On March 21, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus the resolution "Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan." The resolution was co-sponsored by 67 countries, Orient.tm reports.
The document recommends the use of neutral countries’ territories for peace negotiations. It also highlights Turkmenistan’s proposal to establish a UN-sponsored Mediation Chamber for Peace in the country, according to the UN News website.
Turkmenistan’s Commitment to Neutrality
Presenting the resolution, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Aksoltan Ataeva, emphasized that permanent neutrality is the core of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and serves as the foundation for the country’s balanced peacekeeping doctrine on the international stage.
She noted that, since the first UN General Assembly resolution recognizing Turkmenistan’s neutrality on December 12, 1995, the global community’s continued support for this status has proven its effectiveness as a key tool for preventive diplomacy at regional and global levels.
Neutrality as a Constitutional Principle
Ataeva stressed that neutrality is deeply embedded in both domestic and foreign policy, enshrined in Turkmenistan’s Constitutional Law on Permanent Neutrality, and rooted in the country’s historical heritage and traditions, which prioritize peace, dialogue, and mutual respect in state-building.
She affirmed that Turkmenistan’s leadership remains committed to its neutral course, advancing peace initiatives and reinforcing the country's non-aligned status.
Turkmenistan’s Role in Regional Peace
Ataeva emphasized the active and practical nature of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, under which key institutions for peace and security have been established, including:
- The UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat
- The Central Asian Zone of Peace and Trust
Global Recognition of Neutrality
At Turkmenistan’s initiative, in 2017, the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 12 as International Neutrality Day. Additionally, a Group of Friends of Neutrality was formed within the UN framework, and 2025 is being observed as the International Year of Peace and Trust as part of a global campaign led by Turkmenistan.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 24, 2025