ASHGABAT, Dec 15 (UzA/APP): The participation and address of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the international forum marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the International Day of Neutrality vividly demonstrated the depth of the strategic partnership between the two brotherly states, as well as their shared commitment to peace and stability in regional and global affairs.
The presence of several heads of state at the forum underscored its high international significance. President Mirziyoyev warmly congratulated Turkmenistan on the milestone anniversary, noting that three decades of permanent neutrality reflect the country’s steadfast dedication to peaceful, trust-based, friendly, and mutually beneficial cooperation with all nations.
He emphasized that the policy of neutrality, which has become an integral part of the modern identity of the Turkmen people, is deeply rooted in their historical traditions and noble qualities, including generosity, tolerance, and good neighborliness. In this context, Uzbekistan fully supported Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality in cooperation with the United Nations.
The Uzbek leader noted that openness to the world, mutual respect, and commitment to dialogue constitute the core values of New Uzbekistan. He highlighted the Samarkand Initiative as a reflection of solidarity for shared security and prosperity, describing it as a manifestation of political will to engage in dialogue with all parties striving for peace, harmony, and sustainable development.
Referring to Uzbekistan’s upcoming chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, President Mirziyoyev outlined key priorities, including promoting a global culture of peace and nonviolence, strengthening trust among states through political dialogue, and fostering tolerance, harmony, and solidarity worldwide. He also announced plans to designate 2027 as the Year of Preventive Diplomacy, accompanied by a comprehensive program of activities aimed at resolving conflicts in the interests of future generations.
The President stressed that mutual trust, respect, and solidarity also form the foundation of efforts to transform Central Asia into a region of peace, cooperation, and good neighborliness. He noted that the seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, held in Tashkent last month, reaffirmed the region’s readiness to strengthen unity, undertake joint actions to ensure peace and stability, and expand multilateral economic cooperation. In this regard, Turkmenistan’s constructive and peace-oriented policy was described as a key factor in maintaining regional stability and development.
Highlighting the importance of humanitarian cooperation, President Mirziyoyev proposed holding a joint international humanitarian forum titled “Dialogue of Cultures” in Tashkent next year and launching a regional initiative, “Youth for Peace and Trust.”
Bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have taken on a strategic dimension in recent years. Trade turnover increased 6.4-fold between 2017 and 2024, exceeding USD 1.14 billion. During the leaders’ meeting, a target was set to raise bilateral trade to USD 2 billion in the near future.
The establishment of the Shavat–Dashoguz cross-border trade zone was identified as a key instrument for achieving this goal. The two sides also agreed to hold the third interregional forum in Khiva, with participation from all regions of both countries. Further agreements were reached to deepen cooperation in the energy sector, electricity transit, and the joint development of promising resource deposits.
In the transport and logistics sector, agreements to increase cargo transportation volumes, jointly develop the Turkmenbashi Port, and resume direct flights between the capitals were described as providing Uzbekistan with additional opportunities to diversify export routes. A notable example of industrial cooperation is the planned establishment of a joint automobile manufacturing enterprise between Turkmenistan Motors and Uzavtosanoat.
In conclusion, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to make a practical contribution to building a just and stable world order. His visit to Ashgabat and the strategic agreements reached highlighted the high level of political, economic, and humanitarian relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan—relations that remain vital not only for the mutual development of both countries, but also for peace and prosperity across Central Asia.
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