Participation in international conference “Neutrality Policy: International Cooperation for Peace, Security and Development”

Dear Mr. President, dear participants and guests of the conference,

Belarus accepted the initiation of the Turkmenistan President to take part in the conference dedicated to the 20^thanniversary of acquiring the status of permanent neutrality with great pleasure. This is a truly landmark event. First, it is because our states and nations maintain friendly, I would even say, fraternal relations. What is important for our friends is important for us,” the Belarusian leader said. “Second, we sincerely praise the achievements that the leadership and people of Turkmenistan have made during the recent years of independence on the way of neutrality. Third, and this is the main thing, the topic of the today’s conference is, so to say, very urgent, it is important not only for Turkmenistan, but also for the entire region and the world. I would like to share my vision with you. Looking in the past, we can say that immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union all post-Soviet republics faced a very difficult choice of what they should do next. There was havoc in the economy, chaos and anarchy in politics. People starved and were poor. We had to deal with such a number of tasks which would be enough for several generations. Our countries faced a number to truly momentous challenges: the need to carry out serous economic transformations, build their own statehood, and gain a foothold in the international arena.

We faced not only the choice of a path for development but also had to determine our fate. Twenty years ago Turkmenistan took, as it seemed, a fateful decision. The country decided to choose the path of neutrality. We respected this step. Belarus did not just support the special resolution of the UN General Assembly on the issue but also co-authored the document.

Perhaps, the wisdom and foresight of the Turkmen people and also the God’s blessing helped Turkmenistan find that optimal unique idea that secured the country’s consistent and sustainable development, its unconditional recognition in the international arena. Just take a look at what is going on on the planet. We colleagues have already said about it in their speeches. There is a feeling that the world has gone mad. The number of regional conflicts is on a sharp increase. They trigger large-scale migration crises. Terrorist quasi-states are emerging and they are a threat to the whole world community. Even successful Europe cannot feel safe today. Sanctions and information wars have been reduced to an absurdity. The world’s leading players have been practicing militant rhetoric and warlike gestures. Small and medium-sized states are often made to choose. We once again see that ghost of new bloc confrontation that undermines the fundamentals of the global and regional security.  It is especially regretful to witness it on the year of the 70^th anniversary of the end of the bloodiest war in the history of humankind – World War II. Perhaps, the wisdom and foresight of the Turkmen people and also the God’s blessing helped Turkmenistan find that optimal unique idea that secured the country’s consistent and sustainable development, its unconditional recognition in the international arena. The last two decades has been the best testimony to this wise and right strategic choice of our Turkmen friends. Turkmenistan has not just made great success in the construction of a sovereign and prosperous state. The country has been rapidly developing today.

The last two decades has been the best testimony to this wise and right strategic choice of our Turkmen friends. Turkmenistan has not just made great success in the construction of a sovereign and prosperous state. The country has been rapidly developing today. You are doing your best in keeping peace not only in Turkmenistan but also in the entire region. As a result, thousands of refugees from the conflict areas once found their new home on the Turkmen peaceful land.