Elvira Kadyrova
On 11 December 2025, in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, a solemn ceremony was held for the opening of the updated Monument “Neutrality,” timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the country’s permanent neutrality. Hundreds of participants—members of the government, diplomatic missions, numerous foreign guests representing governments, international organizations, and media—gathered in front of the monumental complex.
In front of the Monument is a huge marble disk depicting the official emblem of the United Nations. Surrounding the installation is literally a forest of flagpoles with fluttering flags of foreign countries, creating an impressive atmosphere of international unity and solemnity.
At the beginning of the ceremony, congratulatory speeches were delivered by DPM and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova, and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva Tatiana Valovaya.
In her speech, Dunyagozel Gulmanova noted: “Today, in our independent, permanently neutral country, the state flag of Turkmenistan flies alongside the flag of the United Nations and the flags of 192 countries, glorifying the permanent neutrality of the country, contributing to the development of friendly and fraternal relations in the international arena, strengthening peace and trust.”
Tatiana Valovaya highly praised Turkmenistan’s achievements over the past decades: “Over the past decades, Turkmenistan has laid strong foundations for its statehood, ensured political stability, and achieved significant successes in economic and social spheres. All these achievements are the key to the country’s further development.”
She particularly emphasized the country’s contribution to strengthening the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, recalling the entry into force of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia in 2009.
Valovaya also mentioned the successful work of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat for 18 years and Turkmenistan’s role in regional relations: “Turkmenistan’s strategic geographical position at the junction of Asia and the Middle East, as well as its unwavering course of neutrality in foreign policy, allows Turkmenistan to remain a unique mediator between East and West, connecting countries and peoples in the name of peace.”
In his speech, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov emphasized the symbolism of the monument: “The new complex, located next to the Neutrality Monument and surrounded by the flags of the United Nations and its member states, is a tribute to the long-standing global efforts to strengthen peace, security, and cooperation.” He expressed gratitude to the UN representatives for their participation in the ceremony, noting a shared commitment to the ideas of humanism.
Meredov added that the monument embodies friendship, mutual understanding, and solidarity, and its opening symbolizes Turkmenistan’s historical path.
“This complex is located here in Ashgabat, the capital of neutral Turkmenistan, but its idea extends far beyond our country. It is conceived as an open space for all people, a reminder that every nation has the right to peace, security, and development through dialogue, not confrontation. We believe that this complex will remain a symbol of openness, dialogue, and cooperation for many years to come. It is a space that invites communication, a place where national flags and shared values unite, reminding us that peace is stronger when respect and trust prevail,” noted the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Following the official speeches, a particularly moving moment unfolded as servicemen of the Honor Guard of the Ministry of Defense, together with UN security personnel, raised the flags of Turkmenistan and the United Nations. Afterwards, the participants of the ceremony proceeded to the renovated Neutrality Monument.
The “Neutrality” Monument is a marble tower 95 meters high, mounted on three massive columns symbolizing the traditional Turkmen hearth—”tagan“—and in a broader sense embodying principles such as the sanctity of home, homeland, and family warmth.
Attention is drawn to the bas-reliefs on the supports depicting historical heroes and key epochs—from the legendary Oguz Khan and the Great Seljuk Empire to the modern period of Independence.
Encircling the tower are five rings adorned with Turkmen göls (ornaments), symbolizing the unity of the country’s five provinces. Crowning the structure is a golden statue of Turkmenistan’s first president, Saparmurat Niyazov. Inside the complex are a museum and an observation deck offering a panoramic view of Ashgabat.
Thus, the solemn opening of the updated “Neutrality” Monument became not just another event in honor of the 30-year history of the country’s neutrality, but also a powerful symbolic step into the future. Guests from dozens of countries across various regions and continents will return to their homes, but the aura of warmth, joy, friendship, and most importantly, unity on the day of the opening will transform this architectural complex in Ashgabat into a beacon that invites all nations to communicate and reminds us that peace and development are achieved through dialogue. ///nCa, 11 December 2025.
Some photos from the ceremony:
