Turkmenistan Hosts International Conference on Foreign Policy Priorities Marking Diplomatic Workers’ Day
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: On February 20, 2026, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted an international conference titled “Priorities of Turkmenistan’s Foreign Policy in the Year ‘Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’,” dedicated to the Day of Diplomatic Workers of Turkmenistan.
A thematic exhibition was organized in the institute’s foyer to commemorate the professional holiday, conceptually designed around an equestrian theme in harmony with Turkmenistan’s 2026 national motto. The event brought together senior officials, diplomats, veterans of the foreign service, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, faculty members and students of national universities, as well as representatives of public organizations and media outlets.
Participants listened attentively to the address of Serdar Berdimuhamedov delivered on the occasion of the professional holiday. In his message, the President underscored Turkmenistan’s unwavering commitment to the principles of permanent neutrality, equality, and good neighborliness. He highlighted that the country’s neutrality has been recognized three times through resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, reflecting its respected international status.
The address also emphasized the importance of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat and referenced the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust as further evidence of Turkmenistan’s constructive contribution to global peace and cooperation.
During the conference, remarks were delivered by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan; Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia; Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan; Arsen Avagyan, Ambassador of Armenia to Turkmenistan; Stephen Conlon, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Turkmenistan; and Eric Livny, Head of the Representative Office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Turkmenistan.
In his address, Minister Meredov noted that Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, grounded in the principles of permanent neutrality, aims to promote a sustainable and equitable system of international cooperation. He underscored the country’s active engagement in advancing energy and transport connectivity, environmental diplomacy, and the strengthening of international law, with particular emphasis on the central coordinating role of the United Nations.
Speakers at the conference highlighted the growing role of Turkmen diplomacy amid global challenges and praised its contribution to fostering peace, trust, and mutually beneficial cooperation. It was also noted that under the leadership of the head of state, the material and technical capacity of the diplomatic service continues to be strengthened, with ongoing modernization of infrastructure and development of professional human resources.
At the conclusion of the conference, participants adopted an Address of gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan, expressing appreciation for sustained support to the diplomatic service and reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding national interests and enhancing the country’s international standing.
On the occasion of the commemorative date, a solemn ceremony was held during which young diplomatic officers and graduating students of the Institute were awarded diplomas from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in recognition of their active contribution to implementing Turkmenistan’s foreign policy strategy.
