Valentina Matviyenko, Chairperson of the Federation Council of Russia and the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS, praised Turkmenistan’s foreign policy as a model of wisdom and stability during a video address to the second meeting of heads of parliaments of the Group of Friends of Neutrality, hosted online by Turkmenistan’s Mejlis.
“Russia has consistently supported Turkmenistan in its commitment to a wise foreign policy that serves the interests of peace and stability,” Matviyenko stated, highlighting Turkmenistan’s longstanding dedication to neutrality as a cornerstone for fostering global peace and trust.
The meeting, chaired by Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairperson of Turkmenistan’s Mejlis, centered on the theme “Interparliamentary Dialogue – A Key Tool for Ensuring Peace and Trust at the Global Level.”
Matviyenko underscored the importance of this platform, noting its role in enabling open and equitable discussions among legislators on pressing international issues. She emphasized that such dialogue is critical in a world facing significant challenges.
She highlighted Turkmenistan’s leadership in promoting neutrality, pointing to the upcoming Forum of the International Year of Peace and Trust, set to take place in Ashgabat on December 12, Neutrality Day.
She confirmed that a delegation from Russia’s Federal Assembly would actively participate, reflecting Moscow’s commitment to supporting initiatives that advance global stability.
The Russian senator also noted the symbolic importance of Turkmenistan hosting the Interparliamentary Forum of Central Asian Countries and Russia, with preparations underway for its second meeting under the guidance of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty.
The head of Russia’s upper parliamentary chamber emphasized the importance of the concept of positive neutrality gaining particular resonance today and being enriched with new unifying international initiatives. These initiatives were voiced by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Matviyenko added.
Matviyenko also emphasized the broader role of parliaments in strengthening ties beyond politics, particularly in economic, scientific, and cultural spheres. Russia, she noted, is actively expanding cooperation with Group of Friends of Neutrality countries in areas such as education and technology. To further engage younger generations, she proposed the World Youth Festival Forum in Krasnoyarsk in 2026 as a platform for dialogue among youth from neutral nations.
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The event featured speeches by Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalia Kochanova, Chairperson of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of Tajikistan Idizoda Faizali Fuzailsho, Deputy Chairperson of the Russian State Duma Sholban Kara-ool, Deputy Chairperson of the Consultative Council (Shura Council) of Qatar Hamda bint Hassan Al-Sulaiti, Chairperson of the Committee on International Relations, Defense, and Security of the Senate of Kazakhstan Andrey Lukin, and representatives of the UN and UNICEF.
Video messages were delivered by Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong, Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Zhao Leji, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva, and Deputy Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan Zhyldyz Sadyrbaeva. ///nCa, 9 October 2025