Celebrating 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality in 2025: International Year of Peace and Trust
By Embassy of Turkmenistan in Seoul
This year, Turkmenistan proudly celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Permanent Neutrality, coinciding with the United Nations' proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
These two milestone events reflect Turkmenistan's remarkable commitment to global harmony and its dedication to cooperating with the international community to strengthen stability, security and sustainable development worldwide.
Furthermore, the special symbolism of 2025 is emphasized by several significant events: the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, and the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. These milestones highlight the alignment of Turkmenistan's national achievements with international aspirations.
On December 12, 1995, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a special resolution on the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan, with 185 member states endorsing the decision. This landmark moment in Turkmenistan's modern history carried profound significance for the broader international community, marking one of the earliest instances of a state's peaceful course being formally recognized by the UN.
For Turkmenistan, this day became a national point of pride, demonstrating how its centuries-old traditions of goodwill, hospitality and neighborly relations align with the goals and objectives of the global community. This neutral status has been reaffirmed over time, most notably on June 3, 2015, when the UN General Assembly once again endorsed the resolution, underscoring the high regard for Turkmenistan's principled stance on the world stage.
As a logical extension of this recognition, in February 2017, the UN General Assembly unanimously designated December 12 as the International Day of Neutrality, further highlighting Turkmenistan's unique role in promoting peace and partnership among nations. For the Turkmen people, December 12 has long been celebrated as Neutrality Day, second in importance only to Independence Day.
Turkmenistan's commitment to neutrality goes beyond declarations. The country consistently demonstrates how neutrality can serve as a bridge-building tool, fostering constructive dialogues, promoting regional cooperation and maintaining good relations with states both near and far. These attributes hold particular significance in today's world, where trust and mutual understanding are essential to addressing pressing global challenges—from poverty and environmental issues to refugee crises and energy security.
On March 21, 2024, at the 63rd plenary meeting of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, Turkmenistan reaffirmed its leadership in global diplomacy by initiating the resolution '2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust,' co-sponsored by 86 states. This resolution carries special importance, as 2025 will mark not only the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality but also the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. This confluence of historic moments provides an opportune platform for intensified collaboration and efforts toward peace and reconciliation.
In preparation for this year of significance, Turkmenistan has presented a Concept of Activities and Priorities designed to underscore the relevance of neutrality as a practical strategy for mitigating conflict and promoting development. The Concept proposes a wide range of efforts, from intergovernmental forums to youth initiatives, intended to unite all who value dialogue over discord. This is consistent with the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to develop a Global Security Strategy that accounts not just for military and political factors but also for the economic, environmental, technological and humanitarian dimensions of security.
For Turkmenistan itself, three decades of recognized Permanent Neutrality has resulted in valuable diplomatic experience and growing trust across the globe. The country has forged strong relationships with numerous UN agencies, championed initiatives on sustainable energy and transport connectivity, and maintained a long-standing commitment to humanitarian support, bolstering health and educational programs, and focusing on the welfare of children through the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship.
As we look ahead to 2025, Turkmenistan extends an invitation to states and organizations to join its efforts in making the International Year of Peace and Trust a resounding success, through economic projects that stimulate regional prosperity or cultural exchanges that strengthen mutual understanding. In this context, the International Year of Peace and Trust -- coinciding with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality -- not only promises to illustrate the enduring power of peaceful ideals but also reminds the world of the importance of unity and collaboration.
Over the past three decades, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea have worked hand in hand to advance our common goals, deepening ties in various fields, including politics, economy, culture and education. Both Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea share a steadfast commitment to peace, security and stability. Marking 33 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, our countries continue to demonstrate the value of balanced, forward-looking diplomacy that underscores dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
US vetoes UN Security Council resolution demanding immediate Gaza ceasefire
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The US on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza because it was not linked to the release of hostages, saying it would embolden Hamas militants. All 14 other members of the council voted in favor of the resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as 'catastrophic' and called on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the 2.1 million Palestinians in the territory. The resolution before the UN's most powerful body also did not fulfill two other US demands: It did not condemn Hamas' deadly attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which ignited the war, or say the militant group must disarm and withdraw from Gaza. Acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea, speaking to the council immediately before the vote, said the resolution would undermine the security of Israel. a close US ally, and diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire 'that reflects the realities on the ground." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the resolution would only have empowered Hamas. 'Hamas could end this brutal conflict immediately by laying down its arms and releasing all remaining hostages,' he said in a statement. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon thanked the United States for refusing to abandon the hostages. He said the resolution's failure to make the release of hostages a condition for a ceasefire would have put all the pressure on Israel and handed Hamas 'time, leverage and political cover.' But the US veto of the resolution — its fifth since the start of the war — was roundly criticized by other members of the council, who accused the United States of providing Israel with impunity. The Chinese ambassador to the UN said Israel's actions have 'crossed every red line' of international humanitarian law and seriously violated UN resolutions. 'Yet, due to the shielding by one country, these violations have not been stopped or held accountable," Ambassador Fu Cong said. Britain's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward, a usual US ally, lashed out at Israel. 'This Israeli government's decisions to expand its military operations in Gaza and severely restrict aid are unjustifiable, disproportionate and counterproductive, and the UK completely opposes them,' she said. Pakistan's Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said the US veto "will be remembered as a complicity, a green light for continued annihilation. A moment where the entire world was expecting action. But yet again, this council was blocked and prevented by one member from carrying out its responsibility.' Slovenia's UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar, the coordinator for the council's 10 elected members, stressed that it was never the intention to provoke a veto, and therefore the resolution focused on the humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for unimpeded access to deliver aid. 'Starving civilians and inflicting immense suffering is inhumane and against international law,' he told the council after the vote. 'No war objective can justify such action. We had hoped and expected that this was our shared understanding.' Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour said Palestinians are now urging governments to take 'real measures' to pressure Israel to get out of Gaza before it implements what he called an Israeli plan 'to destroy our people." And in the coming days, he said, the Palestinians will head to the 193-member General Assembly, where there are no vetoes, with a similar humanitarian-focused resolution. Unlike in the Security Council, assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they are seen as a barometer of world opinion. The US vetoed the last Security Council resolution on Gaza in November, under the Biden administration, also because the ceasefire demand was not directly linked to the release of all hostages. Similarly, the current resolution demands that those taken by Hamas and other groups be released, but it does not make it a condition for a truce. President Donald Trump's administration has tried to ramp up its efforts to broker peace in Gaza after 20 months of war. However, Hamas has sought amendments to a US proposal that special envoy Steve Witkoff has called 'totally unacceptable.' The vote followed a decision by an Israeli and US-backed foundation to pause food delivery in Gaza after health officials said dozens of Palestinians were killed in a series of shootings this week. Israel and the US say the new system was designed to prevent Hamas from stealing aid previously distributed by the UN. The UN has rejected the new system. The UN says its distribution system worked very well during the March ceasefire and is carefully monitored. Gaza is almost completely reliant on international aid because Israel's offensive has destroyed nearly all food production capabilities. Israel imposed a blockade on supplies into Gaza on March 2, and limited aid began to enter again late last month after pressure from allies and warnings of famine. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251. They are still holding 58 hostages, a third of them believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israel's military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were civilians or combatants. The ministry is led by medical professionals but reports to the Hamas-run government. Its toll is seen as generally reliable by UN agencies and independent experts, though Israel has challenged its numbers.
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Korea Herald
Five countries win seats on UN Security Council
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Five countries won seats on the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday in uncontested elections and will start serving two-year terms in January on the UN's most powerful but deeply divided body. The 193-member General Assembly held a secret-ballot vote for the five rotating seats on the 15-member council. Bahrain received 186 votes, Congo 183 votes, Liberia 181 votes, Colombia 180 votes and Latvia 178 votes. This will be the first time on the council for Latvia, which was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union and gained independence again after its collapse in 1991. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze told reporters after the vote her Baltic nation is ready for the responsibility, saying, 'Our historical experience puts us in the position to understand, empathize with, and forge partnerships across every region in the world.' 'We know the value of freedom,' she said. 'We know the fragility of peace and the power of multilateralism to safeguard it.' Braze said Latvia will spare no effort to achieve just and lasting peace in Ukraine and to alleviate suffering in the Middle East, Gaza, Africa and other conflicts around the globe. Bahrain will be the Arab representative on the council, and Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said his country's election to the council for a second time reinforces its determination to be 'a proactive contributor" to international peace and security. 'Our goal is to fortify peace and stability within our region,' Al Zayani said, stressing that resolving the decades-old Palestinian-Israeli conflict is 'the cornerstone for achieving peace in the region.' The immediate requirement, he said, is a ceasefire and massive influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the release of all hostages taken from Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and progress toward a two-state solution and 'a viable state of Palestine.' The Security Council is mandated in the UN Charter with ensuring international peace and security, but it has failed in the two major conflicts because of the veto power of Russia on Ukraine and the US, Israel's closest ally, on Gaza. There have been decades of efforts to reform the Security Council to reflect the geopolitical realities of the world in 2025, not of the post-World War II era 80 years ago, when the United Nations was established. But they have all failed. The council still includes five veto-wielding permanent members — the US, Russia, China, Britain and France — and 10 elected members from the UN's different regional groups. One major failing is the absence of a permanent seat for Africa or Latin America and the Caribbean. Under its current rules, five new council members are elected every year. In January, the newly elected countries will replace Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia. Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner of Congo, which will be serving its third term on the council, told the council its election not only reflects confidence in her country, 'it is also a reflection of Africa's unity and its rightful place in shaping the global peace and security agenda.' Asked about the ongoing fighting by armed groups in the country's mineral-rich east, she said Congo will bring to the council the knowledge of dealing with decades of conflict, the challenges of UN peacekeeping operations and protecting civilians, and 'the convergence between conflict, natural resources, and environmental changes.' Liberia's Deputy Foreign Minister Deweh Gray, whose country was last on the council in 1961, said her country has 'an unwavering resolve to make a difference for all' and to tackle the formidable challenges facing the world including conflict, inequality and climate change, 'to name a few.' 'Liberia's vote is a vote for Africa,' she said, 'and we shall ensure that we follow the African common position.' Colombia's UN Ambassador Leonor Zalabata urged all countries to unite and 'keep working together in harmony with nature to preserve what we have and build peace in the world.' And she said, 'We invite you all to keep working in the path of human rights.'
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Korea Herald
UN assembly elects Germany's ex-foreign minister as president
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly elected Germany's former foreign minister Annalena Baerbock to be the next head of the 193-member world body in a secret-ballot vote demanded by Russia. Baerbock got 167 votes, almost double the 88 votes needed to win, while high-ranking German diplomat Helga Schmid received 7 votes as a write-in and 14 countries abstained. Germany had nominated Schmid for the assembly presidency but replaced her with Baerbock after she lost her job as the country's foreign affairs chief in the recent election. The decision drew some criticism in Germany. When Baerbock appeared before the assembly to discuss her candidacy on May 15, Russia's deputy UN ambassador Dmitry Polyansky lashed into her, saying, 'Ms. Baerbock has repeatedly proved her incompetence, extreme bias and lack of understanding of the basic principles of diplomacy.' Polyansky accused her of having pursued an 'anti-Russia policy," which he said gave Russia reason to doubt that as General Assembly president she would be "able to act in the interests of peace and dialogue.' Baerbock brushed off Russia's request for a secret ballot. 'I am grateful … the overwhelming majority of member states have voted in favor of my candidacy and I'm looking forward to work with all member states together in these challenging times,' she said. Baerbock will replace current assembly president Philemon Yang, a former prime minister of Cameroon, at the start of the 80th session in September. She will preside over the annual gathering of world leaders in late September and anniversary events marking the founding of the UN in 1945. The one-year presidency of the General Assembly rotates by region. The assembly, which is the UN's most representative body, has taken the spotlight in reacting to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. That's because any action by the UN Security Council has been blocked by the veto power of Russia on Ukraine and the US on Gaza. Baerbock said in her acceptance speech that the theme of her presidency will be 'Better Together,' stressing that the world is 'walking on a tightrope of uncertainty' in very challenging times. The birth of the UN on the ashes of World War II 'reminds us: We have lived through difficult times before," she said. "And it is up to us to take up these challenges.' Baerbock pointed to more than 120 armed conflicts around the world today as another reminder that the UN's primary mission, 'to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war," remains unaccomplished. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Baerback will take the presidency as the world faces not only 'conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality' but divisions and mistrust. 'Aid and development funding are drying up, and our institutions and structures still reflect the world of yesterday, not a vision of tomorrow,' he said. 'This is a moment for us to unite, to forge common solutions, and to take action to confront these challenges.'
