On 12 January 2026, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), Kaha Imnadze.
During the talks, the diplomats reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with the United Nations. Special emphasis was placed on the joint implementation of tasks arising from the UN General Assembly resolutions adopted in 2025 at the initiative of Turkmenistan.
The parties highly appreciated the active work carried out by the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia over the past year, reviewed its results, and discussed plans for 2026. The diplomats also considered issues related to advancing programmatic and project activities in a regional format involving all five Central Asian states.
The central topic of the meeting was the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan to establish, in cooperation with the United Nations, a University of Peace and Neutrality. This proposal was announced by the head of state on 12 December 2025 during the International Forum of Peace and Trust, dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
During the forum, Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated: “Drawing on the rich experience of the Community of Nations in peacekeeping, which employs a wide range of political and diplomatic tools and methods of preventive diplomacy, and with the aim of developing the practical dimension of neutrality and carrying out related research and educational activities, Turkmenistan proposes the establishment, in cooperation with the United Nations, of a University of Peace and Neutrality. We hope for support for this initiative and express our readiness for its substantive consideration with our friends and partners.”
The initiative received broad support from the forum participants and was reflected in the Ashgabat Declaration adopted at its conclusion. The document was circulated as an official document of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The declaration welcomes Turkmenistan’s proposal to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality in cooperation with the UN and underscores the importance of developing research and educational activities in the field of preventive diplomacy and applied neutrality.
Following the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the parties agreed to continue active joint work on the implementation of this initiative, which will help deepen the contribution of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality to global efforts to strengthen peace, trust, and sustainable development in the region and the world as a whole. ///nCa, 13 January 2026