Russian, Turkish presidents convene in Ashgabat amid peace forum

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

The meeting coincides with Putin’s visit on December 12 to participate in a forum commemorating the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's status as a permanently neutral state, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

This engagement follows prior interactions between the two presidents, including a meeting in September on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China. At the end of November, Putin and Erdoğan also spoke by phone, exchanging views on the evolving situation in Ukraine, including the United States’ recent proposals for a peaceful settlement.

Turkmenistan has convened a major diplomatic gathering in Ashgabat to mark the 30th anniversary of its UN-recognised permanent neutrality. The International Forum for Peace and Trust, held on Friday, also forms part of preparations for the UN-designated International Year of Peace and Trust in 2025.

By Vafa Guliyeva