The final document of the International Conference "Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace", held in Ashgabat on December 11, 2022 in the frames of the Ashgabat International Week, was published in the six official languages of the UN (A/77/651) as an official document of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly under paragraph 14 Agenda "Culture of Peace".

The document reflects the fundamental goals and principles of the UN Charter, which include obligations to resolve disputes by peaceful means and methods. In this context, the document emphasizes that inclusive dialogue in its various manifestations plays an important role in strengthening relations and cooperation among UN member states.

The Outcome Document also supports the initiative of the UN Secretary General on the formation of a New Agenda for Building Peace, which is consonant with the initiative of Turkmenistan to promote the philosophy of "Dialogue as a guarantee of peace".

In addition, the published document notes the need to implement global strategies and programs of the UN, in particular, the joint implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Final Document emphasizes that the policy of neutrality plays an important role in the development of a peaceful dialogue, trusting, friendly and mutually beneficial relations between the countries of the world and contributes to the strengthening of international peace and security at the regional and global levels. At the same time, the importance of preventive diplomacy is emphasized, in particular, the effective activities of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat in order to support the efforts of the world community to peacefully resolve conflicts in the interests of maintaining peace, as well as the need to develop and strengthen preventive diplomacy tools.

The Global Initiative “Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace” promoted by Turkmenistan is aimed at consolidating the efforts of the international community in strengthening the traditions of peaceful and trusting coexistence of the peoples of the world, restoring values and worldviews, defining a culture of peace and trust as an integral factor in international relations.

The conference “Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace”, which laid the foundation for the launch in 2023 of the Global Campaign for Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace, has become a clear confirmation that Turkmenistan, being an active member of the world community, is not limited only to putting forward significant initiatives aimed at developing wide international cooperation that meets the fundamental interests of all countries and peoples, but also takes consistent steps towards their practical implementation.

On December 11, 2022, on the sidelines of the International Conference "Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace", timed to coincide with the International Day of Neutrality and the 27th anniversary of the Neutrality of Turkmenistan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe ( UNECE) Olga Algaerova.

The distinguished guest expressed her gratitude for the invitation to the events and the hospitality provided within the framework of the Ashgabat International Week dedicated to the Day of Neutrality of Turkmenistan.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan remains committed to the development of cooperation with the UNECE in such issues as strengthening the transport and transit potential of the region, building up trade and economic ties and integration, maintaining environmental safety and energy efficiency.

The parties noted with satisfaction the fruitfulness of the long-term cooperation of Turkmenistan with the UNECE in a wide range of areas. The important role of the UNECE in coordinating relations between the countries of Europe and Asia in the field of transport, trade, energy and environmental protection was noted.

Discussing the topic of environmental protection, it was stated that Turkmenistan is an active participant in the global campaign initiated by the UNECE "Trees in Cities" to support actions related to climate change in cities.

Special attention was paid to the issues of cooperation within the framework of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). In particular, the Turkmen side expressed its firm commitment to further development of cooperation with the SPECA countries. The prospects for cooperation were also outlined, taking into account the proposals of UNECE and ESCAP experts. In this context, issues of improving the structure and reforming the activities of this Program were discussed, including the establishment of the SPECA Trust Fund and its Secretariat.

An exchange of views was held on interaction with the UNECE in the format of the Framework Program for Cooperation on Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN for the period 2021-2025.

In this regard, the Executive Secretary of the UNECE highly appreciated the work of the Government of Turkmenistan to implement the concept of sustainable development, the effective measures of the state to implement the UN sustainable development goals and their indicators in national programs.

In the process of discussing the planned significant meetings and events under the auspices of the UNECE, concrete steps of interaction for the coming year were outlined.

A two-day international conference named Glory to Ukraine has kicked off in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, gathering former US diplomats, regional experts, civic activists, and business representatives.

The 6th conference, hosted by the George W. Bush Institute, the McCain Institute for International Leadership, and the Centre for Economic Policy Research, will focus on Russia’s offensive on Ukraine and the West’s reaction; geopolitical consequences of military aggression; unrest in the region; the war impact on the future of Europe and Russia’s next moves.

The conference aims for Georgia to keep its priority place in the world and transatlantic agenda, to promote democratic progress and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Source: https://1tv.ge/lang/en/news/georgian-capital-hosts-intl-conference-glory-to-ukraine/

2021 Batumi International Conference will kick off today in a hybrid format due to the ongoing pandemic.

The main spotlight is on the upgraded level of cooperation between the three EU Associated Partners – Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine – recently formalized as the Associated Trio, the organizers said.

The three Partners are determined to accelerate the reforms envisaged by their respective Association Agreements with the European Union that contain provisions on Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas and prepare the next stage of their European integration.

“The panel will discuss possible interests of the EU to engage further in the enhanced integration process with the three Eastern European partners. Also, deliberate more on the European enthusiasm of the three countries while also reflecting on how the new format will complement the future of the Eastern Partnership,” the statement reads.

Charles Michel and the presidents of Moldova and Ukraine will participate in today’s Conference.

On April 15, 2021, the International Conference “Global Cooperation of Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan for the sake of Peace and Trust” was held in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat in participationon of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The high-level event took place in the new Conference Centre of Turkmenistan that was officially opened in the same day by the President of Turkmenistan.

The event was attended by the leadership of Parliament (Mejlis), Deputies Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, heads of the ministries and departments of the country, chiefs of the diplomatic missions and representative offices of international organizations in Turkmenistan, rectors of the institutions of higher education of Turkmenistan, heads and representatives of local mass media, as well as the foreign journalists accredited in Turkmenistan.

The heads and representatives of respected international and regional organizations, including the UN, OSCE, CIS and others took part in the International Conference via videoconferencing.

In his opening speech, the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the significance of the given Conference that is taking place in the International Year of Peace and Trust. He expressed firm commitment of Turkmenistan to the development of peaceful, friendly ties between countries and people. The President also called for the expansion of collaboration with the international partners.

Then the participants heard the video statement of the Secretary General of the OSCE Helga Schmid who told about the active work of Turkmenistan in the process of upholding the sustainable development, the culture of peace and trust. She also highlighted the role of Turkmenistan in the development of economic connectivity in the region and beyond itThen the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States – Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev addressed the conference via videoconferencing. He particularly underlined that in the person of Turkmenistan, the international community has gained a reliable and peace-loving partner and the state confirms in practice its vital input in the development of international cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and trust.

Also via videoconferencing gave her speech, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Olga Algayerova. She noted the important role of Turkmenistan in the promotion of constructive regional and international dialogue, in particular through the collaboration in the area of green economy, trade, transport, ecology and others.

About the significance of peaceful and open international cooperation to which Turkmenistan calls, the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Under-Secretary-General Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana has spoken in her video statement. She underlined the importance of mutual support in the process of resisting the common threats and challenges.

In her speech, the Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan Christine Weigand told about the active cooperation of Turkmenistan with the UN from the perspective of attaining the Sustainable Development Goals that is inseparably connected to maintenance of peace and trust between countries and people.

Also, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan Aleksandr Blokhin gave a speech at the Conference. The diplomat said that “the peace and trust is what is extremely needed today to the people and states of the whole Globe and their priority scope in the Turkmen foreign policy has gained many practical confirmations and rightly valued by the world community.”

In his speech, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Turkmenistan Matthew Stephen Klimov presented his vision of the notions of peace and trust. He underlined that to attain peace it is necessary to build and maintain trust. The Ambassador added that this is what Turkmenistan is calling for through its positive neutral policy.

Speaking at the Conference, the Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat Natalya Drozd stated that by initiating the UN General Assembly Resolution on declaring the International Year of Peace and Trust, “the Government of Turkmenistan has again demonstrated its commitment to the policy of permanent neutrality, the main priorities of which is the affirmation of the culture of dialogue and reinforcement of mutual trust between various states.”

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Turkmenistan Diego Ruiz Alonso also spoke at the Conference. The diplomat noted the role of Turkmenistan in the promotion of peaceful and trustful relations between countries and people that is reflected in numerous projects of economic and humanitarian nature.

In the end of the official part of the Conference, the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to participants for active involvement and wished to all peace and wellbeing.

Then the ceremony of signing international documents took place and the International Conference continued in plenary sessions.

Today, on March 2, the International Conference “Turkmenistan and the United Nations: Cooperation for Peace and Trust” on the occasion of
the 29th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s UN membership, has started in the MFA of Turkmenistan.

Within the framework of the event online ceremony of signing the bilateral documents was held. In particular, the following documents were signed: Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations Population Fund on Co-Financing, as well as Work Plan between the Ministry of Sport and Youth Policy of Turkmenistan and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) within the framework of the project “Strengthening mechanisms of youth participation in the implementation of the national youth policy and advancement of gender equality” for 2021.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov handed over to the Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan Christine Weigand the Note verbale of the MFA of Turkmenistan officially announcing on behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan about the Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan on the approval of the procedure for visa-free entry to Turkmenistan of foreign citizens with UN passports.

As is known, that Resolution had been signed by the President of Turkmenistan on the 28th of February 2021, according to which, starting from March 2 this year, foreign citizens holding UN passports are allowed to come to Turkmenistan, stay in the country, leave it, and cross the territory of Turkmenistan in transit without visa.

Besides that, the document prescribed those foreign citizens – officers of the UN or its specialized structures, accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, as well as their family members, are exempted from obtaining visa during the period of work in Turkmenistan.

The adoption of this Resolution is in line with the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.  

Today, on December 12, Ashgabat hosted an international conference "Policy of Neutrality and its importance in ensuring international peace, security and sustainable development" dedicated to the 25^th anniversary of permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan.  

The President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov participated to the forum of international scale.

The event was attended by the leadership of Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, heads of the ministries and departments of the country, chiefs of the diplomatic missions and representations of international organizations in Turkmenistan, rectors of the higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan, heads and representatives of local mass media, as well as the accredited foreign press.

 The heads of respected international and regional organizations took part in the forum via videoconferencing.

In his speech, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the main vectors of the foreign policy of Turkmenistan based on the principles of permanent Neutrality.  He voiced the commitment of Turkmenistan to the development of international cooperation for the sake of peace, stability and sustainable development.  The head of state drew the attention to the need of reestablishing the culture of peace, trust and friendly dialogue in the relations among the countries. 

The participants heard the video statements of the UN Secretary General António Guterres, OIC Secretary General Youssef Ben Ahmed Al-Usaymin, Chairman of the Executive Committee - CIS Executive Secretary Sergei Lebedev, SCO Secretary General Vladimir Norov, and UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay.

In the framework of the Conference it was noted that within its neutral status, Turkmenistan is committed to expand mutually beneficial partnership with the international and regional structures.

The initiative to hold this forum in Ashgabat belongs to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.  The Conference caused a wide international resonance, active interest and support in world circles.

 Convincing confirmation of the recognition by the international community of the peace-loving policy pursued by Turkmenistan became the next adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution "The Role and Significance of the Policy of Neutrality in Maintaining and Strengthening International Peace, Security and the Process of Sustainable Development" on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan at the initiative of the Turkmen side.

 Also, during the 47th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, the Resolution “The Role of the Policy of Neutrality in Maintaining and Strengthening International Peace, Security and Sustainable Development in the Region of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and in the World” was adopted.

The International Conference continued in plenary sessions.

Сегодня, 12 декабря в Ашхабаде состоялась Международная конференция «Политика нейтралитета и ее значение в обеспечении международного мира, безопасности и устойчивого развития» в честь 25-летия постоянного Нейтралитета Туркменистана.

На форуме международного значения принял участие Президент Туркменистана Гурбангулы Бердымухамедов.

В мероприятии приняли участие руководители Меджлиса, заместители Председателя Кабинета Министров Туркменистана, главы министерств и ведомств страны, руководители дипломатических миссий и представительств международных организаций в Туркменистане, ректоры вузов Туркменистана, руководители и представители местных СМИ, а также зарубежные журналисты, аккредитованные в Туркменистане.   

В конференции посредством видеоконференцсвязи приняли участие главы авторитетных международных и региональных организаций.

В своем выступлении Президент Туркменистана Гурбангулы Бердымухамедов подчеркнул основные векторы внешней политики Туркменистана базирующихся на принципах постоянного Нейтралитета. Он озвучил приверженность Туркменистана развитию международного сотрудничества во имя мира, стабильности и устойчивого развития. Также глава государства привлек внимание к необходимости восстановления культуры мира, доверия и дружественного диалога в отношениях между странами мира.   

Участники конференции заслушали видеообращения Генерального секретаря Организации Объединенных Наций Антониу Гутерриша, Генерального секретаря Организации Исламского Сотрудничества Юсефа Бен Ахмед Аль-Усаймина, Председателя Исполнительного комитета – Исполнительного секретаря СНГ Сергея Лебедева, Генерального секретаря Шанхайской Организации Сотрудничества Владимира Норова и Генерального Директора ЮНЕСКО Одрэ Азуле.

В рамках конференции отмечено, что с учетом своего нейтрального статуса Туркменистан намерен укреплять взаимовыгодное партнёрство с международными и региональными структурами.

Инициатива проведения данного форума в Ашхабаде принадлежит Президенту Туркменистана Гурбангулы Бердымухамедову. Конференция вызвала широкий международный резонанс, активный интерес и поддержку в мировых кругах.

Убедительным подтверждением признания международным сообществом миролюбивой политики, реализуемой Туркменистаном, является очередное принятие Генеральной Ассамблеей ООН Резолюции «Роль и значимость политики нейтралитета в деле поддержания и укрепления международного мира, безопасности и процесса устойчивого развития» в преддверии 25-летия постоянного Нейтралитета Туркменистана по инициативе туркменской стороны.

Также в ходе 47-й сессии Совета министров иностранных дел ОИС была принята Резолюция «Роль политики нейтралитета в поддержании и укреплении международного мира, безопасности и устойчивого развития в регионе Организации Исламского Сотрудничества и во всём мире».

Международная конференция продолжилась в пленарных заседаниях.

“I congratulate you on the Day of Science and opening of the online International Scientific Conference “Science, Engineering and Innovative Technologies”, says President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’ in his address.

“Science and education stand as an inclusive power of a society in achieving great goals and strengthening the power of our state. Therefore, in accordance with the requirements of the times, we improve the structure, management and legal base of the sphere of science, successfully implementing fundamental scientific and technological reforms, and creating all conditions for training of highly qualified specialists and scientists. Based on knowledge and innovations, we modernize the national economy at the level of the developed countries of the world, implementing large-scale projects, and achieve great successes in the socio-economic development of the country.

“The economic development of our sovereign state is impossible without modern technology. Modernizing economy, creating innovative industrial enterprises, manufacturing high-quality products that are competitive in world markets, Turkmenistan systematically strengthens its role in the global economy.

“Such a rapid development is connected, first of all, with the introduction of advanced achievements of science and technology, the best world experience, the level of scientific and technological progress, new opportunities for innovation, exact engineering sciences, information technologies. In this regard, we pay particular attention to the digitalization of the economy as a priority of the state policy. For these purposes, we improve our computer systems and modern means of communication, automating production. We significantly strengthen our economy due to the electronic document management system.

“This year, we have adopted the Programme for the transfer of science in Turkmenistan to the digital system in 2020-2025. This document, aimed at the technological and innovative development of our country, will ensure providing the system of science with high-quality electronic information base, developing technical and software solutions, using sustainable and new technologies, and thereby bringing research activity to a new level. In addition, it will be possible to further strengthen the relationship between science, education and production, create new software for scientific research, and actively involve young people in science, engineering, and technology business.

“At present, we are systematically strengthening cooperation with large international structures in the field of science, engineering and innovative technologies. In accordance with the program of socio-economic development of the country for 2019-2025, we significantly expand our scientific contacts with the leading scientific and educational centers of the world, international organizations and foundations.

“The election of our country to the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development, the agreements achieved at the international and interstate levels, multilateral and long-term cooperation in the field of science, scientific conferences on political, cultural and economic issues vividly demonstrate the success of our independent state, the authority of which steadily grows in the global scientific and educational space. This is also an evidence that our country becomes a dynamically developing state in socio-economic terms, and in terms of innovative technologies, it successfully integrates into the global scientific field. We will continue working on the development of science”, emphasized the President of Turkmenistan in his address.

On January 14, 2020, the International Conference “Turkmenistan and International Organizations: Cooperation for Peace and Development” dedicated to the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan in the year of 2020 marked by “Turkmenistan – Home of Neutrality” has started in Ashgabat.    

The President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov participated to the ceremonial opening of the International Conference. 

The representatives of respected international organizations arrived to Ashgabat to attend the Conference.   Also, the heads and representatives of the Government of Turkmenistan, regional executives of international organizations, including the UN, OSCE, EU, World Bank, EBRD, ADB and others, as well as the chiefs of diplomatic corps accredited in Ashgabat and representatives of local and foreign mass media participated to the event.   

Speaking at the opening of the Conference, the President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan has chosen the model which has gained the name - Positive Neutrality and formulated its fundamental principles: peace-loving, noninterference in the affairs of other governments, respect of their sovereignty and territorial unity, nonparticipation to the international military organizations and pact.  He added that Turkmenistan became a reliable ally and effective partner of the United Nations in the process of preserving and sustaining political stability in the region, developing good neighborly relations, friendship and cooperation.      

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Ms. Natalia Gherman, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Ms. Elena Panova, Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat Ms. Natalya Drozd, Charge d’Affaires of the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan Mr. Lubomir Frebort, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia Ms. Ashita Mittal, Officer-in-Charge of UNESCO Tehran Cluster Office Mr. Cvetan Cvetkovski, and the Director of UNHCR Regional Office Ms.Yasuko Oda gave speeches during the Conference.

During the speeches, the unique character of the policy of Neutrality of Turkmenistan was stated which is implemented under the leadership of the Leader of nation and aimed at the attainment of global missions on sustaining stability, economic growth and security exclusively by peaceful means with the support of coordinated actions of all the participants of the international community.   

In the framework of the Conference, the Annual Action Plans for 2020 were signed between the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and UNICEF, between the Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and UNICEF, between the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Turkmenistan and UNICEF, between the State Committee for Statistics and UNFPA, between the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan and UNICEF, between the Office of Ombudsperson of Turkmenistan and UNICEF, between the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and UNFPA, Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and UNFPA, between the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and UNFPA, between the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan and UNFPA, as well as the Annual Joint Action Plan for 2020 in the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Representation of the United Nations on cooperation in coordination of preparedness and response to emergency.   

The work of the International Conference “Turkmenistan and International Organizations: Cooperation for Peace and Development” will continue in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in the format of plenary sessions.

Speaking at the International Conference “The Caspian Sea: in the interest of developing international economic cooperation”, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the special role of science in maintaining the ecological balance of the Caspian Sea, the unique biodiversity of the sea.

“It means that all economic projects in the Caspian Sea basin should be carried out on the basis of high international environmental standards”, the Turkmen leader said.

“We are going to create a new Caspian environmental programme as a set of environmental measures aimed at the conservation and efficient use of the rich natural resources of the Caspian Sea.

“At the same time, this Programme could monitor the environmental situation in the Caspian Sea and give relevant recommendations to the governments of the littoral states.

“Turkmenistan is ready to consider this issue with all interested partners. At the same time, we hope for the full support of the UN and, first of all, its specialized environmental institutions.

“We strongly believe that ecology cannot become a hostage of economic and commercial benefits. This is a principled and responsible position that our country has consistently supported from the rostrum of the most respected international organizations and strictly followed, when developing national plans”, emphasized the Turkmen leader.

In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan called for the establishment of effective channels of ‘green diplomacy’ for the Caspian Sea with participation of international agencies, environmental centers and the media.

“Speaking about the future of the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan considers it in the context of the future of the entire planet and correlates its work with the activities of the United Nations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”, said President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

“We see the Caspian Sea, both in geographical and socio-economic terms, as one of the directions of the UN Strategy until 2030. Sustainability of the economy, energy security, environmental balance are the main framework of the common Caspian home”, emphasized the Turkmen leader.

The state news agency of Turkmenistan