On February 1st, the program "Topical Issues of Brussels" on the European television channel Kanal Avrupa discussed Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality and peace initiatives.

The program featured speeches by Maral Rahymova, a Turkmen diplomat and Second Secretary at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels, who joined via video link, and Derya Soysal, a member of the Belgian Diplomatic World Institute, correspondent for Bruxelles Korner, and an independent expert on environmental protection specializing in the history of Central Asia.

In an interview with the European television channel, Derya Soysal emphasized the unique diplomatic status of Turkmenistan. She noted that Turkmenistan is the only neutral state among Turkic-speaking countries, making it an important factor in regional stability and peacemaking in Central Asia.

Soysal focused on the fact that Turkmenistan's status of permanent neutrality is a rare diplomatic achievement, recognized by the international community. "The number of neutral countries in the world is already quite limited, and Turkmenistan stands out for its commitment to peace and stability" the expert noted.

According to Derya Soysal, Turkmenistan plays a key role in resolving important regional issues. The expert also stressed the importance of Turkmenistan's peacekeeping role in resolving crisis situations in Afghanistan. The country has been providing humanitarian assistance for many years and promoting stability in this neighboring state. Soysal noted that Turkmenistan acted as a mediator in negotiations between the conflicting parties in the civil war in Tajikistan, which confirms its reputation as a peacekeeping country.

Derya Soysal highlighted that Central Asia occupies a strategically important position on the geopolitical map of the world. She recalled that the English geographer Halford Mackinder called this region the "heartland of the world", and in light of global economic shifts, its importance is only increasing.

The expert paid special attention to the fact that in recent years, in the context of geopolitical changes, the countries of the European Union have begun to show increased interest in Central Asia. The region is seen as a strategic partner due to its rich reserves of natural resources, including rare earth metals and energy resources.

Soysal emphasized that Turkmenistan's growing role in international diplomacy demonstrates its commitment to stability and peaceful development in the region. This makes the country a reliable partner for the states of Central Asia, the European Union, and other world players.

In addition, during a recent appearance on the program "Topical Issues of Brussels" on the Kanal Avrupa television channel, Turkmen diplomat Maral Rahymova, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels, emphasized Turkmenistan's unwavering commitment to strengthening peace throughout the world, especially within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust. She noted that 2025 will be significant for Turkmenistan, as the country will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality.

Maral Rahymova recalled the telephone conversation between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during which Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to global peace. She stressed that Turkmenistan presented a comprehensive concept and priorities for the International Year of Peace and Trust, focusing on security, sustainable development, and humanitarian cooperation.

The Turkmen diplomat noted the promotion of neutrality as an important direction and an effective instrument of peacekeeping. She said that Turkmenistan proposed granting neutral states the status of priority partners in UN peacekeeping initiatives, including the creation of two peacekeeping centers in Turkmenistan to promote dialogue and prevent conflicts.

In concluding their speeches, the guests of the TV program noted the positive role of Turkmenistan and its initiatives in international relations, aimed at creating a more peaceful and secure world.

ORIENT