THIRTY YEARS OF TURKMENISTAN’S NEUTRALITY AS A FOUNDATION FOR GLOBAL DIALOGUE AND COOPERATION
This year, the people of Turkmenistan, under the leadership of the Highly Esteemed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov worthy continuer of the grand initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag - proudly celebrate a landmark event: the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. This significant event, officially recog¬nized by the United Nations, is not merely a historical milestone; it stands as a cornerstone of Turkmenistan's foreign policy and a powerful symbol of its unwavering commit¬ment to peace and cooperation. This anniversary holds particular significance in 2025, declared the International Year of Peace and Trust by the UN General Assembly at the initiative of Turkmenistan itself.
The synergy of these two events - three decades of neutrality and the global focus on peace and trust - serves as compelling evidence of Turkmenistan's enduring role on the international stage. The country has consistently used its unique status to promote con¬structive dialogue and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect among nations. Reflecting on this journey, this article aims to honour Turkmenistan's peace-oriented policy and its active and influential role in shaping a more stable and prosperous world. The path from a proclaimed policy to global recognition is a story of consistent effort, diplomatic vision, and a deeply rooted national ethic of good neighbourliness and trust.
The history of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality is a vivid example of modern international relations, demonstrating how a national policy can gain deep international recognition and support. The country's neutral status was not a passive position but an active, conscious choice, consistently reaffirmed and strengthened over three decades.
This evolution has been marked by key UN resolutions. The process began on December 12,1995, when the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution A/RES/50/80A "Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan." This landmark resolution, supported by 185 countries, was an unprecedented act in global diplomacy, officially recognizing and endorsing the permanent neutrality status proclaimed by Turkmenistan. This initial declaration laid the foundation for a foreign policy based on non-interference, non-participation in military blocs, and peaceful dispute resolution.
The high regard of the international community for this policy was reaffirmed on June 3, 2015, with the adoption of a second UN General Assembly resolution (A/RES/69/285), which once again recognized and supported Turkmenistan's neutral status. Passed on the eve of the 20th anniversary of neutrality, this resolution solidified its role as a cornerstone of international law and a valuable instrument for peacebuilding. The third, even more significant step was taken in 2017, when the UN General Assembly, on Turkmenistan's initiative, adopted a resolution declaring December 12 as the International Day of Neutrality.
This decision elevated Turkmenistan’s nation al holiday to a global celebration, reflecting clear recognition of neutrality’s importance and relevance in today’s complex world. In 2025, on March 21, during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, a third resolution on “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan” was adopted by consensus. This confirms the continued global support for Turkmenistan’s peace-loving course and its active role in regional and global affairs.
In practice, Turkmenistan’s neutrality is embodied in a dynamic and proactive foreign policy. The country has often served as a plat - form for preventive diplomacy, with its capital, Ashgabat, frequently hosting high - level meetings and negotiations on regional and international issues. Examples of such practical implementation include its role in facilitating peace talks in Tajikistan and providing consistent humanitarian assistance to neighbouring countries, particularly Afghanistan - emphasizing its commitment to regional stability and humanitarian values. The UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, established in Ashgabat, is a direct outcome of Turkmenistan’s neutral policy and its drive to foster dialogue.
The global significance of Turkmenistan’s status lies in its demonstration of an alternative model of state-building and international engagement. In an era of geopolitical tension, Turkmenistan stands as evidence that a nation’s security and prosperity can be achieved not through military alliances, but through a policy of peace, trust, and active diplomacy.
The year 2025 is notable for Turkmenistan not only for marking 30 years of neutrality, but also for the country’s active role in promoting the International Year of Peace and Trust. Declared by the UN and initiated by Turkmenistan, this year has become the central theme of numerous national and international events, forums, and meetings held throughout the country. Turkmenistan’s contribution to promoting the ideals of peace, sustainable development, and diplomatic dialogue has been demonstrated through a series of high-level events. Among them are ceremonial conferences, such as the one held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan (IIRMFA), and international forums focused on regional cooperation. These events serve as platforms for discussing pressing global issues and seeking diplomatic solutions, reinforcing Turkmenistan’s belief that dialogue and trust are the most effective tools for preventing and re solving conflicts.
The country actively promotes the concept of “green diplomacy” high-lighting the need for shared responsibility in addressing climate change and environmental challenges. This approach directly links peace and trust with sustainable development, asserting that environmental stability is essential for social and political harmony. Turkmenistan also places great emphasis on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a comprehensive cooperation strategy, with particular focus on energy transformation and transportation connectivity.
Notable events of the year include diplomatic briefings and roundtables held in various countries. These gatherings, organized by Turkmenistan’s embassies, showcased the country’s vision of Neutrality and its practical application in enhancing regional stability and global cooperation. The events brought together diplomats, scholars, and international experts to explore how the principles of peace and trust can be applied in addressing modern geopolitical challenges.
A central item on Turkmenistan’s diplomatic agenda in 2025 is the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3). Held in the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone high-profile international forum clearly demonstrates Turkmenistan’s active and constructive neutrality in practice. The decision to hold the conference in Turkmenistan was unanimously approved by the UN General Assembly an explicit recognition of the country’s strategically important geographic location and its role as a key regional transport hub.
The conference brought together an impressive assembly of participants, including heads of state and government from 32 developing landlocked countries, as well as UN member states, international organizations, and private sector representatives. Held on the Caspian Sea coast, the conference addressed vital issues of the global economy and identified solutions for creating wide ranging opportunities for transport partnerships. These efforts aim to enhance trade and economic ties, increase export-import operations, and raise living standards. The forum’s agenda was defined as a key pathway to harmonious development for landlocked developing countries, with positive implications for implementing major continental-scale projects.
As a landlocked country itself, Turkmenistan deeply understands the relevant challenges and follows a comprehensive approach to enhancing regional connectivity. The country has initiated and actively participated in major infrastructure projects such as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, and various railway and creating new trans port corridors and promoting eco nomic integration in Central Asia and beyond. The LLDC3 Conference provided an ideal platform for sharing experiences and promoting initiatives for a more connected and prosperous region.
Speaking at the forum, UN Secretary. General António Guterres noted the simultaneous and well-coordinated arrangements made for dozens of events as the generosity of the Turkmen people and the Turkmen partners. The head of the most authoritative international organization expressed sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the people of Turkmenistan for the hospitality extended, the proactive position in the United Nations and the efforts made to guarantee the unprecedented success of the Conference. Stating that no country should be left behind due to its geographical position, Antonio Guterres noted the importance of the issues brought up for discussion at the forum. Avaza provided a platform for discussion on the impediments to future development of LLDCs, new views and solutions, the transformation of the geographical features into opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The forum was held at the high organizational level in the spirit of friendship, brotherhood, mutual understanding and solidarity and provided a platform for developing specific steps to achieve stability and the Sustainable Development Goals and to ensure the practical implementation of the Avaza Programme of Action for the Decade.
The history of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality is a vivid example of modern international relations, demonstrating how a national policy can gain deep international recognition and support.
Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality is not only a matter of diplomacy, but also a subject of serious academic study, particularly within the country. The IIRMFA is the central hub of this academic field, acting as the "Alma-Mater of Turkmen Diplomacy" and a research center for peace and international law.
The primary mission of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan is to train a new generation of diplomatic professionals skilled in negotiation and well-versed in the foundations of foreign policy, with deep understanding of Turkmenistan's neutrality. Its curriculum is tailored to the country's unique foreign policy priorities and includes specialized courses in preventive diplomacy, energy diplomacy, and the foundations of international law. This specialized training ensures that future Turkmen diplomats can effectively represent national interests while upholding the principles of peace, development, and dialogue.
In 2025, the IIRMFA played a prominent role in this year's events. It organized international conferences, seminars, and roundtables that brought together scholars, policymakers, and students from around the world to discuss the evolving role of neutrality in contemporary international relations. These events serve both to share Turkmenistan's experience and to contribute to a broader global dialogue on peacebuilding and trust.
The Institute's support for foreign policy research is vital. Faculty and students engage in projects analyzing regional dynamics, international legal precedents, and the effectiveness of diplomatic mediation. This research provides the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a strong intellectual foundation for policymaking, ensuring that Turkmenistan's diplomatic actions align with its neutral status and are grounded in thorough analysis.
The role of young scholars at the IIRMFA is especially noteworthy. They are actively encouraged to pursue research on peace and neutrality in dissertations and academic publications. This focus on youth guarantees that Turkmenistan's peace- oriented foreign policy will be continued by a new generation of leaders devoted to the principles of trust, dialogue, and mutual respect. With support from specialized divisions such as the Training Center for Diplomatic Protocol, the IIRMFA continually enhances the skills of future diplomats and public servants, preparing them to engage with the world in a manner that reflects the dignity and peace-loving aspirations of the Turkmen state.
Turkmenistan's policy of permanent Neutrality is not an isolated political doctrine, but a profound reflection of the nation's cultural and historical identity. This deep connection between neutrality and culture has long driven the development of science, education, and the arts, creating an environment where peace and humanism are core values.
Turkmenistan's cultural heritage is rich in traditions of hospitality, good neighbourliness, and respect for other peoples, all of which align naturally with the principles of neutrality. This is embodied in the legacy of Magtymguly Pyragy, the great Turkmen poet and philosopher of the 18th century, revered as a national symbol. FTis works are imbued with the ideas of peace, unity, and humanistic wisdom. Magtymguly's calls for peace among Turkmen tribes and for mutual understanding among all peoples resonate strongly with Turkmenistan's modem neutrality policy. The 300th anniversary of Magtymguly's birth in 2024, the motto of that year - "The Fount of Wisdom Magtymguly Pyragy" - and the 2025 motto - "International Year of Peace and Trust" - have further cemented this connection. The erection of a grand monument to the great poet in Ashgabat, surrounded by monuments of other global poets and thinkers, is a symbolic expression of this global cultural exchange.
The country's museums and libraries are guardians not only of Turkmen heritage but of global knowledge - striving to preserve and share it for the benefit of all. Turkmenistan's dedication to cultural preservation is evidenced by the inclusion of several Turkmen sites in the UNESCO World Fleritage List.
In essence, Turkmenistan's neutrality is more than a diplomatic tool; it is a cultural philosophy that permeates every aspect of national life. It shows that peace and trust are not merely political goals but a way of life - rooted in the timeless wisdom of ancestors and nurtured through a commitment to education, art, and humanism.
The 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent Neutrality is a moment to recognize how the country contributes to global stability and affirms the effectiveness of a foreign policy grounded in peace and trust. Celebrated in the International Year of Peace and Trust, this milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on how Turkmenistan has progressed from a newly independent state with a declared neutrality to a respected authority in international diplomacy.
At the heart of this success lies the consistent and active implementation of neutrality. Turkmenistan has used its status not as a means of isolation, but as a platform for engagement, mediation, and humanitarian cooperation. By providing a neutral ground for dialogue and advancing regional initiatives in transport and energy, the country has shown that its policy is a dynamic tool for fostering constructive partnerships and shared prosperity.
Looking to the future, Turkmenistan's commitment to a peaceful course remains unwavering. The LLDC3 Conference in Avaza clearly demonstrated the country's resolve to address global challenges and contribute to sustainable development. This conference, along with the nation's academic and cultural initiatives, highlights Turkmenistan's comprehensive approach to diplomacy - one that integrates political action with intellectual and cultural exchange.
Today, Turkmenistan is not merely commemorating a historical milestone. It is reaffirming its role in shaping a global culture of trust, demonstrating that a nation's greatest strength may lie in its commitment to peace. Through its rich cultural heritage and forward-thinking diplomacy, Turkmenistan continues to be an active and reliable partner on the global stage, building a future where peace and trust are not just ideals - but a shared reality.
For the tireless efforts to strengthen foreign policy, develop diplomacy and enhance the international authority of Turkmenistan, on behalf of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, we express our deep gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag, and our Esteemed President Arkadagly Hero Serdar. We wish Hero Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar sound health, long life and great success in their activities carried out for the happiness of the country and the well-being of all mankind.
Gulshat YUSUPOVA,
Rector of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan