In Ashgabat, a meeting was held on the topic “The role of neutral states in strengthening security and dialogue in the framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)”.
The meeting was attended by the chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanov, chairman of the parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE Margaret Sedurfelt, the head of the OSCE OSCE in Ashgabat John McGregor, representatives of diplomatic missions and the media.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, the chairman of the Mejlis emphasized the importance of the status of a “neutral state”. “The foreign policy strategy of Turkmenistan, based on the principles of neutrality, helps to ensure security in the region and all over the world as a whole,” Gulmanova emphasized.
In turn, the chairman of the parliamentary Assembly, it shared that neutral countries play a decisive role in reducing conflicts and the development of closer cooperation relations. “Neutral countries can provide a platform for dialogue and act as intermediaries in the issue of resolving conflicts between the warring parties. Their role is especially invaluable in the face of global challenges, such as climate change, which require collective actions and cooperation,” said Sedurfelt.
In turn, the head of the Ashgabat representative office of the OSCE McGregor drew attention to the fact that, on the initiative of Turkmenistan, 2023 was announced: “The International Year of Dialogue as a guarantee of the world.”
“This resolution was developed by joint efforts and adopted by 68 states, including all the countries of Central Asia. Speaking with this initiative, Turkmenistan demonstrated a firm commitment to the chosen and innovative foreign policy strategy, based on the principles of positive neutrality, peace, good neighborliness and constructive partnerships”, – said McGregor.