In an era of global conflicts and uncertainty, Ashgabat has become a platform for a powerful call for peace: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at the International Forum “Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future,” emphasized Ankara’s readiness to take responsibility for dialogue and stability.
Speaking at the plenary session of the Forum, President Erdogan said: “I feel great happiness to be in these lands, which we see as our ancestral homeland, once again. I wholeheartedly congratulate the National Leader of Turkmenistan, my Dear Brother Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who gave meaning and shape to the permanent neutrality status, and I express my gratitude to my brother Serdar for bringing us together on this meaningful day.”
The Turkish leader noted pride in the successes of fraternal Turkmenistan: since gaining independence, the country has achieved impressive economic and human development, becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing economies with modern cities, factories, schools, and hospitals. “Turkiye and Turkmenistan are two brotherly countries tightly bound to each other by exceptional ties that draw their strength from a shared history. The Turkish and Turkmen peoples are two brotherly nations originating from the same root and carrying the same spirit and belief,” Erdogan emphasized.
He recalled that Türkiye was the first to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence and one of the first to support its neutrality. Over 30 years, this status, according to the president, is imbued with the spirit of peace and friendship of the common civilization. “We have common proverbs, a common heart, and a common goal,” Erdogan said, noting the active development of relations in investments, trade, energy, defense, and the humanitarian sphere.
President Erdogan stated that Türkiye is ready to continue taking responsibility for Turkmenistan’s prosperity: “In a period when uncertainties, conflicts, and fragilities are increasing on a global scale, we must take responsibility for establishing international dialogue, cooperation, trust, and peace. As Türkiye, with the awareness of the responsibility entrusted to us by our history, geography, and civilization.”
Erdogan stressed the aspiration to create a belt of peace and security through good-neighborly relations, expressing the desire for a speedy end to the war between Russia and Ukraine and readiness to support diplomacy, including the Istanbul process.
Touching on the situation in Gaza, the Turkish leader emphasized the priorities: a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a two-state solution.
Erdogan supported Turkmenistan’s efforts in preventive diplomacy, saying: “Since the Second World War, we have witnessed a great number of armed conflicts. In such an environment, we wholeheartedly support Turkmenistan’s efforts towards preventive diplomacy, establishment of peace, security, and development in line with its principle of neutrality.”
The Turkish President concluded his speech by quoting the words of the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly: “Magtymguly Pyragy centuries ago beautifully outlined the goal of today’s Forum: Let beautiful days come, let peace reign. Let every country be peaceful, and every people prosperous. Pyragy said: let conscience multiply, let oppression disappear, let everything be filled with joy.” ///nCa, 13 December 2025