By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
"Turkmenistan has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. This year, we also take pride in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality," said Turkmen Ambassador to Korea Begench Durdyyev.
Delivering a speech at a diplomatic briefing held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Seoul, on Feb. 20, Amb. Durdyyev said, "One of the recent major diplomatic milestones is the adoption of the UN resolution entitled "2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust." On March 21, 2024, during the 63rd plenary meeting of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, this resolution was co-sponsored by the 86 member-states of the United Nations Organization."
The ambassador said that the resolution represents the practical embodiment of the philosophy of new international relations "Dialogue is a guarantee of peace," announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Amb. Durdyyev said, "Turkmenistan considers the decision to declare 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust as a global-scale event and a genuine opportunity for a qualitative transition to a new stage in international relations."
The following is the full-text of the speech by H.E. Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea Mr. Begench Durdyyev at the Diplomatic Briefing. --Ed.
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for attending today’s important gathering. We come together on the occasion of introducing Turkmenistan’s foreign policy plans for this year - an especially notable period, as 2025 has been proclaimed the “International Year of Peace and Trust.” This year, we also take pride in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality.
As You are aware, over the three decades since gaining its independence, Turkmenistan, following its peaceful neutral policy based on the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, non-entry into any military blocs and advocating for the resolving of any international conflict exclusively by peaceful and diplomatic means, has made an enormous contribution to the cause of promoting peace throughout the world.
One of the recent major diplomatic milestones in this regard is the adoption of the UN resolution entitled “2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust.” On March 21, 2024, during the 63rd plenary meeting of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, this resolution was co-sponsored by the 86 member-states of the United Nations Organization.
It reflects the fundamental purposes and principles of the UN Charter, in particular the commitments to settle disputes by peaceful means and methods.
The resolution “International Year of Peace and Trust, 2025” represents the practical embodiment of the philosophy of new international relations “Dialogue is a guarantee of peace”, announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Turkmenistan considers the decision to declare 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust as a global-scale event and a genuine opportunity for a qualitative transition to a new stage in international relations.
The special symbolism of 2025 was emphasized in the context of significant events - the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea - highlighting the alignment of national achievements with international aspirations.
Talking about the symbolism of each year, I would like to highlight the year 2024, which has been declared by our country as “The Fount of Wisdom of Magtymguly Fragi.” As you all know, Magtymguly Fragi was a great thinker and poet of the Turkmen nation, whose works continue to inspire our ongoing efforts to promote peace and trust on a global scale.
Emphasizing the legacy of this outstanding master of words, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has presented his new book, “Magtymguly – the Sage of the World” to readers. The book explores the rich literary heritage of Magtymguly Fragi and how his ideas laid the foundation for Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. His messages of peace, justice, humanism, friendship, brotherhood, and respect for all continue to play a significant role in fostering international relations.
Another valuable work that showcases the history of the Turkmen people, their moral values, and the evolution of science, education, and culture in Turkmenistan is the new book by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov titled “Jewel of the Mind”.
This recently published book provides scientific insights into the political and trade relations of ancient Turkmen states such as Altyn-Depe, Margush, Seljuk, and Horezmshakh with their neighbors. Historical records indicate that Turkmens have upheld the principles of peace and effectively applied preventive diplomacy since ancient times.
Continuing my speech about the history of the Turkmen Neutrality, I would like to give you some dates and facts for better understanding of our Neutrality policy. On December 12, 1995, at the United Nations General Assembly, 185 member states unanimously adopted a special Resolution on the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan. For Turkmenistan, that day became a national point of pride - demonstrating that its centuries-old traditions of goodwill, hospitality, and neighborly relations align with the goals and objectives of the global community. The neutrality status has been reconfirmed over time, most notably on June 3, 2015, when the UN General Assembly once again endorsed the Resolution, highlighting that Turkmenistan’s principled stance is held in high esteem on the world stage.
As a logical outgrowth of this recognition, in February 2017 the UN General Assembly unanimously voted to designate December 12 as the International Day of Neutrality, further spotlighting Turkmenistan’s special role in advancing peace and partnership among nations. For the Turkmen people, December 12 has long been celebrated as Neutrality Day, second in importance only to Independence Day.
In preparation for this year of significance, Turkmenistan has presented a Concept of Activities and Priorities designed to underscore the relevance of neutrality as a practical strategy for mitigating conflict and promoting development.
Turkmenistan believes that by strengthening partnerships -especially with neutral and non-aligned states-the international community can develop more effective ways to prevent and resolve disputes. This is consistent with the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to develop a Global Security Strategy that accounts not just for military and political factors but also for economic, environmental, technological, and humanitarian dimensions of security.
Turkmenistan views 2025 - the International Year of Peace and Trust, as the crucial period in the humanization of international relations.
The directions of our activities in multilateral structures will be focused on the following objectives:
- ensuring the rights of refugees and stateless persons;
- supporting motherhood and childhood;
- creating conditions for the comprehensive development of youth, enabling them to realize their potential in science, creativity, and sports.
Turkmenistan's approach to these issues is based on actively utilizing and enhancing the efficiency of interaction channels with humanitarian-focused structures, such as UNESCO, UNICEF, UNHCR, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and other organizations.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship plays a major role in solving humanitarian issues. Leveraging the capabilities of the Foundation, large-scale humanitarian support to people in need in various countries will be continued during the International Year of Peace and Trust.
The International Year of Peace and Trust, 2025 is considered by Turkmenistan in the context of the practical implementation of the “Pact for the Future”, adopted in September 2024 at the “Summit of the Future” convened at the initiative of the UN Secretary-General. Turkmenistan will make effort to achieve all the goals stated in the outcome document.
The approaches and views outlined are a common political platform for the implementation of the following specific measures and events proposed by Turkmenistan in the International Year of Peace and Trust:
1. International forums and conferences:
• Official opening of the International Year of Peace and Trust in January 2025;
• Thematic conferences and dialogues, including within the framework of the UN Security Council and General Assembly, the Non-Aligned Movement, the UN Peacebuilding Commission and other international platforms;
• Forum for Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue;
• Regional meetings on strengthening peace, trust and security;
• Regular meetings of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development;
• International events on the role of women and youth in advancing the peace and security agenda;
• Conference on Neutrality at the UN Headquarters.
2. Information and educational activities:
• Development and publication of information materials on the principles of neutrality, their role in preventing conflicts and achieving sustainable development;
• Organization of educational events, including lectures, trainings and interactive seminars;
• Using social media and digital diplomacy tools to promote ideals of peace and trust, with a focus on global youth engagement.
3. International cultural and Public events:
• Festival “Music of Peace”;
• International youth competition “Peace and Trust”;
• International sports events;
• United Nations Games;
• Scientific competitions and conferences for students;
• Open lessons in schools about peace and trust.
4. Activities at the UN and other international organizations:
• Thematic meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality;
• UN General Assembly meeting on the Zone of Peace;
• Regional meeting on financing for development.
5. Webinars and video conferences:
• Webinars with partners on neutrality;
• Videoconferences between universities on international relations.
6. Regional and specialized events:
• Meetings on Caspian issues;
• Multilateral dialogues on cooperation in Central Asia;
• Workshops in the frameworks of the specialized international organizations.
The culminating event will be a major international forum on December 12, 2025, dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan.
As you can see, 2025 is full of international events dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan, both in Turkmenistan and abroad.
In this context, we would like to invite the Government of the Republic of Korea, representatives of Korean media, and academic institutions to actively participate in these events. Formal invitations, along with further details, will be shared with you in due course.
As it was mentioned earlier, this year also coincides with the 33rd anniversary of establishment of the diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea. The historical intergovernmental document titled “Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea” was signed on February 7, 1992, following by the opening the Embassies of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea in the capitals of our two countries. Starting from that time up to now we witness the constantly high dynamics of the development of bilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries.
Over the past three decades, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea have worked hand in hand to advance our common goals, deepening ties in various fields, including politics, economy, culture and education. Both Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea share a steadfast commitment to peace, security, and stability. Marking 33 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, our countries continue to demonstrate the value of balanced, forward-looking diplomacy that underscores dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.
For this year we have a comprehensive cooperation program, aimed at elevating our bilateral relations to new heights. In the political realm, starting from the arranging of the political consultations and ending with the State visit of our President, we will make every effort to robust our interstate relations.
On the economic front, in this year at least 2 large scale projects will start to be implemented by the leading Korean companies in Turkmenistan, and we will work to increase this number. Besides, in order to explore new ways interaction, this year we will also hold the next round meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Korean Commission for trade, economic, scientific and technological cooperation. In terms of humanitarian cooperation, this year we plan to have a cultural group in the Republic of Korea, to showcase the rich and ancient heritage of the Turkmen people across several Korean cities. Today, we also welcome representatives from the aviation and tourism sectors among us. Since in this year, in coming months we plan to launch the direct passenger flights between Ashgabat and Seoul, we would like to encourage them actively work together on facilitating tourism exchange between our countries. By expanding people-to-people connections, we believe our overall cooperation will grow significantly.
Let me once again express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you for gathering here to be informed about main directions of the Turkmenistan’s foreign policy plans for the ongoing “International Year of Peace and Trust.”
