NEUTRALITY - THE MAIN PILLAR OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TURKMEN DIPLOMACY
Today, under the leadership of our Hero Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar foreign policy of Turkmenistan is successfully implemented. Currently, our country regularly conducts bilateral and multilateral cooperation with different countries and international organizations in accordance with the principles of its policy of Neutrality. This status is maintained to promote peace and security, fostering a positive image while allowing the country to engage in international cooperation without joining military alliances. Neutrality is not a concept that has emerged in recent times, but rather a principle that has been practiced by our ancestors since ancient times. Thus, we see it through historical sources.
No matter which decade which era, the Turkmen always wanted to solve any problem in peaceful or diplomatic way. Our Hero Arkadag in his book “Music of Peace, Music of Friendship and Brotherhood” mentions the following: “When I think of Neutrality, I see the image of Shukur bagshi with his dutar in his hand”. Because, despite of fighting or having conflict with enemy he tried to solve the problem not damaging anyone. When we read about the history of the Turkmen diplomacy we come across with some examples which prove that Turkmen states also used the principles of the Neutrality in their foreign policies. And today, the principles of Neutrality, which dates back to our ancestors, are being successfully implemented by Our Hero Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar.
After having gained the Independence, Turkmenistan started declaring its policy of positive neutrality at the different conferences like, Conference of Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, Conference of Economic Cooperation Organization, Conference of Non-Alignment Movement. After that, on the 12th of December in 1995, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Resolution on “The Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan”, 25 members of this Organization co-authored this Resolution and 185 states voted to adopt it. On the 3rd of June in 2015, the Resolution on “The Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan” was adopted second time and 47 members of the Organization co-authored this Resolution and 193 states voted. Upon the initiative of Turkmenistan, on the 2nd of February in 2017, the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 12 as the International Day of Neutrality. And this year, dedicated peace and trust, during the 61st plenary meeting of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly the Resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan” was adopted under Agenda item 61 “Peacebuilding and Peacekeeping” by consensus.
It is worth mentioning that, the Neutrality of Turkmenistan is embedded both in the domestic and foreign policy of the country, as well as enshrined in the Constitutional Law of Turkmenistan on Permanent Neutrality and is based on the historical heritage and traditions of Turkmen people, that put peace, dialogue and mutual respect in the essence of state building.
Moreover, the Group of Friends of Neutrality was established on the United Nations platform, and this year landmark events are being held within the framework of the “International Year of Peace and Trust”.
On the 12th of December, our country celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality. The Turkmen capital hosted an International Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality. High-level delegations from countries around the world, as well as representatives of international and regional organizations participated in the event. During the international forum, the President of Turkmenistan mentioned that the policy of neutrality has become a solid foundation for the country’s sustainable development. He added that Turkmenistan’s neutral status supports a high economic development, improves citizen’s well-being and reinforces the country’s image as a responsible and predictable partner. Our president Arkadagly Hero Serdar highlighted Turkmenistan’s example of consistently promoting the principles of peace, trust and mutual respect. He stressed that the modern model of neutrality is grounded in centuries-old traditions of good neighborliness and harmony. The forum continued as a board international dialogue, opening new opportunities to strengthen global peace and expand partnership.
And we, as youth to add our contributions to our country is one of our responsibilities. We also took a part as a volunteer in the social activities which was held dedicated to the holiday. Being volunteer in the international forums helps us to implement what we learn in our academic life. It also helps us to develop our language skills and professional enhancement by communicating with foreign guests.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the National Leader of Turkmen people our Hero Arkadag, and highly Esteemed President Arkadagly Hero Serdar for opportunities to study, to learn and to develop. I wish our Hero Arkadag, and highly Esteemed President Arkadagly Hero Serdar sound health, great success in their undertakings!
Shasenem MEYLISOVA,
the 4th year student of the Faculty of International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.