BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 12. Important transport arteries passing through the Caspian Sea cover the interests of the countries of the region and open up new prospects for expanding trade and economic relations, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov said at the plenary session of the international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025) in Ashgabat, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, Trend reports.
According to him, cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan covers a wide range of areas, including economic, transport, and energy.
"Preserving the Caspian Sea as a zone of peace, prosperity, stability, and security allows for the further expansion of trade, economic and cultural relations, and the creation of the necessary conditions for the development of business and tourism," the official added.
The International Forum, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, is currently underway in Ashgabat. The event also marks the International Day of Neutrality and the declaration of 2025 as the "International Year of Peace and Trust." The forum has attracted high-level delegations from across the globe, including the Presidents of Russia, Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Armenia, as well as the Prime Ministers of Azerbaijan and Georgia. Representatives from numerous international and regional organizations are also in attendance.
Turkmenistan's commitment to neutrality was officially recognized on December 12, 1995, through a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. This date has since been established as Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality Day, observed annually to honor the country's stance in global diplomacy.