Turkmenistan's Ambassador in an Interview with Monde vu d'ailleurs on Neutrality, Eurasian Stability, and TAPI
The French-language publication Monde vu d'ailleurs (A View of the World from the Outside), which offers an alternative analysis of the international economy and business, published an extensive interview with Vepa Khadzhiev, Turkmenistan's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva and Ambassador to Switzerland.
The interview was titled "2025: International Year of Peace and Trust – Turkmenistan's Neutrality Does Not Mean Isolation," emphasizing the country's commitment to its peaceful and constructive foreign policy.
Ambassador Khadzhiev emphasized that Turkmenistan's neutrality, recognized by the UN and enshrined in the Constitution, means refraining from participating in military alliances and hosting foreign military bases. However, this status "does not mean isolation." On the contrary, Turkmenistan actively participates and is ready to participate in regional and international cooperation formats (ECO, CIS, UTC) that do not contradict its neutral status.
Vepa Khadzhiev noted that 2025 holds special symbolic significance for Turkmenistan, reflecting our state's unwavering commitment to peace, trust, and constructive international cooperation. This year serves as a reminder of the values that guide Turkmenistan's foreign policy—dialogue, balance, and mutual respect—as well as our consistent contribution to strengthening stability and development both regionally and globally.
Responding to the question, "Is a strong army a guarantor of neutrality?", the Ambassador agreed that political neutrality alone is insufficient to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that Turkmenistan's military doctrine is exclusively defensive.
Given the complex geopolitical situation in neighboring countries in the Middle East, Turkmenistan is placing special emphasis on strengthening its national defense and systematically modernizing its armed forces. However, Khadzhiev stated, its primary goal is to ensure peace and stability, not to engage in armed conflict.
The interview focused on Turkmenistan's economic challenges and strategy.
Despite China being a strategic partner and the largest gas buyer, the diversification of export routes remains a key principle of energy policy. The Ambassador emphasized that diversifying Turkmen gas supplies to Europe is also one of Ashgabat's priorities.
The TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline, despite regional risks, continues to move forward. The Ambassador confirmed that Turkmenistan and Afghanistan are continuing construction of the Afghan section. TAPI's significance is seen not only in energy terms but also in socioeconomic terms for strengthening regional connectivity.
Responding to a question about the impact of sanctions against Russia and changes in trade flows, Ambassador Khadzhiev noted that thanks to its unique approach to integration, building sustainable supply chains, and bilateral agreements, Turkmenistan has managed to avoid the negative consequences of sanctions against other countries.
Turkmenistan continues to combine bilateral partnerships with participation in multilateral initiatives. The country actively participates in the European Union's cooperation with Central Asian countries and in the "Central Asia + Eurasian Economic Union" (EAEU) framework. This allows it to maximize the potential of bilateral cooperation with EAEU members while remaining outside of formal membership.
Turkmenistan participates in SCO events as a guest of honor, using the platform to coordinate efforts in sustainable development, security, energy, and transport, while maintaining its neutral status.
In conclusion, the Ambassador spoke about the country's comprehensive water management policy and cooperation with the UNDP on adapting agriculture to climate change, emphasizing that Turkmenistan adheres to the principle of economic independence even in the face of global upheavals.
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