Turkmenistan, relying on its status as a permanently neutral state, has earned respect and recognition in Russia as a wise and balanced participant in international affairs, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a speech in Ashgabat on June 25.

Speaking to diplomats, faculty, and students at the Institute of International Relations of Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry, Lavrov emphasized Turkmenistan’s neutral foreign policy and its role in fostering constructive dialogue on global issues.

The event took place at the Yyldyz Hotel. Lavrov also shared his views on current global trends and highlighted the dynamic and constructive development of Turkmen-Russian partnership across a broad range of areas, according to Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry.

The minister praised Turkmenistan’s role in international politics, noting that it remains the only country whose neutrality has been unanimously recognized three times by the UN General Assembly. He also highlighted Ashgabat’s contribution to promoting unifying initiatives, including the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust and the proposal to establish a Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation in Central Asia.

According to Lavrov, Turkmenistan, given its unique neutral status, could serve as a platform for various negotiations, TASS reported.

In closing, the Russian minister expressed gratitude to the Turkmen leadership for its prompt assistance in facilitating the departure of Russian citizens from Iran amid the tense situation in the Middle East.