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A special issue of the quarterly magazine ECO Heritage, published by the Institute of Culture of the Economic Cooperation Organization, has been published to mark the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent Neutrality. It contains articles devoted to important events in the political and cultural life of our country during this significant year, the importance of the legally neutral status of the Motherland, which was unanimously recognized three times at the international level, the development of friendly, fraternal bilateral and multilateral partnerships, as well as the rich national heritage of the Turkmen people.
The magazine is opened with the symbols of 2025, proclaimed by a special UN Resolution as the “International Year of Peace and Trust”, and photo illustrations reflecting Turkmenistan’s achievements in the modern era, based on principles of statehood that go back centuries. Over the past 30 years, permanent neutrality has become a valuable asset, strengthening the potential of the Motherland and determining its foreign policy.
The features of Turkmen Neutrality, its important role in ensuring peace and sustainable development in the region and the world are described in detail in an article published on the front pages of the journal. It is emphasized that the policy of permanent Neutrality pursued by our country has gained international recognition thanks to the concrete and purposeful diplomatic efforts of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Hero-Arkadag Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Currently, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan is actively adapting the principles arising from its international legal status to modern realities. In this regard, the main focus is on digital and green diplomacy, as well as on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The article devoted on Turkmenistan’s foreign policy emphasizes that our country’s constructive initiatives, focused on broad international cooperation, are aimed at achieving such noble goals as strengthening universal peace and security and promoting humanistic values. Thus, our country confirms its commitment to the legal status of permanent neutrality, striving to expand and diversify foreign economic relations, to develop more stable and humane international relations.
The article, which tells about the work carried out within the framework of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the United Nations, about the initiatives put forward by our state and which have received universal support from the world community, can serve as a source of valuable information for readers. It should be noted that in the International Year of Peace and Trust, this traditional interaction has been enriched with new content. This is discussed in detail in an article dedicated to the motto of this year, which emphasizes that the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality has become a celebration of unity based on harmony and mutual respect.
One of the most important international events of this year is the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC), held in August in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. As noted in the publication on the historical significance of this Conference, this large-scale Forum, which included a number of events aimed at comprehensively addressing the issues facing the LLDC, became an important event that helped consolidate political efforts to develop evidence-based initiatives. The High-level Conference concluded with the adoption of the Avaza Action Program and the Avaza Political Declaration.
The articles “Cooperation of Turkmenistan with the Economic Cooperation Organization” and “Cooperation of Turkmenistan with the ECO Member States: A Model of Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development” describe the development of bilateral and multilateral relations within the framework of a reputable international organization that unites 10 countries of the region as members. As is known, our Motherland became a member of the ECO in 1992. The magazine also contains special publications dedicated to the development of mutually beneficial partnership between Turkmenistan and the ECO member countries – Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Great importance is attached to strengthening mutually respectful and trusting relations with neighboring States and countries in the region. The regular nature of mutual visits at the highest level is a clear evidence of this.
The article, devoted on Turkmenistan’s role in Central Asia, focuses on the importance of preventive diplomacy as an integral component of our country’s neutrality. In this context, the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, established in Ashgabat in 2007, serves as a basic platform for dialogue on topical regional issues. Turkmenistan, being one of the largest energy producers, takes an initiative position in building constructive cooperation. In this aspect, the great importance of the projects implemented by our country to strengthen regional connectivity is emphasized.
The magazine also contains thematic articles that allow readers to get a complete picture of the specifics of the Motherland’s energy, transport and water diplomacy. As noted, Turkmenistan’s energy policy is determined by two main factors – huge hydrocarbon reserves and the officially recognized legal status of permanent Neutrality. It is also emphasized that the successful implementation of promising large-scale transport and infrastructure projects by our country, including the modernization of ports, the formation of a network of extensive railways and highways with high capacity, has not only improved internal transport connectivity, but also significantly changed the dynamics of regional and global trade relations.
As for water diplomacy, neutral Turkmenistan, which has identified it as a priority area of foreign policy, has now become one of the main participants in global consultations on water issues. Being among the first countries to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals, our Motherland consistently puts forward initiatives for effective management and rational use of water resources.
The attention of readers is also attracted by the article “Arkadag City: Dream come true – the birth and development of the city of the future in Turkmenistan” published in the magazine. As noted, this new city, a symbol of the creative work of the Turkmen people, is a beacon of progress and modernity. Everything here – from the project to the current state – demonstrates our country’s commitment to sustainable development, technological progress and cultural heritage. From the point of view of the social component, Arkadag city is built on the basis of the initiative to create a digital community, providing optimal comfortable living conditions and rendering residents with the most modern public services. Recreation areas and integrated infrastructure facilities in the city contribute to active cultural and social interaction.
As noted in the article “Turkmenistan’s Path to Sustainable Economic Development”, our country, located at the strategic crossroads of Central Asian transport routes, possessing rich natural resources and ancient cultural heritage, has chosen a development model combining continuity and innovation since gaining independence. As a result, economic growth in Turkmenistan has been shaped by the principles of neutrality, diversification and stable prosperity. At the same time, social protection and well-being of the population are integral components. Investments in education, healthcare, housing construction and cultural facilities have been identified as a priority task of state policy.
In the special issue of the ECO Heritage magazine, an important place is also given to publications about the cultural heritage and traditions of the Turkmen people. As noted in the article “Culture of Turkmenistan: Heritage, Identity and Modern Development”, the national heritage has deep historical roots. It continues to develop based on the national identity of the country and current trends. The culture of our Motherland with its unique literature, art and traditions attracts universal attention.
The special issue of the magazine is concluded with an article dedicated to the Ahalteke horses, which, being an integral part of the material heritage of our people, are still an ornament of holidays and celebrations today. As noted, the Ahalteke horse is not only a miracle created by nature, but also a living embodiment of the Turkmen spirit. His perfect exterior, unsurpassed endurance and noble disposition are a reflection of the resilience and spiritual beauty of the Turkmen people. For thousands of years, the horse has been a faithful friend of the horseman, the epitome of splendor and a source of inspiration for poets. Currently, Ahalteke horses are not only national, but also world heritage.
The Institute of Culture of the Economic Cooperation Organization is a specialized institution that promotes the development of cultural relations and partnership between ECO member States. ECO Heritage magazine, which introduces the rich culture of these countries and highlights the issues of preserving and popularizing national heritage, is intended for a wide readership both inside and outside the organization. The special issue of the magazine, dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality, reflects universal global support for the constructive initiatives of the Motherland and its permanently neutral status.
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The November issue of Business Central Asia is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent Neutrality and the successes of our country achieved under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state. The international magazine “Business Central Asia” is published in New Delhi (Republic of India) and is widely distributed both in the Asian region and beyond.
This publication has become another evidence that Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and international initiatives are of great interest to the international community. The introductory article reflects the important directions of our country’s foreign policy strategy. As noted, Turkmenistan's diplomacy is closely linked to the values, identity and historical consciousness of the people. The path of permanent neutrality chosen by the country is based on the principles that have shaped the Turkmen statehood for centuries. The legal status of permanent Neutrality, recognized three times by the United Nations, is perceived not only as a direction of foreign policy, it reflects the historical principles of the nation – equality, independence and peaceful life.
The author also notes in this article that since entering the international arena as a sovereign state, Turkmenistan has been guided in its foreign policy by three basic principles, in particular, a firm commitment to national interests, its ancient heritage and a creative approach to international diplomacy. The legal status of Turkmenistan’s permanent Neutrality underlies our country’s position in the international space.
“This doctrine promotes peace, friendship, mutual respect and harmonious coexistence of states. For the Turkmen people, Neutrality is a value derived from spiritual and moral principles that have been formed over the centuries and emphasize hospitality, friendship, fraternity, stability and unity. Turkmen Neutrality has become an effective diplomatic tool that creates opportunities for the country to promote its initiatives aimed at strengthening universal peace and supporting sustainable development,” the article says.
A special place is given in the publication to the material related to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. As noted, this Forum, which was successfully held on August 4-8 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea, made a significant contribution to strengthening regional and international cooperation in the interests of achieving global sustainable development, as well as to consolidating efforts to ensure socio-economic development in landlocked developing countries. Special emphasis is placed on the symbolism of holding this important international meeting in the year of the celebration of the glorious 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
The Business Central Asia magazine has published an article on international events in various formats, in which Turkmenistan has participated throughout this year, and the statements made during them. Thus, on April 4, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the First Central Asia-European Union Summit, on May 30 – in the First Central Asia-Italy Summit, on June 17 – in the Central Asia-China Summit, on September 1 – in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, on October 9-10 – at the Second Central Asia-Russia Summit and at the next meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and on November 7 – at the Central Asia-United States Summit. In his speeches at the above-mentioned forums, the head of state outlined Turkmenistan’s position, its initiatives and specific proposals aimed at long-term development.
This article also highlights the importance of the trilateral meeting of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, held on August 22 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, as well as the participation of Hero-Arkadag on October 7 in the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, held in the Republic of Azerbaijan, which has made a significant contribution to strengthening friendly relations and expanding cooperation in the region, highlighted the exemplary nature of Turkmenistan’s initiatives in this area.
Readers of the magazine will also be interested in an article dedicated to the fourth meeting of the Central Asia–India Dialogue. As is known, on June 6, during the visit to the Republic of India, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov took part in a meeting of this multilateral dialogue and in a collective meeting of the heads of foreign ministries of Central Asian countries with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The author of the publication pays special attention to the role of Turkmenistan in this format and the cooperation implemented within its framework.
Turkmenistan, considered as a reliable and responsible partner in the world, consistently develops mutually beneficial relations both with individual countries and with reputable international organizations. The article “The President of Turkmenistan attended the 80th session of the UN General Assembly” notes that this is a clear evidence of Turkmenistan’s commitment to strengthening long-term and multi-vector cooperation. Speaking at the high-level Plenary Session of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the head of state outlined Turkmenistan’s priorities in foreign policy and put forward important international initiatives. Ensuring international peace and security is a key area of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the United Nations, the article says. At the same time, the importance of the proposals put forward by Turkmenistan and the resolutions adopted on the initiative of our country is emphasized.
Of particular note are the articles of the magazine devoted to major political events held in Turkmenistan, such as the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the International Conference “Year of Peace and Trust: Development of International Activities for Children” , dedicated to the 4th anniversary of the establishment of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Aid to Children in Need of Guardianship, as well as 30th International Conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025”. The author provides extensive information on the role of these major forums in enhancing Turkmenistan’s authority in the international arena, increasing its economic power, ensuring a prosperous life for the Turkmen people, and strengthening cooperation with the world’s states and international organizations in various areas.
As is known, on October 20, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov got acquainted with the progress of the construction of the Serkhetabat–Herat section in Afghanistan, called Arkadagyi ak ýoly, which is part of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline project. Speaking at a solemn meeting held on the territory of the Rabat Sangi etrap in the Afghan province of Herat, Hero-Arkadag highlighted the great importance of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline project aimed at improving the well-being of the fraternal peoples of the states of the region. As noted in the article dedicated to this event, this transnational project is an important step in the implementation of Turkmenistan’s energy strategy aimed at modernizing the national fuel and energy complex, and is designed to give a new impetus to the sustainable development of the entire region.
One of the publications focuses on the economic reforms carried out in Turkmenistan. The large-scale transformations being carried out in our country and the favorable conditions created for investments increase the interest of foreign business circles in actively participating in the promising, dynamically developing Turkmen market and ongoing projects. Our country, which is focused on the production of import-substituting products, is actively studying world best practices and introducing them into production. As noted, fruitful work is being carried out in Turkmenistan aimed at the rapid development of the national economy, improving the well-being of our people and modernizing production.
The Business Central Asia magazine is concluded with an article on the cultural diplomacy of Turkmenistan. Currently, one of the main directions of Turkmenistan’s state policy in the field of culture is to increase the spiritual and intellectual potential of the Turkmen society, preserve cultural and moral values, the author notes, emphasizing the successes achieved in this area.
The numerous photographs and vivid illustrations published in the magazine promote a more complete acquaintance of readers with the modern prosperous life of our people, with its centuries-old national traditions and distinctive customs, and the beauty of the generous Turkmen land.
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A special issue of the magazine “Foreign Business in Georgia” dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality has been published in Georgia. Its pages contain materials reflecting important milestones in the development of friendly Turkmen-Georgian relations, as well as significant events in the political and public life of our country during the International Year of Peace and Trust.
In March of this year, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in the Turkmen capital, who arrived in our country on an official visit. The magazine contains photos related to this event and a symbol of the International Year of Peace and Trust.
The negotiations that took place during the visit facilitated the expansion of fruitful interstate relations and their enrichment with new meaning and content, taking into account the existing potential. As noted, the traditionally friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia are based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust. Trade and economic cooperation is an important area of interstate dialogue. Positive results have been achieved in the fields of energy, industry and healthcare.
The head of state noted that today our countries have sufficient potential to bring the Turkmen-Georgian cooperation to a qualitatively new level that meets mutual interests. Following the talks, a number of bilateral documents were signed.
One of the published articles is devoted to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s speech at the plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly during his working visit to the United States of America in September this year. As noted, the head of the Turkmen state has put forward a number of specific initiatives aimed at ensuring global security and sustainable development. Our country has consistently advocated joining international efforts to find positive solutions to emerging political and other issues of concern to all of humanity. Work in this area is widely supported by the international community. A clear evidence of this is the fact that Turkmenistan’s initiatives are consistently consolidated by special UN resolutions.
As emphasized in President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s historic speech, ensuring international peace and security is one of the key vectors of our country’s cooperation with the United Nations. Turkmenistan, realizing its responsibility as a permanently neutral State, is ready to continue to implement concrete measures aimed at creating an atmosphere of cooperation, mutual understanding and dialogue based on mutual respect, which is a fundamental and defining condition for ensuring sustainable development at the global and regional levels.
The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone in August this year, was an important event that brought together high-ranking representatives from many countries. During the meeting of head of state Serdar Berdimuhamedov with Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, it was noted that holding such a large-scale forum on Turkmen soil is evidence of Turkmenistan’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The two countries expressed their willingness to further develop long-term cooperation based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit. This event is highlighted in the article of the “Turkmenistan–Georgia: cooperation for the benefit of peace and commitment to traditional friendly relations” magazine.
The publication’s article on the participation of the Turkmen delegation in the fifth Tbilisi Silk Road Forum held in October notes that our state attaches great importance to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and strengthening global economic, transport and energy ties, and considers it appropriate to join forces to create an international platform for the protection of ecosystems of the Caspian and Black Seas.
In general, the magazine provides readers with comprehensive information about important events taking place in our country on the eve of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of its permanent legal status, recognized three times by the United Nations, and international initiatives aimed at sustainable development at the regional and global levels.
