Addressing High-Level Forum in Turkmenistan, OSCE Secretary General draws attention on the experience of Central Asia in addressing common security challenges

ASHGABAT, 14 December 2025 — OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu has concluded his first official visit to Turkmenistan from 10 to 12 December, during which he participated in the International High-Level Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, held alongside the 30^th anniversary of the United Nations’ recognition of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality status. The event drew high-level delegations at the level of heads of State and Government, as well as representatives of international organizations, from the region and beyond.

In his intervention in the International High-Level Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, Secretary General Sinirlioğlu congratulated countries in the Central Asia region for achieving a series of diplomatic milestones in 2025, including ending outstanding border disputes, and expressed the hope that the experience of the region in practicing dialogue on a daily basis could resonate across the broader OSCE region. He noted: “It is possible, to collaborate for the common good, even while maintaining distinct priorities and sensitivities. It is possible to settle historical disputes. Likewise, it is possible to bring an end to the wars that continue to affect our region, including in Ukraine.”

During his three-day mission in Turkmenistan, the Secretary General also held a series of high-level bilateral meetings. These included discussions with the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairperson of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council), Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov; the Speaker of the Mejlis (Parliament), Dunyagozel Gulmanova; and the Deputy Chairperson of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov.

During the visit, Secretary General Sinirlioğlu also met with staff of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, expressing his appreciation for their dedication and ongoing work for the benefit of the people of Turkmenistan.