On December 11, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev, who arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the events of the Ashgabat International Week dedicated to the International Day of Neutrality and the 27th anniversary of the Neutrality of Turkmenistan.

At the beginning of the meeting, R. Meredov congratulated K.Omuraliev on his appointment as Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and wished him great success in this responsible position.

The Secretary General noted with satisfaction the content-rich meeting with the President of Turkmenistan, which took place the day before.

During the negotiations, issues of further deepening cooperation in various fields between Turkmenistan and the Organization of Turkic States were discussed.

It was emphasized that Turkmenistan is interested in its partnership with a number of international structures affiliated with this Organization, in particular with TURKPA, the Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.

The parties also exchanged views on the results of the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in November this year.

On the sidelines of the International Conference "Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace" held in Ashgabat on December 11, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Reza Najafi.

At the meeting, a wide range of issues of interaction between the countries in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres was discussed.

The importance of meetings at the highest and high levels in strengthening bilateral friendly relations was especially emphasized. In this regard, the parties agreed to further expand intergovernmental contacts, including through the Foreign ministries of the two countries.

The diplomats expressed hope that cooperation between Turkmenistan and Iran would continue to develop progressively within the framework of international and regional organizations.

Noting the importance of the activities of the intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian commission for economic cooperation, the sides discussed ways to develop cooperation in the oil and gas sector, the electric power industry, solving issues in the water sector and the environment, including the joint rational use of water resources.

At the end of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Turkmen-Iranian partnership based on the age-old principles of friendship, good neighborliness and mutual respect.

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.

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, a meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Special Representative of the European Union for Central Asia Teri Hakala.

During the meeting, a wide range of issues related to the current agenda and further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union in a bilateral and multilateral formats was discussed.

The parties noted the positive dynamics of the joint events held this year, which are rich in content, as well as the intensification of contacts at various levels. In this regard, the European diplomat stressed that Brussels highly appreciates and supports the expansion of an active dialogue with the Turkmen side.

The officials stated that Turkmenistan and the EU demonstrate the coincidence or similarity of positions on many issues of international and regional politics.

Speaking about the constructive building of relations between the states of the region, the effectiveness of the established mechanism of cooperation between the EU and the countries of Central Asia was confirmed.

Diplomats called for strengthening inter-parliamentary ties between Turkmenistan and the EU.

At the meeting, energy and transport sectors, cooperation in the fight against climate change, in the field of environmental protection and environmental security were also identified as promising areas of cooperation. In this context, the parties agreed on the need to promote specific programs and projects in the areas of vocational education, green energy, environmental protection and ecosystems.

Discussing the significance of the ongoing events within the framework of the Ashgabat International Week dedicated to the Day of Neutrality of Turkmenistan, T.Hakala stressed that the EU fully supports the pragmatic proposals and initiatives of Turkmenistan, voiced at high-level meetings and at various international platforms, which are aimed at maintaining political and economic stability, strengthening the culture of peace and trust in the regional and global dimension.

Twelfth annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian states, organized by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) with the support of the Government of Turkmenistan, took place on 11 December, 2022, in Ashgabat.

The purpose of the annual meeting was to exchange views on developments and trends affecting peace and security in Central Asia as well as to discuss the cooperation between UNRCCA and the Governments of the region in areas related to preventive diplomacy. 

Addressing the meeting, the Special Representative of Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of UNRCCA, Natalia Gherman underlined that “despite the current challenging global situation, countries of the region maintained regular contacts at different levels, including at the highest political level, to secure cooperation in the security, energy, climate change and other fields”.  

On the occasion of the 15^th anniversary of UNRCCA, the Deputy Foreign Ministers appreciated the long-standing partnership and trust, developed over years, between the Governments of the Five Central Asian states and UNRCCA. They expressed support to the activities of the Regional Centre in its priority areas, including preventing extremism and countering terrorism, climate change and water diplomacy as well as dialogues on “Women, Peace and Security” and “Youth, Peace and Security”.

Within the framework of the high-level meeting, the UNRCCA hosted the Fourth Dialogue between the Governments and youth of Central Asia. Ten Preventive Diplomacy Academy participants, representing all five countries of the region, met with the Deputy Foreign Ministers to share their vision on the future of the region.

The Twelfth Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian states concluded a series of events devoted to the 27^th anniversary of Neutrality of Turkmenistan and the 15^th anniversary of UNRCCA, which took place in Ashgabat on 10-11 December 2022.

On December 11, 2022, at the initiative of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Yyldyz Hotel hosted the International Conference “Dialogue is the Guarantee of Peace”, dedicated to the International Day of Neutrality and the 27th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutral status.

The high-level plenary session brought together the Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, members of the Milli Gengesh, heads of state agencies, turkmen and foreign diplomats - heads and representatives of diplomatic missions of Turkmenistan accredited abroad, as well as diplomatic missions of foreign states and authoritative international organizations operating in our country, including the UN and its specialized structures, representatives of public organizations and the media.

Among the guests of honor of the forum were participants of international and regional events held in the Turkmen capital on the eve of a significant date.

The participants listened with great attention to the Address of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, which was read out by the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko.

Then the floor was given to numerous delegates of the forum, who thanked for the invitation to take part in the current conference and events on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the neutrality of Turkmenistan, congratulated the Turkmen people on the great national holiday.

Their vision of the positive role of independent neutral Turkmenistan in strengthening international relations was presented in speeches hybrid format by other foreign participants - heads of authoritative international organizations.

Among them were Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Ms. Natalia Gherman, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Helga Maria Schmid sent a message, which was read by the head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat John MacGregor, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Zhang Ming, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, Ambassador Khusrav Noziri.

At the end of the plenary session, the work of the International Conference "Dialogue is the Guarantee of Peace" continued within the framework of three thematic sessions: "Dialogue as the basis for preventive activities and conflict prevention", "Strengthening food and environmental security through dialogue", "Multilateral cooperation in the information space and the role of information networks in establishing interethnic dialogue”.

Based on the results of the thematic sessions, the Final Document was adopted. At the end of the conference, meetings of its participants with representatives of various state agencies took place.

On December 11, 2022, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the head of the Turkish company Polimeks Inşaat Taahhüt we Sanaýi Tijaret A.Ş. Erol Tabanca.

Expressing gratitude for the time devoted to the meeting, the businessman congratulated the head of state on the upcoming holiday - the International Day of Neutrality, noting that he was sincerely proud of the achievements of Turkmenistan in the new historical era.

Thanking for the warm congratulations and good wishes, as well as for participating in the celebrations on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the neutral status of Turkmenistan, twice secured by the Resolutions of the UN General Assembly, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that he was glad to welcome the guest to the ancient and hospitable Turkmen land.

Turkmenistan is in favor of establishing long-term partnerships with leading foreign companies, the head of state said, stating with satisfaction that Turkish companies, including Polimeks, have been successfully operating in the country for all these years, which have implemented a number of social and industrial projects.

Noting the proactive approach to cooperation on the part of Polimeks, which has established itself as a reliable and responsible partner, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that our state in its economic development is oriented towards attracting innovative developments of well-known foreign corporations and is ready for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Expressing the great interest of Polimeks in further participation in the large-scale reform programs implemented at the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan, designed to strengthen the power and authority of Turkmenistan, Erol Tabanca assured that the company he leads will continue to make every effort to clearly and rigorously fulfill its contractual obligations.

On December 11, 2022, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Head of the Vozrozhdenie Group of Design and Construction Companies (Russian Federation) Igor Bukato.

Expressing sincere gratitude for the time spent and the opportunity to discuss the prospects for cooperation, the businessman warmly congratulated the head of state on the upcoming holiday - the 27th anniversary of Turkmenistan's status of permanent neutrality, which was twice confirmed by the Resolutions of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Thanking for the congratulations and good wishes, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said that our country, in its economic development, relies on attracting innovative developments from well-known foreign corporations.

Noting with satisfaction the successful long-term experience of cooperation with the Vozrozhdenie Group of design and construction companies, the head of state stated that in recent years, a diversified holding from St. Petersburg has acted as a contractor for a number of large road transport infrastructure facilities built in Turkmenistan.

Modernization and diversification of the leading sectors of the national economy, the creation of new, high-tech industries open up opportunities for expanding partnerships. A vivid example of this is the commissioning in November of this year of a unique facility in its scale - a complex of mudflow diversion facilities in Ashgabat.

During the meeting, the head of state and his guest discussed the prospects for cooperation based on the principles of mutual interest and mutual benefit. The businessman informed the President of the country about the progress of a number of projects entrusted to the company for the construction of infrastructure facilities.

On December 10, 2022, the annual final meeting of the “Dialogue of Women of the Central Asian States” was held in Ashgabat with the participation of representatives of the countries of the region, heads of regional structures of the United Nations.

The meeting participants summed up the activities of the Organization in 2022, and also discussed the prospects for expanding the Dialogue and work plans for 2023.

It is symbolic that the current meeting of the Dialogue is being held in Ashgabat on the eve of the International Day of Neutrality and the 27th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutral status. Also these days, the news came about the unanimous adoption at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly of the Resolution initiated by Turkmenistan "2023 - the International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace".

Turkmenistan's achievements in addressing gender issues relevant to the world community are obvious. An example of this is the active participation of Turkmen women in the socio-political, socio-economic and cultural life of the country.

This is confirmed by the current final annual meeting of the “Dialogue of Women of the Central Asian States” in Ashgabat, the venue of which was the conference hall of the Center for Public Organizations. Today, women have also gathered here - leaders and representatives of the Milli Gengesh, public organizations, diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan and international organizations, Turkmen diplomats working abroad, and journalists.

Before the start of the meeting, the participants of the Dialogue got acquainted with the exhibition, reflecting national traditions and customs, the skills of Turkmen women - the guardians of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the people, their role and modern achievements in various spheres of the state's life.

The demonstrated video film told the audience about the activities of Turkmenistan in promoting the policy of neutralism, international initiatives put forward by our country and the implementation of social and gender policies.

Opening the meeting and warmly welcoming its participants, the head of the Mejlis of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan G. Mammedova, representing the chairmanship of the Turkmen side in the Dialogue this year, noted that thanks to the efforts of the heads of state of the region, the Dialogue has established itself as a permanent platform with its huge potential and experience in holding various activities to promote women's cooperation. With great gratitude, G. Mammedova noted that President Serdar Berdimuhamedov throughout the year supported and paid special attention to the events successfully carried out by Turkmenistan within the framework of the chairmanship in the Dialogue.

Further, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Natalia Gherman expressed gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for supporting the activities of the Dialogue and the conditions created for holding the current meeting.

Then the UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan Narine Sahakyan addressed the audience. Expressing gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Government of the country for the high level of organization of the meeting, she congratulated Turkmenistan on the successful implementation of the chairmanship in the Dialogue in 2022.

At the end of the solemn part, a plenary session was held, during which the results of the organization's activities in the countries of the region and long-term plans for cooperation were considered.

At the end of the meeting, a final document was adopted, which lists all the activities implemented this year under the chairmanship of Turkmenistan, as well as priority areas for further interaction, and confirmed the commitment to implementing the policy of the Central Asian countries to strengthen comprehensive regional cooperation.

The participants of the meeting expressed their gratitude to the leaders of the states of the region for supporting the “Dialogue of Women in Central Asia”. As part of the meeting, the chairmanship in this structure was transferred to the Republic of Kazakhstan next year.

On December 10, 2022, the Fifth Central Asian Expert Forum "Actual aspects of regional cooperation on climate change, water use, food security and information and communication technologies in the Central Asian region" was held in the Turkmen capital.

The event was organized by the Scientific Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with the assistance of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.

The purpose of the event is to discuss topical issues of ensuring regional cooperation, development of common strategic approaches, practical proposals and recommendations for the governments of the states of the region in agreed areas by the leading experts of the Central Asian countries.

The regular meeting was attended by heads and experts of the Institutes for Strategic Studies of the Central Asian States, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions, UNRCCA, faculty and students of the IMO MFA, and media representatives.

The forum program included three sessions: "Cooperation in combating climate change in Central Asia in the light of the decisions of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), water cooperation in the Aral Sea Basin", "Issues of food security in the Central Asian region", " Problems of ensuring security in the field of information and communication technologies”.

During the meeting, the measures taken in the countries of Central Asia to mitigate the effects of climate change, and the possibility of attracting the resources of international financial institutions, in particular, the UN Green Climate Fund (GCF), were discussed.

The importance of analyzing the emerging realities, identifying priority areas for mutually beneficial cooperation based on a thorough and critical study of the key processes of regional development and trends in interstate relations, and achieving concrete results that can make the CA region more secure, stable and prosperous was noted.

Speaking about integrated approaches to protecting cyberspace, ensuring information security at the national and regional levels, the participants noted that at present all countries of the region have adopted and are implementing their own strategic and conceptual documents aimed at developing the digital society, as well as countering cyber threats.

In conclusion, the participants expressed their sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for his support in holding this forum at a high level, noting with satisfaction that it would give an important impetus to the further development of cooperation between the countries of Central Asia in addressing topical regional issues.