On October 17, 2025, a reception was held in the premises of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 80th anniversary of the UN, and the completion of the UN Friendship Games – 80.
The event was organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation jointly with the UN Information Center in Moscow.
The reception was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, leadership and representatives of diplomatic missions and specialized UN agencies accredited in Russia, public and political figures, educators and scientists, journalists, and staff of sports organizations that participated in the tournament. In his address, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation E.M. Aydogdyyev emphasized that Turkmenistan, adhering to the principles of neutrality, consistently advocates for dialogue, cooperation, and the strengthening of peace. Today, the state makes a significant contribution to the global efforts for security and sustainable development, reaffirming its commitment to the ideals of the UN.
The year 2025, the International Year of Peace and Trust, marks the 30th anniversary of the UN’s recognition of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. For eight decades, the UN has remained the most important and unique platform for dialogue between countries, and for three decades, Turkmen neutrality has become a significant factor in strengthening peace and security in the region.
It was noted that the sports tournament, the UN Friendship Games 2025, that took place from August 4 to October 12, 2025 were dedicated to these significant events. Teams from embassies, consulates, and other foreign missions in the Russian Federation, as well as the UN Information Center in Moscow, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, MGIMO University, the Model UN team, as well as students and trainees of sports schools participated in the tournament.
A video summary of the sports tournament was demonstrated to the participants.
In his welcoming address, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation S.V. Vershinin emphasized that this sporting event was held at a high level of organization, in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding, bringing together a large number of participants, recognized masters, talented youth, and people of all ages committed to an active lifestyle. Then, during the reception, the speeches of the Chairman of the UN-80 Public Committee, the Chairman of the Russian UN Association, Rector of MGIMO University, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor A.V. Torkunov, Director of the UN Information Center in Moscow V.V. Kuznetsov, Director General of the World Friendship Games Organizing Committee D.A. Putilin, and UN Goodwill Ambassador V. Fetisov were heard.
It was noted that, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, the UN Games – a sporting competition for representatives of diplomatic missions and staff of the UN Secretariat and agencies – were held for the first time in April 2024. On September 6, 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution submitted by Turkmenistan and India, noting the potential role of the UN Friendship as a platform for sport diplomacy and calling for their annual holding. The role of Turkmenistan as a permanently neutral state in strengthening peace, friendship, and mutual understanding between countries and peoples was emphasized in speeches. It was noted that the key goal of the UN Friendship Games-80 in Moscow was to unite the diplomatic community, fostering a spirit of mutual understanding and upholding the high ideals of neutrality, which underpin international cooperation.
The tournament, which included chess, football, and tennis competitions, became a bright symbol of solidarity, peace, and trust, demonstrating that friendship, fair competition, and the pursuit of common goals can make our world a better place.
The awards ceremony for the winners of the sports competition took place accompanied by vigorous applauses of the audience.
The event featured the performance of Turkmen national songs, and, in accordance with traditions, all guests were offered specialties of Turkmen cuisine.
