Japanese researcher Dr Masaru Emoto once conducted an unusual experiment. He placed rice into three separate glass containers, each filled with water. Every day for a month, he said “thank you” to the first jar, “you’re ignorant” to the second, and completely passed the third over.

After a month, the rice that had been thanked began to ferment and gave off a pleasant aroma. The second turned black. The ignored one started to rot. The lesson was clear: positive attention and interaction can drastically affect outcomes.

In the realm of international relations, the principle is no different. Legal recognition of states through the establishment of constructive diplomatic relations lays the foundation for peace and stability. The absence of such mechanisms breeds isolation and destructive consequences that reverberate across the global order.

States as Primary Actors in International Relations

In today’s world, sovereign states remain the only legitimate subjects of international law. They alone possess the legal capacity to establish official diplomatic relations – a process which, by its nature, requires mutual recognition as the starting point.

According to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, diplomacy is instrumental in preserving international peace and security. It promotes friendly relations among nations, irrespective of differences in political or social systems.

These relationships are typically established following mutual recognition, formalised through the exchange of diplomatic notes, letters, or joint communiqués – legal instruments that express mutual consent to open formal diplomatic channels.

Legal recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations are two sides of the same coin – sometimes evoking the classic ‘chicken or egg’ dilemma. The answer may vary depending on political or cultural context, yet the logical sequence remains: recognition of a state, particularly its governing authority, is only a starting point. Without the follow-up of diplomatic engagement, such recognition is little more than symbolic, making full-fledged interaction between states impossible.

The power of diplomacy lies in its ability to provide international legitimacy to a government through recognition by others. This process is epitomised by the exchange of agréments, the opening of embassies and consulates, and the presentation of credentials – all of which pave the way for robust political, economic, and cultural cooperation.

Global Example: Who Leads the Diplomatic Track?

China is a global leader in the scale of its diplomatic outreach, maintaining relations with 176 UN member states, as well as with observers such as the Holy See and Palestine. According to the Lowy Institute Global Diplomacy Index, China operates 274 diplomatic missions worldwide – the largest such network in the world.

This diplomatic infrastructure demonstrates how broad engagement contributes to economic growth, political stability, and enhanced global influence.

Legal Recognition in Practice: Russia and Afghanistan

A recent example of diplomatic recognition in action is the developing relationship between the Russian Federation, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and the current authorities in Afghanistan. On 3 July this year, the Russian Foreign Ministry officially recognised Afghanistan’s legitimate government, clearing the way for the establishment of formal diplomatic ties.

This step not only consolidated Russia’s legal recognition of the Afghan authorities but also opened the door to broader multilateral engagement in the region – from trade and humanitarian cooperation to the pursuit of long-term stability.

Recognition of Afghanistan has sparked hopes that diplomacy can contribute meaningfully to regional stability and re-integrate this key Global South country into the international system.

Turkmenistan’s Neutrality and Expanding Diplomatic Landscape

Turkmenistan, steadfast in its policy of permanent neutrality, officially recognised three times by the United Nations General Assembly (in 1995, 2015, and 2025 respectively), continues to actively broaden its international partnerships, strengthening its position as a peaceful and constructive actor in global affairs.

In the past five years alone, Turkmenistan has established official relations with ten new countries. Just two days ago, the number of partner nations rose to 157 with the formalisation of diplomatic ties with another African nation – the Republic of Rwanda.

Today, Turkmenistan maintains 46 diplomatic missions across various continents. At the recent Economic Cooperation Organisation Summit, the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan also proposed the establishment of official diplomatic engagement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to international forecasts, Nigeria’s population is set to become the third largest in the world by 2050, surpassing that of the United States. Its economic prospects are equally striking – experts believe Nigeria may rank among the top 15 global economies by mid-century. In this context, Turkmenistan’s far-sighted foreign policy deserves recognition.

The country's active neutrality underpins its growing diplomatic presence and helps expand formal communication channels, thereby strengthening its role within the United Nations system. Global support for Turkmenistan’s diplomatic initiatives continues to grow – notably illustrated by the rising number of co-sponsors of the UN resolution declaring 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. To date, 86 countries have endorsed the document, and the list keeps expanding with each new partnership.

"Thank You" for Peace: Diplomacy as the breath for Global Interaction

Just as kind words in Emoto’s experiment transformed a simple jar of rice into a fragrant ferment, diplomatic relations based on mutual respect and recognition foster harmony within the international community.

From China’s global diplomatic footprint, to Turkmenistan’s neutral strategy, and Russia’s new ties with Afghanistan – these examples illustrate how positive interaction not only reinforces bilateral cooperation but lays a stable foundation for peace and trust.

In a world where each state is part of a larger whole, diplomacy becomes the global community’s collective “thank you” – an expression of goodwill that encourages cooperation and prosperity, preventing the decay of isolation and conflict.

Jumadurdy POTJIMOV