International Conference – “Policy of Neutrality and its importance in ensuring international peace, security and sustainable development”

On December 12, Ashgabat hosted an international conference “Policy of Neutrality and its importance in ensuring international peace, security and sustainable development” dedicated to the 25th anniversary of permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan.

The President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov participated to the forum of international scale.

The event was attended by the leadership of Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, heads of the ministries and departments of the country, chiefs of the diplomatic missions and representations of international organizations in Turkmenistan, rectors of the higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan, heads and representatives of local mass media, as well as the accredited foreign press.

The heads of respected international and regional organizations took part in the forum via videoconferencing.

In his speech, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the main vectors of the foreign policy of Turkmenistan based on the principles of permanent Neutrality. He voiced the commitment of Turkmenistan to the development of international cooperation for the sake of peace, stability and sustainable development. The head of state drew the attention to the need of reestablishing the culture of peace, trust and friendly dialogue in the relations among the countries.

The participants heard the video statements of the UN Secretary General António Guterres, OIC Secretary General Youssef Ben Ahmed Al-Usaymin, Chairman of the Executive Committee – CIS Executive Secretary Sergei Lebedev, SCO Secretary General Vladimir Norov, and UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay.

In the framework of the Conference it was noted that within its neutral status, Turkmenistan is committed to expand mutually beneficial partnership with the international and regional structures.

The initiative to hold this forum in Ashgabat belongs to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The Conference caused a wide international resonance, active interest and support in world circles.

Convincing confirmation of the recognition by the international community of the peace-loving policy pursued by Turkmenistan became the next adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution “The Role and Significance of the Policy of Neutrality in Maintaining and Strengthening International Peace, Security and the Process of Sustainable Development” on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan at the initiative of the Turkmen side.

Also, during the 47th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, the Resolution “The Role of the Policy of Neutrality in Maintaining and Strengthening International Peace, Security and Sustainable Development in the Region of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and in the World” was adopted.

The International Conference continued in plenary sessions.

António Guterres: “The status of permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan will contribute to strengthening peace and security in Central Asia”

As part of his speech at the International Conference “Policy of Neutrality and its Role in Ensuring International Peace, Security and Sustainable Development”, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, congratulating the leadership of Turkmenistan and the entire Turkmen people on the glorious date, emphasized that by adopting this resolution the General Assembly recognized the status of permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan and expressed the hope that it will contribute to strengthening peace and security in Central Asia.

The leadership of the United Nations also expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan for hosting the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia since 2007 and supporting its activities.
The UN Secretary General also expressed his gratitude to Turkmenistan for recognizing the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations system will continue to provide unwavering support to Turkmenistan in its efforts to achieve these goals.

Yousef Bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen: “We highly appreciate Turkmenistan’s commitment to the ideals of the OIC”

In his video message to the participants of the International Conference “Policy of Neutrality and its Role in Ensuring International Peace, Security and Sustainable Development” Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Yousef Bin Ahmad al-Othaimeen addressed warm words of congratulations to the leadership of Turkmenistan and the Turkmen people on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of the country.

The head of the OIC noted that the positive policy of mutual respect and mutual benefit pursued by Turkmenistan, as well as its position on resolving international problems through peace and dialogue, are consistent with the goals and principles enshrined in the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The head of the second largest international organization also stated that the vision of Turkmenistan to achieve significant progress based on equality, mutual benefit and global cooperation is in line with the goals of the OIC Action Program for 2020-2025, and added that the OIC highly values Turkmenistan’s commitment to the ideals of the Organization, his positive contribution to joint action.

Sergey Lebedev: “The policy of Turkmenistan, based on the principles of Neutrality, deserves universal recognition and respect”

Sergey Lebedev, Chairman of the Executive Committee – Executive Secretary of the CIS, during his video message at the International Conference “Policy of Neutrality and its Role in Ensuring International Peace, Security and Sustainable Development”, stated that over 25 years of permanent Neutrality, Turkmenistan has proved the effectiveness of its neutral foreign policy and its compliance with the long-term interests of the world community.

It was especially emphasized that such a policy of Turkmenistan, based on the principles of Neutrality, on the resolution of controversial issues and contradictions in international affairs by political and diplomatic means, deserves universal recognition and respect.

Vladimir Norov: “The status of a neutral state contributes
to the growth and strengthening of the authority of Turkmenistan in the international arena”

During the International Conference “Policy of Neutrality and its Role in Ensuring International Peace, Security and Sustainable Development” Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Vladimir Norov emphasized that the status of a neutral state contributes to the growth and strengthening of the authority of Turkmenistan in the international arena as a country aimed at developing mutually beneficial cooperation with all states and peoples of the world, as well as strictly complying with international legal norms and obligations.
It was also noted that strict adherence to the principles of neutrality gave Turkmenistan the credibility of a reliable, responsible and consistent partner in international circles, whose steps are not subject to conjuncture and bias.

The SCO leader also in his video message to the participants of the International Conference expressed his congratulations to the Government of Turkmenistan and the Turkmen people on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the country’s permanent Neutrality.

Audrey Azoulay: “To imagine a shared world,
we need dedicated member states to build it”

As part of her video message at the international conference “The Policy of Neutrality and Its Role in Ensuring International Peace, Security and Sustainable Development”, UNESCO Director General Audrey Azulay emphasized that Turkmenistan, having proclaimed its Neutrality, opened a new chapter in its history, which is rich in dialogue between peoples and cultures, and being part of the common roots of humanity.

The Director General of UNESCO stated that “Turkmenistan’s Neutrality is a continuation of this story, since this commitment to peace for the country and for the region is far from being aloof or solitary. In fact, it reflects a strong openness to the world”.