A scientific conference dedicated to the Day of Diplomatic Workers of Turkmenistan was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by Turkmen diplomats of the current and past generations, heads and employees of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations accredited in the country, and other guests.

In his speech, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov emphasized that Turkmen diplomacy cannot be viewed outside the historical context, in isolation from the national mentality, traditions and worldview of the Turkmen people. He noted that Turkmenistan’s diplomacy is inextricably linked with its people, and neutrality is the highest manifestation of the historical trajectory of Turkmen statehood as a subject of international relations.

According to the minister, Turkmenistan’s foreign policy is based on three fundamental principles: firm reliance on national interests; continuity – since entering the world arena, Turkmenistan has consistently followed the basic principles of neutrality; creativity – all the country’s initiatives in the international arena are aimed at achieving peace, cooperation and mutual understanding.

During the conference, it was noted that on February 15 of this year, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, spoke about the history of Turkmen neutrality at a working meeting with members of the Cabinet of Ministers. Based on historical facts, he emphasized that the foundation of permanent neutrality was laid by the first President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Turkmenbashy, who initiated the first resolution of the UN General Assembly on the recognition of Turkmenistan as a permanently neutral state. This policy was continued by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who ensured the adoption of new resolutions of the UN General Assembly on the neutrality of Turkmenistan and the International Day of Neutrality.

Last year, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov put forward an initiative to grant neutral states the status of priority partners of the UN in peacekeeping efforts. These facts confirm the inviolability of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and fidelity to the obligations of a permanently neutral state.

Every year on December 12, the Turkmen people celebrate Neutrality Day at the foot of the Neutrality Arch, a majestic structure standing on three pillars. The number three has a special meaning for the Turkmen, personifying goodness, good intentions, devotion to history, national unity and solidarity.

In the current International Year of Peace and Trust, Turkmen diplomacy will work to strengthen Turkmenistan’s position in the world, consolidate international efforts towards normalization and de-escalation, and establish a culture of respectful and equal dialogue.

Recognizing the highest value of diplomacy in the cause of mutual understanding between states and peoples, Turkmenistan will do everything necessary to use a wide range of political and diplomatic tools to establish economic and humanitarian cooperation and ensure a strong and sustainable security system.

In conclusion, it was noted that the time has come to revive classical diplomacy, strengthen its influence and use the enormous potential for a positive impact on the course of global processes. The International Year of Peace and Trust opens up excellent opportunities for this.