Constructive Dialogue — the Commonwealth of Independent States in Ashgabat
The principles of openness, hospitality, equality, harmony, which play a key role in the peaceful foreign policy of Turkmenistan, have a positive effect on international relations. Commitment to such principles was noted once again on May 24 at the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States, held at the “Garagum” hotel in the capital. Delegations of member countries of the organization arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers KH.Geldimyradov led the delegation of Turkmenistan. Today, the Commonwealth of Independent States acts as a universally accepted regional international association with a developed efficient system of regulative and branch organs, acting on the grounds of solid standard and legal basis. CIS is also a unique platform for the regular meetings of heads of the states and governments, allowing to make constructive dialogue in a frank and friendly atmosphere, as well as to solve the issues of cooperation in the economic, humanitarian and political spheres.
After all, in Ashgabat on 13th of December 1991, the historical meeting of heads of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan was held, which prepared the conditions for signing the Alma-Ata declaration, which was the basis for forming CIS in its current form. Turkmenistan, along with other states, signed the Protocol of Agreement on the establishment of Commonwealth of Independent States and the Alma-Ata declaration on 21st December, 1991, confirming the commitment of the members of CIS for equal cooperation in different areas of foreign and internal policy of neutrality as a foreign-policy model, the government of Turkmenistan followed the aim not only to find its own way of development, but also to create favorable external conditions for internal stability in the state.
As is well known, the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan is recognized and supported with the resolution of the General Assembly of UN, which was accepted on 12th of December 1995. Taking into consideration the neutral status of Turkmenistan on 26th of August, 2005, at the summit in Kazan, the heads of the states of CIS emphasized the statement that Turkmenistan would continue its membership in the Commonwealth as an associated member in the spirit of friendship and cooperation.
The member states are our geographically closest neighbors, good friends, and reliable political partners. There are many commonalities in our historical destinies and cultural roots. That is why it is valuable for us that cooperation in the CIS space is based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and constructive cooperation.
Turkmenistan implements a multifaceted policy to promote cultural cooperation within the CIS. In this regard, the declaration of Mary city in 2012 and Dashoguz city in 2016 as the “Cultural Capital of CIS” is of great importance. The proclamation of the 300th anniversary of the birth of our great poet is being celebrated this year, which has been declared as the year “Fount of Wisdom of Magtymguly Pyragy”. This remarkable day is widely celebrated not only in Turkmenistan, but also in other CIS countries. In addition, the works of our classical poet are based on the ideas of humanity and make us think about life and relationships between people. In many countries of the Commonwealth, there are monuments of Magtymguly Pyragy and streets named in honour of the sage and poet. The 300th anniversary of the birth of the Turkmen poet is of great significance for the entire Commonwealth of Independent States.
In this regard, consideration of the issue of declaring Ashgabat as the “City of New Sports Opportunities of the Commonwealth” on the initiative of our country at the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government is important for promoting international cooperation. Adoption of this document will contribute to the further development of friendly relations. Since that time, Turkmenistan has demonstrated its invariable devotedness to its international legal status, in fact verifying that neutrality, peacefulness and good-neighborliness form the basis of its foreign policy, aimed at contributing to the successful realization of objectives in the framework of CIS.
Dovletyar ARCHAMYRADOV,
the 3rd year student of the Faculty of the International Relations.