President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin participated in an international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
Russian President Vladimir Putin opened his address with warm congratulations to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the entire Turkmen people. “I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to everyone on this significant occasion, to all our Turkmen friends,” he stated, underscoring that the historic decision in favor of neutrality taken 30 years ago determined the strategic course of Turkmenistan’s development as a sovereign state, now enjoying high authority both in Central Asia and globally.
In his remarks, President Putin devoted special attention to the dynamics of Russian-Turkmen relations.
“We firmly believe that it is precisely within this logic, and based on the principles of the UN Charter, that truly honest, open, and mutually beneficial relations between states can and must be built in this new era of a multipolar world. A testament to this is the strategic partnership between Russia and Turkmenistan, which continues to develop successfully in a spirit of friendship and good neighbourliness”, he said.
A key emphasis in the speech was the economic aspect of the partnership. Over the 10 months of 2025, trade turnover between Russia and Turkmenistan grew by 35%, exceeding the figures for the entire previous year. “Russian companies are pursuing new investment projects in the Turkmen market, while cooperation in energy, transport and a number of other sectors is being strengthened,” Putin stated.
Among significant initiatives are joint multilateral projects in the Caspian Sea and Central Asia, including the laying of the “North-South” main transport corridor. These efforts contribute to the economic integration of the region and open new opportunities for trade and logistics.
The Russian President also highlighted the growth of interregional contacts and exchanges in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. According to Putin, more than 54 thousand students from Turkmenistan are studying in Russian universities, which testifies to the depth of educational ties.
Both countries actively participate in integration processes within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). “In 2026, Turkmenistan will assume the CIS Chairmanship. In this regard, I wish our Turkmen colleagues every success and would like to assure them that the Russian side will provide all necessary assistance,” the Russian leader assured.
In the context of the forum, Putin highly appreciated the Ashgabat Declaration project prepared by the Turkmen side. “Of course, Russia supports this document and the way it affirms a commitment to the key principles governing international relations as set forth in the UN Charter,” he said.
Putin’s speech at the forum in Ashgabat confirms the strategic importance of Russian-Turkmen relations for stability in Central Asia and Eurasia. In the conditions of the formation of a multipolar world, such partnerships, based on mutual respect and economic pragmatism, play a significant role in promoting global peace and trust. ///nCa, 12 December 2025 (photo credit – kremlin.ru)