Statement by the President of Turkmenistan at the Plenary Session of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

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Originally presented in Russian

 

(New York, 23 September 2025)

 

Mr. President,

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

At the outset, allow me to congratulate you on the opening of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and to wish you every success in your important work.

I warmly congratulate H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock on her election as President of the General Assembly and wish her every success in guiding our deliberations. I also pay tribute to Ambassador Philémont Young for the able and effective manner in which he conducted the work of the General Assembly during the previous session.

Excellencies,

The current global context — the state of international relations and the trends in political, economic, and social processes — objectively calls for a decisive turn towards coordinated interaction among states and international organizations. Our common purpose must be to safeguard peace and security, create conditions for progressive development, and preserve the legal foundations on which the modern world order rests.

It is in this light that Turkmenistan views the main tasks of the 80th session of the General Assembly, placing great hopes on this session to help shape a strong, balanced, and secure world architecture.

A key area of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations is the promotion of international peace and security. As a permanently neutral state, Turkmenistan is ready to take further practical steps aimed at fostering cooperation, mutual understanding, and respectful dialogue — the essential conditions for ensuring stability and sustainable development at both global and regional levels.

We are convinced that one of the most effective mechanisms for achieving these objectives is the practical application of the principles of neutrality.

In this regard, Turkmenistan has initiated the inclusion of a new agenda item entitled “Neutrality for Peace and Security” in the work of this session. We believe this reflects the growing recognition by the international community of the importance and potential of neutrality as a tool within the UN peace and security framework. During the course of this session, Turkmenistan will present a draft resolution on the role and significance of the policy of neutrality in maintaining and strengthening international peace, security, and sustainable development.

As you know, this year has been declared by the General Assembly, at Turkmenistan’s initiative, the International Year of Peace and Trust. This symbolic milestone coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

In December, Turkmenistan will host a major High-Level International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust. We view this as a genuine contribution to the strategic goals of the United Nations, and we look forward to broad and representative international participation.

We also believe that convergence of state approaches to global development, and the systematic strengthening of trust and mutual understanding, must be pursued consistently. To this end, Turkmenistan is initiating the World Summit on a Culture of Peace and Trust. One of its main objectives will be the elaboration of a Global Code of International Trust, which could serve as a universal foundation for relations among states, based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as cooperation and joint solutions to global challenges.

Excellencies,

We see peace and mutual understanding as inseparably linked with the civilizational dimension of modern development, and with the imperative to preserve and bring closer cultural and spiritual ties. Central Asia — for centuries a natural civilizational bridge between East and West — is today once again called upon to revive this historic mission and to serve as a space for dialogue, cooperation, and convergence of values and perspectives.

On this basis, during the current session, Turkmenistan will propose the convening of an International Forum “Central Asia – A Space of Peaceful Coexistence,” in partnership with the United Nations, involving regional countries, interested states, and international institutions.

Turkmenistan will also submit a draft resolution on proclaiming an International Day of Mediation, underscoring the importance of diplomacy and neutral platforms in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.

Another priority for my country remains active engagement in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, especially through cooperation in transport and energy. As a recognized hub of multilateral dialogue in these fields, Turkmenistan will continue to promote a fair, balanced, and inclusive system of international development.

This session will see Turkmenistan introduce a draft resolution proclaiming the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035). We are convinced that this step will consolidate global efforts to develop resilient and accessible transport corridors for all states, including landlocked countries.

Our country will also present a draft resolution on the key role of reliable and stable energy connectivity in ensuring sustainable development.

Digital transformation is another pressing priority on the global development agenda. We believe this process must be balanced, reflect the realities and legitimate interests of all states — particularly developing countries — and remain free of politicization and one-sided approaches. For this reason, Turkmenistan intends to propose the establishment of a Global Platform for Digital Integration under UN auspices, built on the principles of equality, trust, and the inadmissibility of using ICTs to the detriment of peace, security, and sustainable development.

During this session, Turkmenistan will also continue to address environmental and climate issues as fundamental to global security. We propose the creation of a Regional Center to Combat Desertification for Central Asia, to consolidate regional potential, strengthen environmental cooperation, and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs — notably combating climate change and preserving terrestrial ecosystems.

We will further advance the Caspian Environmental Initiative, introduced at the 78th session of the General Assembly, and propose convening the next Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026.

Excellencies,

Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the role of the United Nations in promoting humanitarian cooperation, overcoming cultural and spiritual divides, and fostering dialogue among civilizations.

In this context, and in order to advance multilingualism in international relations, Turkmenistan proposes the proclamation of an International Day of Multilingual Diplomacy.

Turkmenistan consistently aligns its international steps and initiatives with the Charter and the fundamental documents of the United Nations. We have always emphasized that cooperation with the UN is a strategic priority of our foreign policy. This is based on our conviction that the United Nations — the only organization with universal legitimacy — must remain the guarantor of peace, development, and stability in the global architecture.

We will therefore continue to advocate strengthening the central role of the UN in international affairs. A key element in this is upholding the rule of international law, improving the international legal framework, and enhancing the effectiveness of multilateral instruments — conventions, treaties, and agreements.

In this regard, Turkmenistan proposes declaring 2028 the Year of International Law, as an important step in strengthening the legal foundations of peace and cooperation.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

This session is of special significance for Turkmenistan. Thirty years ago, within these very walls, the General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan.” For our country, it was a historic and transformative event. It has defined our foreign policy course and international engagement ever since. The recognition of our neutrality also created favourable external conditions that supported Turkmenistan’s domestic development.

On behalf of the people of Turkmenistan, I express sincere gratitude to the Member States of the United Nations, and to the international community as a whole, for the decision taken in December 1995 to recognize Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality — reaffirmed by two subsequent General Assembly resolutions.

Turkmenistan will always honour this trust and remain fully committed to its international obligations.

I once again congratulate all delegations on the opening of this landmark 80th session of the General Assembly and wish you every success in strengthening our cooperation and mutual understanding.

Thank you for your attention.