Oriented on making people closer

On August 1, the OSCE participating states mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, which became the foundational document of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), later evolving into the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

According to John MacGregor, Ambassador and Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat, the signing of the Helsinki Act in 1975 marked a significant breakthrough in relations between East and West, enabling the development of a comprehensive approach to security that includes politico-military, economic, and humanitarian dimensions.

The principles of the Helsinki Act — sovereign equality of states, inviolability of borders, peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for human rights, and others — laid the foundation for the OSCE’s current activities. Today, the OSCE is the largest regional security organization, covering more than one billion people.

MacGregor emphasized that over the past 50 years, relying on dialogue and cooperation, the OSCE has made a significant contribution to conflict prevention, the development of the rule of law, and strengthening trust among participating states. He stressed that these principles remain relevant today.

Special attention was given to Turkmenistan’s role, which in the year marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Act also celebrates the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality status. At Turkmenistan’s initiative, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. The Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat noted that Turkmenistan actively uses its neutral status to strengthen security and stability in the region.

The OSCE Center in Ashgabat continues to support Turkmenistan in fulfilling its commitments across the OSCE’s three dimensions of security, taking into account national priorities.

Concluding his mission in Turkmenistan, John MacGregor expressed gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedow and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their constructive cooperation. He also noted the warm attitude toward the organization and its activities. MacGregor expressed confidence that cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE will continue to develop, contributing to strengthening peace and security in political, economic, and environmental spheres.

Photo: mfa.gov.tm