Commonwealth of Independent States Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev has congratulated the citizens of Turkmenistan on the significant date – the 30th anniversary of the country’s permanent neutrality.
In his congratulatory address, Sergey Lebedev noted that Turkmenistan demonstrates unwavering commitment to its international legal status and proves in practice that neutrality, peacefulness and good neighborliness form the foundational basis of its foreign policy, which is aimed, among other things, at facilitating the successful fulfillment of tasks within the CIS framework.
“At Turkmenistan’s initiative, unanimously supported by UN member states, 2025 has been declared the International Year of Peace and Trust. This event has become a practical embodiment of the philosophy of new international relations “Dialogue – Guarantee of Peace”, proclaimed by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In essence, this initiative is a call to all states to begin joint work, encompassing political, ideological and practical aspects of realizing the idea of peace and trust as a fundamental principle of the world order”, he stated.
According to the CIS Secretary-General, a great deal has been done within the Commonwealth over the past year to maintain stability and peace on the continent. The meeting of the Commonwealth’s supreme body held in Dushanbe on October 10, 2025, summarized the preliminary results of our joint work. Simultaneously, new important steps were taken to advance a coordinated international agenda and uphold our approaches and values.
The CIS Heads of State adopted a Joint Statement on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations’ founding, confirming that the UN is a cornerstone of the modern system of international relations and remains an irreplaceable international platform in terms of representation, legitimacy and universality. The document also emphasizes the inseparable historical connection between the two anniversaries – the 80th anniversary of the UN’s establishment and the end of World War II.
“The profound meaning is also seen in the fact that the International Year of Peace and Trust is observed in the year of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations’ foundation and coincides with the 30th anniversary of the UN’s recognition of Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality”, noted Sergey Lebedev.
In his opinion, confirmation of the CIS countries’ aspiration for peace and cooperation, as well as foreign policy based on UN principles, is the resolution “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States” adopted by the UN General Assembly on August 26, 2025. It confirms the Commonwealth’s role in shaping the global agenda, ensuring peace and security, and strengthening trust and mutual understanding among countries.
The mechanism of interstate consultations and negotiations on the basis of equal partnership, implemented within the CIS framework, is aimed at organizing interaction in practically all spheres of interstate relations. These norms are enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter, the updated Concept for the Further Development of the CIS, and other documents. The Program of Action to Activate Partnership between the Foreign Policy Agencies of the Commonwealth States, adopted within the framework of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship in 2019, is also aimed at strengthening cooperation in the cause of peace.
Sergey Lebedev also emphasized that Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of permanent positive neutrality, peace, humanism and good neighborliness with other states is best confirmed by its becoming a recognized venue for hosting major international forums. These include the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, the First Caspian Economic Forum and the international conferences “The Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the Foundation of the Modern World and Development”, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Phragy, and “The Policy of Peace and Trust – the Foundation of International Security, Stability and Development”. Additionally, three meetings of the CIS Heads of State Council, six meetings of the CIS Heads of Government Council and a number of meetings of other CIS bodies have been successfully held in Turkmenistan.
The policy of permanent neutrality allows for simultaneously active participation in integration cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States. Significant economic forums, cultural and humanitarian meetings, conferences and sports competitions have been held on the territory of Turkmenistan.
“We know that our Turkmen friends are actively preparing to assume the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2026. Recalling Turkmenistan’s successful chairmanship in 2012 and 2019, we have no doubt that the republic will propose and host a number of significant meetings and forums, contributing to the further development and strengthening of friendship and multilateral cooperation among CIS countries”, summarized Sergey Lebedev.
He wished the citizens of Turkmenistan peace and prosperity, good fortune and success in the country’s further progressive development.