Significance of Neutrality Policy for Turkmenistan.

Byline: Farhat Asif

Turkmenistan will be celebrating the second anniversary of the recognition of the world of its Positive Neutrality posture recognized by the world in the shape of making 12 December as the "World's Neutrality Day." After 22 years, on 2 February 2017, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution 71/275 - introduced by Turkmenistan, recognized by the UN as a permanently neutral state since 12 December 1995 - which noted the link between the preservation of peace and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and declared 12 December as the International Day of Neutrality. This resolution also proposes that UN Secretary-General continue to cooperate closely with the neutral states, with a view to implementing the principles of preventive diplomacy and utilizing them in the mediation activities. The day of proclamation of neutrality by Turkmenistan is being celebrated as an important occasion and second most significant event after Independence Day of Turkmenistan.

It is said that any country's foreign policy is reflective of its domestic political, social and economic environment. The same is also however true for the Turkmenistan, where the state is also implementing the principles of peace, harmony, tolerance and acceptance in the society by providing equal opportunities to the Turkmen people. Peaceful and determined nature of Turkmen people is reflective of the learning form their great ancestors, who have always advised them to remain united and firm in their stances and resolves. The great Turkmen poet Magtymguly in his poetry has expressed several times these desires for united, peaceful and prosperous nation.

If Turkmens would only tighten the Belt of Determination

They could drink the Red Sea in their strength.

So let the tribes of Teke, Yomut, Gokleng, Yazir, and Alili

Unite into one proud nation.

End of Cold War and subsequent fall of Soviet Empire has resulted into the emergence of multiple successor states in Central Asian region. These states, after gaining independence, ought to adjust themselves with new political world order wherein they began to establish and strive to find the rightful place within the region and international political system. Their efforts were directed towards shaping the statehood under new circumstances hence becoming active players in the world community. Among these states, the farsighted leadership of the Turkmenistan made crucial, central and far reaching decision towards taking...