Foreign Policy of Turkmenistan
Since 1991 after the independence of Turkmenistan in 1991, the leadership of the new country decided to adopt a foreign policy based on the principle of neutrality, non alignment and neighborhood. When we see it in historical perspective, this policy is absolutely matching with the special historical features of Turkmen people.
Turkmens being the dwellers of desert always remained distinct in their hospitality, diligence, good neighborliness, respect and reverence to the authority of elder (as head of family, clan, tribe) and strict to follow their traditions. Such special behaviours of Turkmens can be associated with their specific and tough desert environment, where even a drop of water was like a golden grain. These people were bound in strong bondage of family, tribe and neighborliness for their necessities.
The leadership and people of Turkmenistan were naturally most fit to adopt the course of such foreign policy that they adapted after their independence. This policy of neutrality, non-alignment was attractive, rational and acceptable for all the neighboring nations, super powers and U.N. so Turkmenistan appeared at the horizon of world politics with popular and appreciative slogan “Turkmenistan Home of Neutrality”.
Turkmenistan got independence in a hard time when the entire system of international relations was going through a radical changes, the issue of choosing a foreign policy was one of the most important and crucial issue. In those critical circumstances, the leadership of Turkmenistan wisely chosed model of positive neutrality and its fundamental provisions; peacefulness, non interference in the affairs of other states, respect for their sovereignty, territorial integrity and Non participation in international military blocs and treaties.
The leadership of Turkmenistan clearly indicated that there will be no place for foreign military bases, no country will be allowed to use Turkmenistans’ land for military expeditions against any country of the world. This policy of non-alignment was praised and stamped by 185 members of U.N. 50 world organizations, 150 conventions and treaties. Hence the neutrality and non alignment of Turkmenistan is regarded unique and most authentic, like that of Switzerland.
This unique policy of Neutrality was practically implemented under the dynamic leadership of Great leaders Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
This policy of neutrality provided a safety shield to a country which is one of the richest country of the world in her oil and gas resources. Now the greedy eyes of world hawks who may target these resources were unable to intervene in Turkmenistan.
The policy of peaceful co-existence, non alignment began deep rooted day by day and opened gate for Turkmenistan to interact with rest of the world to enhance her relationship in different walks of life. Now for centuries isolated people of Turkmenistan got a chance to make cordial relations with their neighboring countries and embark on the path of friendship with other countries of the world with new zeal and enthusiasm.
The leadership of Turkmenistan wisely worked for the attainment of her specified goals of peaceful coexistence, economic growth and sustainability exclusively by peaceful means with the support of coordinated actions of all the world community, according to U.N.Charter. By dint of this policy Turkmenistan embarked on the path of close multilateral cooperation and achievement of dignity in the modern world. This was the most suitable policy and dignified way to address the goals and principles embodied in the U.N. charter, strengthen the international peace and security and ensure the economic, environmental, social and humanitarian development. Emphasizing the significance to implement the global strategies and programs of the United Nations, particular the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, it is worth noting that 2020 was the beginning of the decade of decisive actions,aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Some analysts baselessly criticized this policy and named it the policy of isolation from the rest of the world. It is amazing and not understood that how the policy of non alignment, neutrality of Turkmenistan can be criticized as policy of isolation when it is already appreciated by the U.N.O, neighboring countries and that of all World organizations. Such critics the foreign policy of Turkmenistan are shortsighted,non sense, their baseless propaganda is irrational, have no logic , and is unacceptable for the peace loving people of the world.
In reality, policy of neutrality framed by the wise and foresighted leadership of Turkmenistan provides opportunities to their land locked Country and new horizons of development in the existing world ,play her pivotal role as a non aligned country in conflicting world. Now Turkmenistan will be welcomed as a peaceful and impartial mediator to bridge the conflicting countries.
When we praise Turkmenistans’ foreign policy, we in fact encourage the need of neutrality, peacefulness and non alignment for the global peace, prosperity and justice. Our world is really in need of peace,justice and love for human race.
It is up to the nations of the world either to adopt the path of Turkmenistan or otherwise that of military and political blocs. The path adopted by Turkmenistan leads to provide a sigh of relief for the war trodden nations who need,peaceful and prosperous life, development and eradication of diseases.
The world wide aim of pollution free environmental, non proliferation, eradication of poverty and diseases can only be achieved by adopting the policy of neutrality and non alignment, Turkmenistan by virtue of neutral foreign policy, is making her place in the leading countries of the region. All the developed and under developed countries pay respect her, proud to make good relations with this peace loving country. It is worth saying that the Republic of Turkmenistan has very good relations with U.S., China, Russia and European Union.
Turkmenistan relationship with Pakistan is unique because of historical, cultural and religious ties. Pakistan has also very cordial relations with her. The love of Pakistani people with their Turkmen brothers is deep rooted they think them as a part of their body and get pleasure at their pleasures and feel sad when listen about any bad news from their side, both brother countries are developing their coordination in many development programs, especially a gas pipeline between the two countries will be source of economic development for both.
