On February 7, the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA) hosted a roundtable discussion on “International Year of Peace and Trust: Turkmenistan’s Contribution to Global and Regional Cooperation”.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Ties with Foreign Countries under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Turkmenistan’s initiative to declare the International Year of Peace and Trust has received broad support from the global community, demonstrating the country’s active and constructive role in strengthening worldwide stability and dialogue. The UN General Assembly resolution was adopted in March 2024 with the support of 86 countries, including Uzbekistan.

Opening the meeting, the IICA Director Javlon Vakhabov highlighted the active cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in advancing their strategic partnership, which is undoubtedly facilitated by the trusting relationship established between the leaders of both countries. He emphasized the importance of mutual support for international initiatives and the promotion of regional cooperation.

The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shadurdy Meredov, focused on the key areas of Turkmenistan’s efforts in actively promoting peace, trust, and mutual respect on the international stage. He underlined the joint efforts of both countries to strengthen regional security, support diplomatic initiatives, and foster constructive cooperation among states to ensure stability and prosperity in Central Asia.

The roundtable participants noted Turkmenistan’s significant contribution to strengthening peace, trust, and cooperation in Central Asia. This is evidenced by the UN General Assembly resolution “Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation in Central Asia”, adopted in July 2022 at Turkmenistan’s initiative.

During the roundtable discussion, it was emphasized that all countries in the region not only demonstrate political will but also make a significant practical contribution to strengthening peace and trust and promoting regional cooperation. It was noted that joint efforts create a solid foundation for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future for the entire region.

Additionally, speakers paid special attention to the joint efforts of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to strengthen good neighborly relations and regional cooperation to ensure stability and sustainable development in Central Asia.

The event was attended by government officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps, including the leadership of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia headquartered in Ashgabat, ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, as well as representatives of the Turkmen National Cultural Center of Uzbekistan, experts from analytical centers, researchers, and students, including Turkmen youth studying at higher education institutions in Uzbekistan.

Aziza Alimova, UzA