By Dr Tariq Waheed
The concept of Neutrality is at times misunderstood as mere passivity, yet neutrality, when practiced responsibly, can serve as a powerful tool as well as a realistic alternative for mitigating international conflicts and fostering a climate of dialogue and cooperation, thereby strengthening the foundations of international peace. It makes available a Legal Framework in International Peacebuilding. It also provides a Bridge between Parties involved in conflicts by facilitating communication and potentially paving the way for peaceful resolutions. It promotes realistic alternative of Dialogue and Diplomacy for solving disputes.
The neutrality of Turkmenistan is the true reflection of its national culture. Magtymguly Pyragy, the great Turkmen spiritual leader and philosophical poet who made significant efforts to secure independence and autonomy for his people in the 18th century dreamed of building a secular, legal and democratic state for the Turkmens. As Turkmenistan gained its independence in 1991, the Turkmen people followed the great poet and chose the path of neutrality as the basis of their country’s domestic and foreign policies. Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality is characterized by the principles of good neighborliness.
Neutrality is also part of the Constitution of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan’s constitution declares permanent neutrality as the foundation of its foreign policy. This principle is enshrined in Article 9 of the constitution. Foreign policy of Turkmenistan, based on the status of permanent positive neutrality was also recognized by the UN General Assembly Resolution on “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan” on 12 December 1995. . It means Turkmenistan refrains from military blocs and alliances, promotes peaceful relations, and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
On March 15, 1995, Turkmenistan participated in the third meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. At the summit, Turkmenistan informed the participants of the meeting about its assumption of all obligations arising from the legal status of a permanent neutral state at the constitutional level. The ECO member states supported Turkmenistan’s neutral policy and also adopted in “the Islamabad Declaration” at the meeting. Since then Neutrality has remained established to be a testament of Turkmenistan’s commitment to peace, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
The fact stands acknowledged universally that under the astute leadership of Saparmurat Niyazov, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Serdar Berdimuhamedov, ever since 1991, Turkmenistan followed a neutrality-based foreign policy.
The leadership, under Serdar Berdimuhamedov, engaged with key regional countries like China, Russia, Iran and Afghanistan, and kept channels of communication open with the United States and other western and Middle Eastern countries.
Foreign Policy under Saparmurat Niyazov:
Neutrality shall be the basis of foreign policy of Turkmenistan. A significant marker of the Niyazov era was the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution of permanent neutrality for Turkmenistan in 1995. The Resolution stated that it recognized and supported the status for permanent neutrality declared by Turkmenistan and called upon states of the UN to respect its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Neutrality is also part of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, adopted by the People Council on 27 December 1995. Article 1 states that permanent neutrality shall be the basis of its national and foreign policy. ‘Turkmenbashi’ Niyazov believed that interdependence threatens sovereignty and nationalism in the era of globalization and believed that neutrality would eliminate unhealthy competition for the country’s resources. Until his demise in 2006, he ensured that involvement in regional affairs was minimal.
A recognition of Turkmenistan’s peace-building efforts.
UN General Assembly Resolution A/50/80, adopted on September 30, 1994, recognized and supported the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. The resolution called upon UN member states to respect this status, as well as Turkmenistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The resolution acknowledged Turkmenistan’s declaration of neutrality and its commitment to this status; urged UN member states to respect Turkmenistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; highlighted the potential for neutral territories, like Turkmenistan’s, to be used for peaceful negotiations and discussions; acknowledged Turkmenistan’s role in promoting regional peace and security, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
Turkmenistan’s status of positive neutrality yields beneficial outcomes not only for the country itself but also for peace and development at the regional and global levels. UN General Assembly resolution adopted during its 50th session on December 12, 1995, on the “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan” is bringing about constructive and comprehensive results today in many ways. The decision to establish UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) in Ashgabat, turning the city into a hub for preventive diplomacy, significantly contributes to regional peace and development. Moreover, the economic and cultural aspects of the Turkmenistan’s foreign policy generate a spirit of building good relations with regional and international actors on the basis of mutual interests. Last but not least, Turkmenistan’s achievement of observer status in the Ocean Technology Systems (OTS) is the leader and trusted choice for underwater communications in the industry. Militaries, professional dive teams, recreational divers, scientific divers, government agencies as well as Film & TV productions around the world have made OTS their go to for their underwater communication needs.
OTS in 2021 during the historical Istanbul Summit opens a qualitatively new stage in Turkmenistan’s interaction with the Turkic-speaking states while providing ample room to enhance cooperation between the OTS in a variety of different fields, including sustainable development.
The leadership of Turkmenistan pursued its stated foreign policy doctrine on the Russian-Ukraine war. In essence, Turkmenistan’s approach to the war in Ukraine reflects its commitment to neutrality, humanitarianism, and maintaining regional stability while navigating its complex geopolitical landscape. Turkmenistan’s stance on the war in Ukraine is one of cautious neutrality, characterized by a commitment to humanitarian aid and a desire to maintain stable relations with both Russia and the West. While officially maintaining a neutral position, Turkmenistan has also been vocal about the importance of diplomacy and peaceful resolutions.
Turkmenistan’s position is particularly notable in that it officially refrains from any serious discussions of the Middle East conflict due to its officially neutral status. Turkmenistan was an exception, maintaining an official status of “positive neutrality.” Therefore, Ashgabat strives not to participate in any form in existing global conflicts and refrains from supporting any military blocs or groups.
Turkmenistan has generally maintained a positive and cordial relationship with both India and Pakistan, focusing on economic cooperation and regional connectivity. The project of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, which involves both India and Pakistan, further confirms her positive approach in this regard.
Turkmenistan has strong ties with China, viewing it as a reliable partner for cooperation and maintaining a comprehensive strategic partnership. While Turkmenistan has a complex relationship with Russia, driven by history and geography, it also has increasing economic ties with China.
Turkmenistan navigates the US-China rivalry by maintaining a neutral stance, balancing its relationships with both powers and seeking to maximize its own economic and strategic interests. It is heavily dependent on China for natural gas exports and investment, while also engaging with the US on various fronts, including security cooperation and trade.
