Ashgabat: An international forum commenced in Ashgabat, marking the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), the International Day of Neutrality, and celebrating the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s UN-recognized permanent neutrality. During the plenary session, Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov took the opportunity to commend Turkmenistan’s commitment to neutrality, underscoring the support Azerbaijan offers for related resolutions, including the “International Year of Peace and Trust – 2025.”
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Prime Minister Ali Asadov praised Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a University of Neutrality under the UN’s auspices and expressed Azerbaijan’s readiness to participate actively in the university’s activities. He highlighted the roles of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan as active members of the Non-Aligned Movement, emphasizing their adherence to the movement’s principles of dialogue and solidarity.
The Azerbaijani Prime Minister reflected on the historical, spiritual, and cultural connections between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, noting their fraternal ties and the dynamic growth in bilateral relations. He mentioned that recent reciprocal visits and meetings between the leaders of the two nations have ushered in a new era, elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership. The significance of President Ilham Aliyev’s working visit to Turkmenistan in August was highlighted as a crucial event for enhancing regional cooperation and fostering multilateral connections.
Prime Minister Asadov also pointed out the importance of Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Azerbaijan in July, including his visits to the cities of Fuzuli and Shusha. During his speech, Asadov expressed gratitude for Turkmenistan’s initiative to construct a mosque in Fuzuli, an effort that aligns with the objectives of the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States held in Gabala in October.
The Prime Minister concluded by emphasizing Azerbaijan’s strengthening ties with Central Asia, particularly through its full participation in the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia.