On December 18, 2024, Toyly Ataev, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova (concurrently), and Shiri Shiriyev, Director of the Scientific Center for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, took part online in a commemorative roundtable on the topic “30 Years Since the Declaration of Permanent Neutrality of the Republic of Moldova: Achievements, Challenges and Prospects.”
In his speech, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova for inviting him to this important event for the independent neutral Republic of Moldova and its people, and he congratulated them on this significant occasion. As Toyly Ataev emphasized, Turkmenistan and Moldova are building reliable and mutually beneficial relations based on friendship and mutual understanding. This includes fruitful cooperation within major international organizations, mutual support for international initiatives, and a commitment to enhancing partnerships in various fields.
The main part of the Ambassador’s speech was devoted to the history and experience of Turkmenistan in achieving international recognition of its permanent neutral status. This status has been a fundamental principle of Turkmenistan's foreign policy since its declaration at the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1992. The speech highlighted international initiatives and practical steps aimed at strengthening universal peace, stability and sustainable development in collaboration with the United Nations and its international structures. It also focused on achieving peace and harmony in the region, as well as providing economic and humanitarian assistance and support to other countries.
Speaking about recent events held in Ashgabat to mark International Neutrality Day and the 29th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality—particularly the outcomes of a high-level meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development, Ambassador Toyly Ataev drew attention to the unanimous adoption by the UN General Assembly on March 21 this year of a Resolution proposed by Turkmenistan. The resolution declared 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust,” during which Turkmenistan will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality.
