Putin is taking part in the forum "Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable future." The main thing

On Friday, December 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the forum "Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future" in Turkmenistan. The Head of State noted the importance of the principles laid down in the UN Charter for the interaction of countries in a multipolar world, and stressed the growing dynamics of Russian-Turkmen cooperation. The main statements of the President of Russia are in the material of Izvestia.

About the draft Ashgabat Declaration

Vladimir Putin stressed that Turkmenistan is dynamically growing based on its rich historical, cultural and spiritual heritage, making progress in various sectors of the national economy and the social sphere.

According to him, Turkmenistan pursues a balanced foreign policy course, makes a significant contribution to strengthening regional and international security and stability, and makes serious efforts to create an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual trust in world affairs.

Vladimir Putin also highly appreciated the draft Ashgabat Declaration prepared by Turkmenistan and pointed out that the document should become a key outcome of the forum. He stated that Russia supports the draft and its commitment to the basic principles of international relations enshrined in the UN Charter.

According to the President, the document reflects provisions on peacefulness, non-interference in the internal affairs of states and respect for the right of countries to independently determine their own development model.

The role of the United Nations in a multipolar world

Putin pointed out that the UN remains a key mechanism for balancing the interests of states, especially in the context of the formation of a multipolar world. The Head of the Russian Federation stressed that the UN is a unique, often the only mechanism that allows ensuring an international balance of interests and finding coordinated solutions to difficult problems, taking into account the positions and opinions of all countries.

According to him, interstate relations should be based on respect for the interests of all participants and take into account the positions of different countries when looking for solutions to international issues. The Russian President noted that this approach makes it possible to form honest, open and mutually beneficial relations between states.

On the strategic partnership between Russia and Turkmenistan

During his speech, the President also stated that Russian companies are willing to participate in new projects in Turkmenistan, including the energy sector. He paid special attention to the results of economic cooperation: in 2025, the bilateral trade turnover showed steady growth and increased at double-digit rates in various reporting periods. Thus, in the first 10 months of 2025, the trade turnover has already increased by 35%

Putin said that 54,000 students from Turkmenistan are currently studying in Russia. The Russian leader stressed that the strategic partnership between the two countries is developing steadily and consistently, including in the fields of economy, transport and infrastructure projects.

According to the President, the positive dynamics of relations confirms the stability of cooperation and the high potential for cooperation in the future.

Context

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, recalled that December 12 marked the 30th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's unanimous adoption of the resolution on Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality.

This date became a national holiday in the republic and was fixed in the UN international calendar as the Day of Neutrality. The Russian leader noted the importance of Turkmenistan's chosen course for the sustainability of the region and congratulated the citizens of the country on the anniversary date.

The document became the first decision in the history of the organization to consolidate the neutral status of a particular state, and was adopted by 185 countries. The resolution noted that such a course contributes to strengthening regional stability and security.

Russia is interested in connecting Turkmenistan to major logistics projects. Putin noted that with the active participation of Russia and Turkmenistan, the implementation of major multilateral economic initiatives continues, including in the Caspian region and Central Asia. It is noted that work is underway to lay the North—South main transport corridor, and bilateral and interregional contacts are developing steadily.

According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russia and Turkmenistan will play an important role in the implementation of this transport corridor. The republic's location between the countries of Central Asia and the Persian Gulf makes Turkmenistan a key transit hub for cargo transportation between Russia and Iran, as well as other countries in the region.