On March 26, 2025, a special event on the theme “Role of Neutrality in Strengthening International Peace” was held in the premises of the European Parliament and was organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium together with the European Parliament. The session was moderated by Member of the European Parliament Kateryna Neveďalová.
Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, international organizations, analytical centers, diplomatic missions and mass media representatives took part in the discussion.
Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium Sapar Palvanov made a keynote speech, where he emphasized that Turkmenistan’s neutrality is an active and creative form of diplomacy aimed at strengthening international trust and dialogue. Ambassador drew special attention to the new Resolution of the UN General Assembly “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan”, adopted on March 21, 2025 by consensus, noting that this document not only confirms international support for Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, but also recommends using the territory of neutral states as a platform for peace negotiations.
Miroslav Slašťan, Legal Adviser to the President of Slovakia, also spoke, presenting the European side’s vision of the value of neutrality as a factor of stability and legitimacy in international relations.
Representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan emphasized that neutrality of Turkmenistan has a clear legal framework and is supported by consistent international practice, including humanitarian initiatives, sustainable development and the development of parliamentary diplomacy. It was noted that Turkmenistan initiated the Group of Friends of Neutrality within the UN, which confirms its active position in the international arena.
In the second part of the event, an open discussion took place, during which the participants - representatives of mass media, analytical structures and international organizations - asked questions to the speakers and exchanged opinions.
The event emphasized the relevance of the policy of neutrality as an effective tool for diplomacy and conflict prevention, as well as became a significant contribution to the development of dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union.
