By Embassy of Turkmenistan in Seoul

This year, Turkmenistan proudly celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Permanent Neutrality, coinciding with the United Nations’ proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
These two milestone events reflect Turkmenistan's remarkable commitment to global harmony and its dedication to cooperating with the international community to strengthen stability, security and sustainable development worldwide.
Furthermore, the special symbolism of 2025 is emphasized by several significant events: the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, and the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. These milestones highlight the alignment of Turkmenistan’s national achievements with international aspirations.
On December 12, 1995, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a special resolution on the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan, with 185 member states endorsing the decision. This landmark moment in Turkmenistan’s modern history carried profound significance for the broader international community, marking one of the earliest instances of a state’s peaceful course being formally recognized by the UN.
For Turkmenistan, this day became a national point of pride, demonstrating how its centuries-old traditions of goodwill, hospitality and neighborly relations align with the goals and objectives of the global community. This neutral status has been reaffirmed over time, most notably on June 3, 2015, when the UN General Assembly once again endorsed the resolution, underscoring the high regard for Turkmenistan’s principled stance on the world stage.
As a logical extension of this recognition, in February 2017, the UN General Assembly unanimously designated December 12 as the International Day of Neutrality, further highlighting Turkmenistan’s unique role in promoting peace and partnership among nations. For the Turkmen people, December 12 has long been celebrated as Neutrality Day, second in importance only to Independence Day.

Turkmenistan’s commitment to neutrality goes beyond declarations. The country consistently demonstrates how neutrality can serve as a bridge-building tool, fostering constructive dialogues, promoting regional cooperation and maintaining good relations with states both near and far. These attributes hold particular significance in today’s world, where trust and mutual understanding are essential to addressing pressing global challenges—from poverty and environmental issues to refugee crises and energy security.
On March 21, 2024, at the 63rd plenary meeting of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, Turkmenistan reaffirmed its leadership in global diplomacy by initiating the resolution “2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust,” co-sponsored by 86 states. This resolution carries special importance, as 2025 will mark not only the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality but also the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. This confluence of historic moments provides an opportune platform for intensified collaboration and efforts toward peace and reconciliation.
In preparation for this year of significance, Turkmenistan has presented a Concept of Activities and Priorities designed to underscore the relevance of neutrality as a practical strategy for mitigating conflict and promoting development. The Concept proposes a wide range of efforts, from intergovernmental forums to youth initiatives, intended to unite all who value dialogue over discord. This is consistent with the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to develop a Global Security Strategy that accounts not just for military and political factors but also for the economic, environmental, technological and humanitarian dimensions of security.
For Turkmenistan itself, three decades of recognized Permanent Neutrality has resulted in valuable diplomatic experience and growing trust across the globe. The country has forged strong relationships with numerous UN agencies, championed initiatives on sustainable energy and transport connectivity, and maintained a long-standing commitment to humanitarian support, bolstering health and educational programs, and focusing on the welfare of children through the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship.

As we look ahead to 2025, Turkmenistan extends an invitation to states and organizations to join its efforts in making the International Year of Peace and Trust a resounding success, through economic projects that stimulate regional prosperity or cultural exchanges that strengthen mutual understanding. In this context, the International Year of Peace and Trust -- coinciding with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality -- not only promises to illustrate the enduring power of peaceful ideals but also reminds the world of the importance of unity and collaboration.
Over the past three decades, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea have worked hand in hand to advance our common goals, deepening ties in various fields, including politics, economy, culture and education. Both Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea share a steadfast commitment to peace, security and stability. Marking 33 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, our countries continue to demonstrate the value of balanced, forward-looking diplomacy that underscores dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.