Central Asia observer Vadim Shagiahmedov in his interview for CentralAsia.news described Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality as a bulwark of general well-being, according to the SNG.TODAY information resource.
26 years ago, on December 12, 1995, 185 UN member states unanimously supported the resolution granting neutral status to Turkmenistan. In June 2015, this document was re-adopted, and two years later, the UN, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, declared December 12 as International Day of Neutrality.
“For Turkmenistan, the status of neutrality has acquired a special character of national self-identification in the world community,” V. Shagiakhmedov believes.
According to its neutral status, Turkmenistan does not interfere in the internal affairs of other states, and also does not enter into any military associations and blocs:
- Ashgabat is active cooperating with the UN in the context of peacekeeping efforts, in particular in the Central Asian region. In addition, the state provides assistance in resolving conflicts at the international level through diplomatic means.
Also, the geographically advantageous position of Turkmenistan allows it to play the role of an intermediary between East and West. The state maintains a multilateral dialogue aimed at combating international terrorism, cooperates with such authoritative international organizations as the UN, OSCE, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
“At the initiative of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution“ 2021 is the International Year of Peace and Trust, ”V. Shagiahmedov stressed.
According to the expert, the implementation of this idea helped to reduce tensions between the countries and contributed to overcoming the crisis and settling disputes.