Oriented on making people closer

Brussels, March 26, 2025 — A special event titled “The Role of Neutrality in Strengthening International Peace” was held at the European Parliament, co-organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels and the European Parliament.

The session was moderated by Member of the European Parliament Ms. Katarina Nevedalova. The event brought together Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, diplomats, international organizations, think tanks, and media. The central theme of discussion was the significance of neutrality in contemporary international relations, preventive diplomacy, and sustainable peacebuilding.

Mr. Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality is not a passive stance, but an active and constructive foreign policy approach aimed at fostering dialogue, building trust, and promoting equal cooperation with all nations.

The Ambassador placed particular emphasis on the recent adoption of the United Nations General Assembly resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan” on March 21, 2025, which was adopted by consensus. He noted that the resolution reaffirms the effectiveness of neutrality as a tool for preventive diplomacy and encourages the use of neutral states’ territory as venues for peaceful negotiations—a powerful acknowledgment of Turkmenistan’s long-standing efforts to promote peace and dialogue.

Professor Miroslav Slašťan, Legal Advisor to the President of the Slovak Republic, delivered the second keynote speech, sharing a European perspective on the value of neutrality as a contributor to international legal order and resilience. He underscored the constructive role of smaller states in promoting multilateral cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

Representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan addressed the audience with reflections on the evolution of Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy, its legal foundations, and its successful implementation across areas such as humanitarian diplomacy, sustainable development, and parliamentary cooperation. They highlighted Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security, and Sustainable Development at the United Nations.

Following the main statements, the session transitioned into an open discussion where participants — including journalists, policy analysts, and representatives of international organizations — posed questions and exchanged views. Speakers and participants alike emphasized that the neutral position of states must be respected, especially in today’s polarized world, as neutral platforms provide much-needed space for dialogue, trust-building, and peaceful conflict resolution.

The event was widely praised by attendees and served as another milestone in the expanding partnership between Turkmenistan and the European Union, particularly at the parliamentary level. It also reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s proactive contribution to global initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability, and mutual understanding.

ORIENT

Photo: Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels