Peace Diplomacy: Conference in Honor of Turkmenistan's Neutrality in Minsk
Minsk, Belarus, July 23 | ORIENT. Today, a significant event took place at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus, which became a bridge between peoples and a platform for understanding global values. The conference, dedicated to the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, brought together prominent diplomats, representatives of international organizations and the expert community in Minsk.
Neutrality: Not Just a Status, but a Philosophy of Peace and Development
Opening the conference, in his report, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Nazarguly Shagulyev deeply revealed the phenomenon of Turkmen neutrality. He emphasized that over three decades this status has not only consolidated the sovereignty and national identity of the country, but has also become an active instrument of regional dialogue, strengthening stability and security in Central Asia and beyond.
The Ambassador paid special attention to Turkmenistan's initiatives in the field of energy security, transport and ecology. These steps, based on the principles of trust and mutually beneficial partnership, are directly consistent with the goals of the declared Year of Peace and Trust, confirming Turkmenistan's commitment to the global agenda.
Voices of International Support: UN and CIS on the Role of Turkmenistan
The importance of Turkmenistan's neutrality policy has been highly praised by international partners. Rasul Bagirov, UN Special Coordinator in the Republic of Belarus, particularly noted the contribution of neutral Turkmenistan to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized the uniqueness of neutrality in promoting a culture of peace and trust at the global level and confirmed the UN's continued support for Ashgabat's initiatives. According to him, the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust is a timely response to modern challenges that require consolidation of efforts.
Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States Nurlan Seitimov focused on the significant role of Turkmenistan's neutral status in strengthening stability and integration processes in the CIS. He highlighted the country's constructive contribution as a reliable partner to the development of multilateral cooperation in the economic, humanitarian and cultural spheres of the Commonwealth.
Culture as a Bridge: Immersion in Heritage
The event was harmoniously complemented by a rich cultural and educational program, which became a vivid embodiment of public diplomacy. The participants were shown a video specially prepared by the Embassy, clearly demonstrating the path of Turkmenistan as a neutral state and its peace-loving ideals. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the performance of a patriotic song by a Turkmen student studying in Belarus, which became a symbol of strong cultural ties.
The culmination of the program was a thematic photo exhibition in the greenhouse garden of the Embassy, reflecting the modern achievements of Turkmenistan. Guests were also able to get acquainted with the richest ethnographic collection and book publications in the gallery of the Embassy, allowing them to touch the unique historical and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people.
The conference held in Minsk became not just a tribute to the 30th anniversary of Turkmen neutrality, but an interactive diplomatic platform. It vividly demonstrated how the principles of neutrality – peacefulness, non-interference, trust and equal cooperation – serve as a solid foundation for building sustainable dialogue and partnership, and how Turkmenistan’s rich culture is its inalienable asset and an effective tool of public diplomacy.
