The UN General Assembly by consensus adopted the Resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan”
Written by Dr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Wahid
New York– Ashgabat: On March 21, 2025, during the 61st plenary meeting of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the Resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan” was adopted under Agenda item 61 “Peacebuilding and Peacekeeping” by consensus. About this reports MFA of Turkmenistan.
Introducing the Resolution, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Aksoltan Atayeva emphasized that the status of permanent neutrality is the basis of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and the foundation for implementation of the country’s balanced peacekeeping doctrine in the international arena.
It was noted that Turkmenistan, relying on the comprehensive support of the world community for its neutral vector since the adoption of the first UN General Assembly resolution on the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan on December 12, 1995, has been steadily demonstrating its effectiveness as a key instrument for the implementation of preventive diplomacy at the regional and global levels.
Diplomatic influence
A.Atayeva emphasized that neutrality is embedded both in the domestic and foreign policy of the country, as well as enshrined in the Constitutional Law of Turkmenistan on Permanent Neutrality and is based on the historical heritage and traditions of Turkmen people, that put peace, dialogue and mutual respect in the essence of state building.
In particular, the Resolution recommends that the territories of neutral countries should be used for peaceful talks.
The practical implementation of Turkmenistan’s neutral policy is reflected in such key institutions and forms of maintaining and strengthening peace and security in the region as the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat and Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation of Central Asia.
Upon the initiative of Turkmenistan, in 2017, the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 12 as the International Day of Neutrality, the Group of Friends of Neutrality was established on the UN platform, and this year landmark events are being held within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust.
2020: Beginning of Neutrality
In 2020, Turkmenistan celebrated the date of granting the status of permanent neutrality to the state. The United Nations General Assembly, at its 50th session, unanimously adopted a resolution on December 12, 1995, recognizing Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, with the support of 185 countries.
The declaration was the first time a neutral state had been recognized by the international community. It was a significant event in Turkmenistan’s history and in the global political arena.
The adoption and support of the UN General Assembly resolution recognizing Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality was a great honor and confidence placed in Turkmenistan and the Turkmen people by the international community in the early years of independence.
The international legal status of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality is a solid foundation for developing close relations with countries in the region and around the world, based on equal and mutual respect. Turkmenistan will continue to actively participate in solving important problems facing humanity, creating broad conditions for global peace, security, and sustainable development. Turkmenistan’s foreign policy in the region and its role as a neutral, peace-loving, and good-neighborly state have played an important role in promoting economic and political development in the region.
Based on its permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan has strengthened its relations with the United Nations and other international organizations. Thanks to Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, its relations with other countries around the world have expanded in the political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural spheres.
Today, Turkmenistan pursues a multifaceted and comprehensive foreign policy based on clear principles and a clear understanding of its purpose. Our relations with other countries have expanded, and more countries and regions are being added. The content of Turkmenistan’s international relations, both bilateral and multilateral, has become more diverse.
Turkmenistan, which enjoys a status of neutrality, has today become one of the leading centers of reconciliation, providing a significant opportunity for a positive resolution of pressing issues affecting the fate of humanity.
