasized mutual support for international initiatives and the promotion of regional cooperation.
Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Shadurdy Meredov, elaborated on his country’s efforts to promote peace, trust, and mutual respect on the global stage. He also emphasized joint initiatives with Uzbekistan to enhance regional security, support diplomatic engagements, and encourage constructive cooperation for stability and prosperity in Central Asia.
Turkmenistan’s Role in Regional Stability
Participants of the roundtable acknowledged Turkmenistan’s role in fostering peace, trust, and regional collaboration. Notably, the UN General Assembly resolution “Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation in Central Asia,” adopted in July 2022, was initiated by Turkmenistan, reflecting its dedication to strengthening regional security.
The discussion also highlighted the political will and practical contributions of all Central Asian states in promoting peace and trust. Speakers stressed that joint efforts lay a strong foundation for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future for the region.
High-Level Participation
The roundtable was attended by government officials, diplomatic representatives, and leading experts. Among the notable attendees were officials from the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (headquartered in Ashgabat), ambassadors from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, as well as experts, researchers, and students, including Turkmen youth studying in Uzbekistan.
The event underscored Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan’s joint commitment to strengthening good-neighborly relations and ensuring sustainable development in Central Asia through enhanced cooperation.
