The Esteemed President Held an Expanded Cabinet of Ministers Meeting

On December 9, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, attended by heads of Turkmenistan's diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad, as well as representatives of the country in international organizations. The agenda focused on priority issues of foreign policy implemented by the neutral homeland on the international stage.

Opening the meeting, the President highlighted the upcoming celebration on December 12 of International Neutrality Day, extending heartfelt congratulations to those gathered and, through them, to the entire Turkmen nation on this significant occasion.

Continuing, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the nation’s tradition of pardoning citizens convicted of crimes but who have expressed remorse and repentance. The President noted that regular initiatives are carried out to release such individuals from further punishment, as part of this noble tradition.

The floor was then given to the Chairman of the Commission on Citizenship and Pardoning under the President of Turkmenistan, B. Gundogdyev, who reported on the outcomes of the Commission's activities. In line with this tradition, the President signed a decree pardoning 276 citizens on the occasion of International Neutrality Day. The Chairman of the Commission was instructed to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the pardoned individuals promptly reunite with their families.

Addressing the pardoned citizens, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov encouraged them to work diligently, serve the homeland with honesty, and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Following this, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov, on behalf of the country’s diplomatic corps, congratulated the President on the upcoming International Neutrality Day and wished him good health and further success in state activities.

Meredov also expressed gratitude for the convening of this expanded meeting, dedicated to foreign policy matters. He noted that the session provides an opportunity to evaluate Turkmenistan's performance on the global stage, strengthen the country’s role in international relations, and discuss key directions and mechanisms of national diplomacy. For the diplomatic corps, these discussions serve as guiding principles.

Meredov highlighted that the upcoming year will mark the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. He also drew attention to the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, based on a UN General Assembly resolution. The State Organizational Committee, established following the Halk Maslahaty’s historical meeting on September 24, has outlined measures for appropriately celebrating these milestones both domestically and internationally in collaboration with foreign partners.

The Deputy Prime Minister also outlined significant accomplishments under the leadership of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, as well as the initiatives undertaken by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which have earned wide recognition from international institutions, particularly the United Nations. For example, in 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted several resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan, including "2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust" and "Central Asia – Zone of Peace, Trust, and Cooperation," reflecting the success of the country’s foreign policy.

Continuing the session, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reviewed Turkmenistan’s international achievements in 2024 and discussed priorities for foreign policy in the upcoming year. He noted that this year marked the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Pyragy, celebrated both domestically and globally through approximately 170 significant events.

The President emphasized that in 2025, Turkmenistan will celebrate the 30th anniversary of neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust with major events, further enhancing the country’s reputation on the global stage.

Concluding the meeting, the President reiterated his congratulations on International Neutrality Day and expressed confidence that the diplomatic service would continue to effectively work towards strengthening Turkmenistan’s international stature.

In closing, the President signed several decrees, including those related to financial matters of the diplomatic service and the awarding of medals and commemorative tokens for the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Pyragy.

Source: State Information Agency of Turkmenistan