In the heart of Central Asia, at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes, there is a country whose foreign policy over the past three decades has become a real phenomenon of international relations. After gaining independence in 1991, Turkmenistan managed not only to make itself known on the world stage, but also to become a key player in the region, whose role in global processes is steadily growing.
How did a small state manage to achieve such influence? What diplomatic moves allowed Ashgabat to balance the interests of the world powers while maintaining its uniqueness? And most importantly, what lessons can the world community learn from the Turkmen experience?
In this article, we will try to understand the subtleties of Turkmenistan's foreign policy strategy, tracing its evolution from the first steps of the young state to the present day. We will consider how the principle of neutrality, which has become the cornerstone of Turkmen diplomacy, has helped the country not only to survive in the turbulent sea of international politics, but also to become an island of stability in a turbulent region.
From energy projects changing the geopolitical map of Eurasia to peacekeeping initiatives at the global level, we will analyze the key directions of Turkmenistan's foreign policy and their impact on regional and global processes. Special attention will be paid to how the country uses its unique geographical position to develop transport corridors linking Europe and Asia.
This material is not just a review of one country's achievements. It is an attempt to understand how in the modern world a small state can become a significant player in the international arena without abandoning its principles and preserving its national identity. Turkmenistan's experience can become a valuable lesson for many countries seeking their way in the complex system of international relations.
Diplomacy of Balance: How Neutrality Became Turkmenistan's Business Card
In a world where geopolitical alliances often determine the fate of entire regions, Turkmenistan has chosen a unique path. Permanent neutrality, enshrined at the international level, has become not just a diplomatic move, but the foundation of the country's entire foreign policy.
December 12, 1995 was a turning point in the history of Turkmen diplomacy. On that day, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing and supporting Turkmenistan's neutral status. 185 UN member states voted for this decision, a fact that eloquently testifies to the international recognition of Ashgabat's chosen course.
But what is behind this status? First of all, it is the refusal to participate in military blocs and alliances and not to join economic associations that could limit the country's sovereignty. Turkmenistan consistently adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states and settlement of all disputes exclusively by peaceful means.
The country is actively developing international relations, participating in the work of the UN and other international organizations. It is indicative that Turkmenistan is a party to 12 international conventions on transport, a fact that emphasizes the country's desire to integrate into the world economy while maintaining political neutrality.
The neutral status has allowed Turkmenistan to become a platform for important international initiatives. Ashgabat hosted the first UN Global Conference on Sustainable Transport in 2016 and the First Caspian Economic Forum in 2019. These events demonstrate how a neutral position can contribute to international dialog.
Neutrality plays a special role in regional politics. Turkmenistan actively promotes the idea of creating a zone of peace and stability in Central Asia. The country is in favor of resolving the Afghan issue exclusively by peaceful means, offering its territory for negotiations between the various parties to the conflict.
It is noteworthy that Turkmenistan's neutrality is enshrined not only at the international but also at the constitutional level. In 1995, the country adopted the Constitutional Law "On the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan", which once again emphasizes the country's commitment to the chosen course.
Neutral status has become not only a foreign policy tool, but also an important element of national identity. December 12, the day of adoption of the UN resolution on Turkmenistan's neutrality, is celebrated in the country as a national holiday.
Thus, Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality is not just a diplomatic doctrine, but an integral philosophy of international relations. It allows the country to maintain its independence in decision-making while remaining an active participant in global processes.
Strategy of balance in Turkmenistan's international relations
Over the years of independence, the country has managed to build an impressive network of diplomatic relations covering the entire globe. Multidirectionality has become a key principle of Ashgabat's foreign policy, allowing it to balance the interests of various global and regional powers.
Today Turkmenistan maintains diplomatic relations with 151 states out of 193 UN members. This is an impressive figure for a country that was part of the Soviet Union three decades ago. There are 31 foreign embassies accredited in Ashgabat, and Turkmenistan itself has diplomatic missions in 30 countries.
Special attention is paid to the development of relations with neighbors in the region. Turkmenistan actively participates in various formats of cooperation, including the "Central Asia + 1" dialog with such partners as the European Union, Russia, the United States, China, India, Japan and the Republic of Korea. This allows the country to play the role of a link between different geopolitical centers of power.
It is indicative that Turkmenistan is not limited to traditional partners. The country is actively developing relations with the states of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. For example, in recent years, diplomatic relations have been established with such countries as Benin, Burkina Faso, Djibouti and Somalia.
An important aspect of Turkmenistan's multi-vector diplomacy is its participation in international organizations. The country is a member of 49 international and regional organizations, including the UN, the OSCE, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This allows Turkmenistan to actively participate in shaping the global agenda on a wide range of issues.
Turkmenistan's role in promoting regional cooperation is particularly noteworthy. The country advocates the creation of mechanisms for multilateral cooperation in Central Asia aimed at ensuring stability and economic development of the region.
Turkmenistan's multi-vector diplomacy is not limited to the political sphere. The country is actively developing economic ties, attracting foreign investment and technology. Special attention is paid to the energy sector, where Turkmenistan seeks to diversify export routes for its rich hydrocarbon resources.
Thus, multi-vector diplomacy has become an effective tool for Turkmenistan to strengthen its position in the international arena. It allows the country, while maintaining neutrality, to actively participate in global processes, defending its national interests and contributing to regional stability.
Turkmenistan as a guarantor of stability in Central Asia
Turkmenistan, due to its geographical location and status as a neutral state, plays a key role in ensuring regional security and stability in Central Asia. Ashgabat pays special attention to the development of relations with neighboring Afghanistan, considering economic cooperation as an important factor in stabilizing the situation in the region.
Recent events clearly demonstrated Turkmenistan's commitment to this course. A number of important infrastructure projects were launched at the Turkmen-Afghan border with the participation of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Acting Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Afghanistan Molla Mohammed Hassan Akhund.
These included the opening of a 177-meter railway bridge on the Serhetabat-Turgundi route, the start of construction of the Serhetabat-Herat section of the TAPI gas pipeline, the laying of the Serhetabat-Herat fiber-optic communication line, the start of construction of a warehouse complex at the Turgundi station and a section of the Turgundi-Herat railroad. In addition, the Nur-el-Jahad power plant in the Herat province of Afghanistan was commissioned.
These projects not only strengthen economic ties between the two countries, but also create a basis for long-term stability in the region. Experts estimate that the implementation of these initiatives will create about 12,000 jobs in Afghanistan and ensure an annual inflow of more than 1 billion U.S. dollars to the country.
Turkmenistan is also actively promoting the idea of a peaceful settlement of the Afghan issue in the international arena. The country has repeatedly offered its territory as a neutral ground for negotiations between the various parties to the conflict. In 2021, at Turkmenistan's initiative, the UN declared 2023 the International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace, which emphasizes the country's role in promoting the ideas of peaceful coexistence in the region.
An important aspect of Turkmenistan's contribution to regional stability is its energy policy. Turkmen gas and electricity supplies to neighboring countries, including Afghanistan, contribute to strengthening energy security in the region and create a basis for long-term economic cooperation.
Thus, Turkmenistan, based on its neutral status and rich natural resources, plays a unique role in ensuring regional security and stability. By combining economic diplomacy with active participation in peacekeeping initiatives, Ashgabat demonstrates how a small state can become an important factor of stability in a complex geopolitical region.
Energy and Transportation Highways: How Turkmenistan Connects Continents
Energy and transport diplomacy have become key elements of Turkmenistan's foreign policy strategy, allowing the country to effectively use its unique geographical location and rich natural resources. Over the years of independence, Ashgabat has managed to turn these advantages into powerful instruments of international influence.
In the field of energy diplomacy, the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline has become Turkmenistan's flagship project. This ambitious project, initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is designed not only to ensure the export of Turkmen gas to the capacious markets of South Asia, but also to become a factor of regional stability. The recent start of construction of the Serhetabat-Herat section was an important step in the realization of this project.
Turkmenistan is also actively developing electricity exports. The commissioning of the Nur-el-Jahad power plant in Afghanistan's Herat province opens up new opportunities for Turkmen electricity supplies not only to Afghanistan, but also in the future to Pakistan and other South Asian countries.
In the field of transport diplomacy, Turkmenistan is consistently implementing a strategy to turn the country into a major logistics hub linking Europe and Asia. A key element of this strategy has been the construction of new railroad routes. The opening of a 177-meter railway bridge on the Serhetabat-Turgundi route and the start of construction of the Turgundi-Herat section are vivid evidence of this.
Special attention is paid to the development of the international transport corridor "Lyapis Lazuli", which is to link Afghanistan through Turkmenistan with Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. This project not only opens new opportunities for cargo transit, but also promotes economic integration of the countries of the region.
The development of maritime transportation has become an important element of Turkmenistan's transport strategy. The opening of a new international seaport in Turkmenbashi in 2018 significantly expanded the country's capacity to serve transit cargo flows.
Turkmenistan is actively promoting its transportation initiatives at the international level. At the country's initiative, the UN General Assembly adopted four resolutions on the role of transport and transit corridors in ensuring international cooperation for sustainable development. In 2016, the first UN Global Conference on Sustainable Transport was held in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan's energy and transport diplomacy not only contributes to the country's economic development, but also strengthens its role as an important factor of regional stability. The implementation of major infrastructure projects creates a basis for long-term cooperation between the countries of the region, contributing to overcoming existing contradictions and building an atmosphere of trust.
Peacebuilding initiatives and humanitarian diplomacy of Turkmenistan
Peacemaking initiatives and humanitarian diplomacy have become a hallmark of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, organically complementing its status of permanent neutrality. Over the years of independence, Ashgabat has managed to turn its neutral position into an effective tool for promoting peace and stability in the region.
A key area of Turkmenistan's peacekeeping efforts has been the promotion of a peaceful settlement of the situation in neighboring Afghanistan. Turkmen diplomacy has consistently advocated resolving the Afghan issue exclusively by peaceful means, offering its territory as a neutral ground for negotiations between the various parties to the conflict.
The practical embodiment of this approach has been the implementation of a number of major infrastructure projects designed to contribute to the economic recovery of Afghanistan. Among them are the construction of the Serhetabat-Turgundi-Herat railroad, the TAPI gas pipeline, and the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan power transmission line. These projects not only create new jobs for Afghans, but also form the basis for long-term economic cooperation in the region.
The humanitarian component of Turkmen diplomacy was clearly manifested in the program of assistance to Afghanistan. In February 2020, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a decree approving a program of humanitarian assistance to the neighboring country for 2020-2022. Under this program, Turkmenistan regularly sends humanitarian cargoes to Afghanistan, including food, medicine and basic necessities.
Turkmenistan pays special attention to promoting the culture of peace in the international arena. On Ashgabat's initiative, the UN General Assembly declared 2023 the International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace. This decision recognized Turkmenistan's contribution to strengthening international understanding and cooperation.
Turkmenistan actively uses the UN platform to promote its peacekeeping initiatives. The country has sponsored a number of General Assembly resolutions aimed at strengthening regional and global security. In particular, a resolution on the role of preventive diplomacy centers was adopted at Turkmenistan's initiative.
An important element of Turkmenistan's humanitarian diplomacy has been the development of cooperation in the field of health care. In the context of the global pandemic COVID-19, the country actively shared its experience in fighting the infection and provided humanitarian assistance to neighboring states. Thus, on September 1, 2021, Turkmenistan sent a batch of protective clothing, medicines, disinfectants and masks to Afghanistan to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Turkmenistan's peacekeeping initiatives and humanitarian diplomacy are not limited to the regional level. The country actively participates in global efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, paying special attention to environmental security issues, in particular combating desertification and preserving the Aral Sea.
Turkmenistan's contribution to the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
In the years of independence, Turkmenistan has been actively involved in addressing global challenges and realizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Ashgabat pays special attention to environmental issues. Turkmenistan has launched a number of initiatives to preserve the Caspian Sea ecosystem, combat desertification and introduce "green" technologies. These proposals resonated in the international arena and were supported by the UN and other international organizations.
In the area of climate policy, Turkmenistan has set a course for the development of renewable energy sources. The country, rich in hydrocarbon resources, realizes its responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is actively investing in solar and wind energy.
Turkmenistan is also making a significant contribution to global food security. The country is not only fully self-sufficient in basic foodstuffs, but is also increasing exports of agricultural products, contributing to the fight against world hunger.
Turkmenistan actively cooperates with the World Health Organization in the field of health care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the country demonstrated the effectiveness of its health care system and shared its experience in fighting the infection at the international level.
Turkmenistan pays particular attention to gender equality and the empowerment of women. The country is implementing programs to increase the role of women in public and political life, which is in line with the fifth UN Sustainable Development Goal.
In the field of education, Turkmenistan is actively developing international cooperation, encouraging the exchange of students and teachers with the world's leading universities. This contributes to improving the quality of education and is in line with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal.
Turkmenistan also contributes to global energy security. The country advocates the creation of sustainable and reliable energy transportation systems, which is reflected in a number of UN resolutions adopted on Ashgabat's initiative.
Promotion of sustainable transport ideas has become an important area of Turkmenistan's activities. In 2016, the first UN Global Conference on Sustainable Transport was held in Ashgabat, and in 2021 Turkmenistan initiated the International Forum on Sustainable Transport.
Thus, Turkmenistan demonstrates a comprehensive approach to the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, integrating them into its domestic and foreign policy. The country not only solves its own development challenges, but also makes a significant contribution to global efforts to build a more sustainable and equitable world.
Turkmenistan in the system of international organizations
Cooperation with international organizations has become one of the key areas of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, allowing the country to effectively defend its interests in the global arena and contribute to solving global problems. Over the years of independence, Ashgabat has managed to build productive relations with a wide range of international organizations without abandoning its neutral status.
To date, Turkmenistan has active and fruitful cooperation with 49 international and regional organizations. This cooperation covers various spheres: from politics and economy to culture and ecology.
Cooperation with the United Nations occupies a special place in Turkmenistan's foreign policy strategy. The country not only actively participates in the work of the UN, but also initiates a number of important resolutions. At Turkmenistan's suggestion, the UN General Assembly adopted resolutions on the role of transport and transit corridors in ensuring international cooperation for sustainable development (2014, 2015, 2017 and 2021). In addition, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, 2021 was declared the International Year of Peace and Confidence.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an important partner of Turkmenistan. The OSCE Center operates in Ashgabat and supports the country in various areas, including strengthening border security, combating trafficking in human beings and developing civil society.
Turkmenistan also actively participates in the work of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), paying special attention to economic cooperation within the framework of this organization. The country regularly takes initiatives to deepen integration in various areas, including transportation and energy.
A significant area of Turkmenistan's international cooperation is interaction with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Ashgabat views this platform as an important tool for the development of dialog between the Islamic world and other countries.
Turkmenistan is actively developing cooperation with international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. These organizations provide support for the implementation of various projects in infrastructure, agriculture and the social sphere.
In the health sector, Turkmenistan works closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), which was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An important aspect of Turkmenistan's international cooperation is participation in the Non-Aligned Movement, which is fully consistent with the country's neutral status.
Turkmenistan demonstrates a balanced and pragmatic approach to cooperation with international organizations. The country skillfully uses various international platforms to promote its initiatives and protect its national interests without abandoning its unique status of a neutral state. This allows Turkmenistan to play an important role in regional and global processes, while remaining true to its principles and values.
Over the three decades of independence, Turkmenistan has managed to build a unique model of foreign policy that harmoniously combines the principles of permanent neutrality with active participation in solving regional and global problems. This approach has allowed the country to ensure its own security and stability, while becoming a significant player in the international arena.
The success of Turkmen diplomacy is based on the consistent implementation of the policy of neutrality recognized by the international community and multi-vector diplomacy, which allows building balanced relations with various global and regional powers. Active promotion of energy and transport projects has turned Turkmenistan into an important transit hub linking Europe and Asia.
Turkmenistan's peacekeeping initiatives, especially in the context of resolving the situation in neighboring Afghanistan, have received wide international recognition. The country is making a significant contribution to the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the resolution of global environmental problems. Effective cooperation with a wide range of international organizations enables Turkmenistan to participate actively in shaping the global agenda.
The experience of Turkmenistan demonstrates that even a small state can play a significant role in world politics by consistently defending its principles and actively participating in solving common problems. Neutrality in the Turkmen version has become an effective platform for constructive dialog and cooperation.
Turkmenistan's future prospects are associated with further adaptation to the changing global environment, economic development and deeper integration into global processes. The laid foundation of the foreign policy allows the country to move forward confidently and continue to play an important role in ensuring regional and global stability.
Turkmenistan's experience can serve as an inspiring example for other states seeking to find their unique path in the complex system of international relations of the 21st century. It shows how principle and openness, neutrality and active engagement can become the basis for an effective foreign policy strategy that promotes peace and prosperity.
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