Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan are in Turkmenistan to celebrate 30 years of neutrality for the former Soviet republic.

On Friday, Turkmenistan celebrates 30 years of permanent neutrality, a doctrine that has transformed this former Soviet republic into one of the most isolated countries in the world. The event is attended by leaders such as Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Massoud Pezeshkian, all having tense relations with the West. Turkmenistan, rich in natural gas, has had only three presidents since independence in 1991, and the current leader, Serdar Berdymukhamedov, continues the tradition of personality cult.

Neutrality, recognized by the UN in 1995, is a pillar of the regime, which refuses to join international alliances. Although the country has rich natural resources, it faces environmental issues such as water scarcity and pollution. Turkmenistan maintains economic relations with China, Russia, Iran, and Turkey, but cooperation with the West is limited. The regime is criticized for restrictions on human rights and access to information, often being compared to North Korea.