“BARIŞ VE TÜRKMENİSTAN’IN TARAFSIZLIĞI KONFERANSI”

ORTA ASYA

“BARIŞ VE TÜRKMENİSTAN’IN TARAFSIZLIĞI KONFERANSI”

Brüksel Korner / Kadir Duran

 

KU Leuven’de Türkmenistan’da Barış Yılı Konferansı: Kültür, Diplomasi ve Gençlik Ön Planda

Kulture, EUReporter’dan Derya Soysal, Euravia Derneği ve Türkmenistan’ın Belçika Büyükelçiliği iş birliğiyle düzenlenen Türkmenistan’da Barış Yılı Konferansı, Leuven Katolik Üniversitesi’nde (KU Leuven) çok sayıda siyasi, akademik, diplomatik temsilci ve öğrenciyi bir araya getirdi.

 

Orta Asya Bozkırlarına Adanan Müzikal Açılış

Konferans sabahı, Euravia Derneği’nden Kazak bir sanatçının geleneksel Kazak müzik aleti dombra ile gerçekleştirdiği performansla başladı. Dombra’nın berrak ve hızlı tınıları, dinleyicileri adeta Orta Asya’nın uçsuz bucaksız bozkırlarına taşıdı.

Her parça bir hikâyeyi anlatıyordu:
    •    İlk eser, bir müridin ustası eşliğinde çıktığı manevi yolculuğu betimledi.
    •    İkinci parça, kızını kaybeden bir dostuna şarkı armağan eden bir kralın hüznünü dile getirdi.
    •    Üçüncü performans ise İngiliz kültür motifleri taşıyan bir yorumdu.

Bu etkileyici müzikal anların tamamı, etkinliğin resmi videosunda izlenebilir:
Video Bağlantısı

 

Kulture Derneği’nin Tanıtımı

Daha sonra, Kulture Derneği Başkanı Oğuzhan Bahadır Arı sahneye çıktı. İki yıl önce kurulan derneğin, yurtdışında yaşayan Türk öğrenciler ve Türk kültürüne gönül verenler için bir dayanışma ağı oluşturma amacı taşıdığını belirtti.

“Amacımız açıktı: Evimizden 3.000 kilometre uzakta bir aile, bir paylaşım ve fırsat ortamı yaratmaktı.”
diyerek, tüm destekçilere ve katılımcılara teşekkür etti.

 

Türkmenistan Büyükelçisi’nin Barış Mesajı

Konferansın en önemli anı, Türkmenistan’ın Belçika Büyükelçisi Ekselansları Sapar Palmanov’un “Barış Yılı”na ilişkin yaptığı konuşmaydı.

 

Türkmenistan’ın Barış Anlayışı

Büyükelçi Palmanov, Türkmenistan için barışın yalnızca çatışmasızlık anlamına gelmediğini; diyalog, insan onuru ve uluslararası iş birliği temelinde bir yaşam tarzı olduğunu vurguladı.

“Barış, her gün bilinçli tercihlerle, şefkat ve birleşmiş insanlık gücüne olan inançla inşa edilir.”

Türkmenistan, 1991’de bağımsızlığını kazandıktan sonra kalıcı tarafsızlık ilkesini benimsemiş, bu tutum 1995 yılında BM tarafından resmen tanınmış ve ülkenin anayasasına dahil edilmiştir. Bu politika çerçevesinde:
    •    Askerî ittifaklara katılmamak,
    •    Topraklarında yabancı askerî üs bulundurmamak,
    •    Tüm ülkelerle dostane ilişkiler sürdürmek öncelikli olmuştur.

 

Diplomasi Hizmetinde Aktif Tarafsızlık

Türkmenistan’ın bu yaklaşımının somut örnekleri:
    •    Tacikistan iç savaşı sırasında barış görüşmelerinin kolaylaştırılması,
    •    Afganistan ile elektrik, demiryolu ve doğalgaz projelerinde iş birliği,
    •    Rusya-Ukrayna çatışmasında insani yardım sağlanması.

Türkmenistan ayrıca, 2025 yılının Uluslararası Barış ve Güven Yılı ilan edilmesi teklifini BM Genel Kurulu’na sunmuş ve bu öneri kabul edilmiştir.

İki tarihi karar büyük övgü aldı:
    •    Türkmenistan’ın kalıcı tarafsızlığının yeniden teyit edilmesi (Mart 2025),
    •    Orta Asya’nın barış, güven ve iş birliği bölgesi ilan edilmesi (Ekim 2024).

Ayrıca, Aşkabat’ta bulunan BM Orta Asya Önleyici Diplomasi Bölgesel Merkezi (UNRCCA) bölgesel ihtilafların önlenmesi için aktif rol oynamaktadır.

 

Gençliğe Güçlü Bir Mesaj

Öğrencilere hitaben Büyükelçi Palmanov şöyle seslendi:

“Sizler geleceğin diplomatları, hukukçuları, gazetecileri ve yenilikçilerisiniz. Tarafsızlık, karmaşık bir dünyada umut dolu bir yol sunar. Barışı seçin. Barışı yaşayın. Barışın köprüsü olun.”

 

Sıcak Bir Final

Konferans, Türkmenistan diplomasi kültürüne dair sorular içeren bir bilgi yarışmasıyla sona erdi. Kazananlara el yapımı, turkuaz halı motifli hediyeler verildi.

Ardından tüm katılımcılar, ünlü Türkmen pilavı eşliğinde düzenlenen zengin bir ziyafete davet edildi. Etkinlik, Türkmen kültürünün zenginliğini anlatan kısa videolarla renklendi.

Konuşmaların tam metni ve etkinliğin resmi videosu:
https://youtu.be/i67yMw9ZPB0?si=W9h8SLBN8fDIyoWu

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FRANSIZCA HABER ve konuşma metni ekte

 

LA " PEACE AND TURKMENISTAN'S NEUTRALITY CONFERENCE "

Bruxelles Korner / Kadir Duran

Conférence sur L'année de la paix au Turkménistan : culture, diplomatie et jeunesse à l’honneur à la KU Leuven

 

La conférence de presse sur la paix au Turkménistan, organisée en collaboration avec Kulture, Derya Soysal d’EUReporter, Euravia, et l’Ambassade du Turkménistan en Belgique, a rassemblé de nombreux acteurs politiques, universitaires, diplomatiques et étudiants, à l’Université Catholique de Louvain (KU Leuven).

Une ouverture musicale en hommage aux steppes d’Asie centrale

La matinée a débuté par une performance musicale du musicien kazakh de l’association Euravia, qui a interprété plusieurs morceaux traditionnels à la dombra, instrument national du Kazakhstan et emblème de la culture turque.
Son timbre clair, sec et rapide, parfaitement adapté aux récits épiques et aux chants traditionnels (aitys), a transporté l’auditoire dans les vastes steppes d’Asie.

https://youtu.be/i67yMw9ZPB0?si=W9h8SLBN8fDIyoWu

Chaque morceau racontait une histoire :
    •    Le premier évoquait le cheminement spirituel d’un disciple guidé par son maître.
    •    Le deuxième racontait la tristesse d’un roi offrant une chanson à un ami endeuillé par la perte de sa fille.
    •    Le dernier proposait une interprétation aux accents culturels anglais.

Les enregistrements de ces performances peuvent être visionnés dans la vidéo officielle de l’événement.

Présentation de l’association Kulture

La session a été poursuivie par la présentation de l’association Kulture, par son président Oğuzhan Bahadır Arı. Fondée il y a deux ans, Kulture est née de la volonté d’offrir un réseau solidaire aux étudiants turcs et amis de la culture turque, loin de leur pays natal.

l’association Kulture, par son président Oğuzhan Bahadır Ar

« Notre objectif était clair : créer une famille, un espace d’échange et d’opportunités, à 3 000 kilomètres de chez nous », a-t-il déclaré, en remerciant chaleureusement partenaires et participants.

Le message de paix de l’Ambassadeur du Turkménistan

Le moment fort de la conférence fut le discours de Son Excellence Sapar Palmanov   l’Ambassadeur du Turkménistan en Belgique, consacré à « l’Année de la Paix » proclamée par son pays.

Son Excellence l’Ambassadeur du Turkménistan en Belgique Sapar Palmanov 

La vision turkmène de la paix

L’Ambassadeur Sapar Palmanov  a rappelé que pour le Turkménistan, la paix ne se limite pas à l’absence de conflits, mais constitue un mode de vie, fondé sur le dialogue, la dignité et la coopération internationale.

« La paix se construit au quotidien par des choix conscients, basés sur la compassion et la foi en la force de l’humanité unie. »

Depuis son indépendance en 1991, le Turkménistan s’est engagé dans une politique de neutralité permanente, reconnue par l’ONU en 1995, et inscrite dans sa Constitution. Cette neutralité se manifeste notamment par :
    •    L’absence d’adhésion à des alliances militaires,
    •    L’absence de bases militaires étrangères sur son sol,
    •    Le maintien de relations amicales et de dialogue avec tous les pays.

Une neutralité active au service de la diplomatie

Parmi les réalisations concrètes de cette approche :
    •    Facilitation des négociations de paix pendant la guerre civile au Tadjikistan,
    •    Coopération économique avec l’Afghanistan (projets d’électricité, de chemin de fer, de gazoduc),
    •    Aide humanitaire dans le contexte du conflit russo-ukrainien.

Le Turkménistan a également initié l’inscription de l’Année 2025 comme Année internationale de la paix et de la confiance, adoptée par l’Assemblée générale de l’ONU.

Deux résolutions historiques ont été saluées :
    •    La reconnaissance de la neutralité permanente du Turkménistan (mars 2025),
    •    La déclaration de l’Asie centrale comme zone de paix, de confiance et de coopération (octobre 2024).

Enfin, il a été rappelé que le Centre régional des Nations Unies pour la diplomatie préventive en Asie centrale (UNRCCA), basé à Achgabat, œuvre pour anticiper et résoudre les différends avant qu’ils n’éclatent.

Un appel vibrant aux jeunes

S’adressant directement aux étudiants présents, l’Ambassadeur a lancé un message fort :

« Vous êtes les futurs diplomates, juristes, journalistes et innovateurs. Dans un monde complexe, la neutralité est une voie d’espoir fondée sur la confiance et le dialogue. Choisissez la paix. Vivez la paix. Soyez le pont. »

Derya Soysal  Historian and Journalist

Une touche de convivialité

La conférence s’est conclue par un quiz culturel, où les participants ont pu tester leurs connaissances sur la diplomatie turkmène et gagner des cadeaux artisanaux turcs, dont un étui fait main en tapis turquoise.

Enfin, tous les invités ont été conviés à un banquet royal avec des spécialités turkmènes, notamment le célèbre Plov  turkmène, ( Plat de Riz ) accompagné de deux courtes vidéos célébrant la richesse de la culture turkmène.

Les discours en intégralité est joint et le lien dela video  ( https://youtu.be/i67yMw9ZPB0?si=W9h8SLBN8fDIyoWu )

 

Bruxelles Korner avec de gauche à droite Liliya Geisler, Son Excellence l’Ambassadeur du Turkménistan en Belgique Sapar Palmanov et le journaliste chroniqueur Kadir Duran

 

Good afternoon, everyone.

It is a true honor to speak here at Catholic University of Leuven - a university that is not only one of the oldest in Europe but also one of the youngest at heart. Here, tradition meets innovation, and knowledge is not just preserved but constantly renewed. Your spirit of critical thinking, openness, and global vision makes it a perfect place to discuss one of humanity’s most timeless and urgent topics: peace.

Let me start with a simple question: What comes to your mind when you hear the word “peace”?

What does "peace" really mean?

When we hear the word "peace," we often think first about the absence of war — about a world without fighting or violence.

For others, peace might mean safety: the simple, everyday freedom to walk outside without fear.

For some, it’s about justice — fairness, dignity, and respect for every individual.

But for me — and for my country, Turkmenistan — peace is something even deeper.

Peace is not just the end of conflict. It is a way of thinking that shapes how we view the world.

It is a way of living that teaches us to choose dialogue over division, compassion over confrontation.

And above all, peace is a commitment — a conscious decision to believe in something larger than ourselves: the idea that humanity is stronger when it stands together, not apart.

Peace is not something we wait for; it is something we build, choice by choice, every day.

 

 

Turkmenistan’s Path: A Young Country with an Ancient Soul

My country became independent in 1991, after the breakup of the Soviet Union. This September, we will celebrate 34 years of independence. Since then, we have walked our own path—one guided by permanent neutrality.

Our country is as large as Spain and is located in a strategic but complex region—bordering Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This location is very important because it influences our foreign policy and how we ensure peace and security in the region.

But Turkmenistan is much more than its location. It has a deep historical and cultural heritage. Long ago, Turkmenistan was part of the Silk Road, an important trade route that connected Europe and Asia. Our people were not only traders but also scholars, poets, and leaders who helped build great civilizations. However, history also brought difficult times, and for a period, our country faced challenges that slowed its development.

But despite all the geopolitical pressures around us, we made a bold choice: to stay neutral, to avoid alliances and military blocs, and to open our doors to dialogue with all, conflict with none.

At the beginning of independence, Turkmenistan faced many difficulties, especially economic problems after the end of the Soviet Union. However, through good planning, economic diversification, and international cooperation, we have grown stronger, more stable, and more independent in all areas. We work with other countries but never allow economic cooperation to be used as a political tool against us.

Now, let us move to the next important part of our discussion—what neutrality means for Turkmenistan and why the International Year of Peace and Trust, 2025, is so important.

 

 

 

 

What Does Neutrality Actually Mean?

One of the most important principles of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy is its permanent neutrality.

In 1995, Turkmenistan made a historic decision. We declared our status as a permanently neutral state, and that same year, on December 12, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously recognized and endorsed this status. It was more than a diplomatic declaration—it became a defining pillar of our national identity.

That same year, we adopted the Constitutional Law of Turkmenistan on Permanent Neutrality, a unique legal act that establishes neutrality as the foundation of our internal and external policies.

Let me quote its first article:

“The permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan is the basis of its domestic and foreign policy, aimed at strengthening stability and harmony in society, and developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with the countries of the region and the entire world.”

This law is not symbolic—it is action-oriented. Words such as “cooperation,” “contacts,” “relations,” and “dialogue” appear no less than ten times across twelve articles. They reflect the spirit of openness, balance, and inclusive partnership that defines our approach to global engagement.

Turkmenistan does not classify countries as friendly or unfriendly.

 

 

 

Now I want to clarify one thing. When I say Turkmenistan is neutral, I don’t mean passive.

Neutrality is not sitting on the fence. It’s not being silent or indifferent.
For us, neutrality means:

• We do not join military alliances and do not allow foreign military bases on our territory.
• We do not participate in conflicts but instead work to promote peace and dialogue.
• We maintain balanced diplomatic relations with all nations, focusing on mutual respect and cooperation.
• We support humanitarian aid and regional development projects that contribute to long-term stability.

We call it “active neutrality”—and we live by it.

 

Neutrality in Action

For nearly three decades, Turkmenistan has shown the world that neutrality is not isolation—it is engagement without confrontation, cooperation without obligation, and dialogue without division.

Let me give you some real stories.

1. One of the earliest examples of Turkmenistan’s role as a neutral mediator was during the Tajik Civil War in the 1990s. At that time, Turkmenistan facilitated dialogue between the Tajik government and opposition forces, hosting 3 rounds of peace negotiations in Ashgabat and supporting UN-led peace efforts. These diplomatic efforts helped reduce tensions and prevent further escalation. These talks laid the foundation for the eventual peace agreement.
2. Afghanistan
   While many countries saw Afghanistan only through the lens of conflict, we saw a neighbor who needed connection. So we extended electricity lines, railway projects, and even a gas pipeline plan (called TAPI). It was not charity—it was long-term peacebuilding through shared interests.
3. Russia–Ukraine Conflict

In today’s world, it’s hard not to take sides. But we chose a different route:
maintained balanced diplomatic, humanitarian, and economic ties with both countries. We send humanitarian aid to Ukraine, especially for children. At the same time, we maintain dialogue with Russia, and Ukrainian companies successfully continue to work in Turkmenistan realizing huge infrastructure projects on the ground.
That’s not easy—but it’s consistent with our principle: no war, only dialogue.

Turkmenistan’s belief in the power of diplomacy and trust led us to propose to the United Nations that 2025 be declared the International Year of Peace and Trust. The General Assembly adopted this initiative with broad support.

We are not asking the world to celebrate an idea—we are asking the world to live it.

In a time of profound geopolitical tension, widening distrust, and eroding multilateralism, we must remember: trust is not a luxury. It is a condition for survival. Without trust, peace is impossible. Without peace, development is unsustainable.

In December 2025, we will host a high-level international conference in Ashgabat within the framework of the Year of Peace and Trust. The agenda will include:

• building new frameworks for preventive diplomacy,
• establishing platforms for confidence-building,
• and giving greater voice to neutral states as facilitators of dialogue and peace.

This is our contribution to a world in need of bridges.

 

 

UN Recognition: A Legal and Moral Commitment

The international community has once again recognized the value of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy through two important resolutions:

- On March 21, 2025, the UN General Assembly adopted, by consensus, the new resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan.” It emphasizes that our neutral status is not only embedded in our Constitution but demonstrates effectiveness as a tool for preventive diplomacy.

And — importantly — recommends that the territory of neutral states be used as venues for peaceful negotiations —an endorsement of what Turkmenistan has already practiced for decades.

- On October 24, 2024, the UN adopted another resolution initiated by Turkmenistan:

“Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation of Central Asia.” Co-sponsored by 37 countries, this resolution:

• recognizes Central Asia as a space of peaceful cooperation,
• highlights milestones such as the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty,
• and emphasizes the importance of regular dialogue among regional leaders.

This resolution does not only reflect Turkmenistan’s role. It reflects our region’s emerging identity as a source of stability and constructive multilateralism.

And just recently, we witnessed a historic breakthrough that further confirms the direction our region is taking. In the International Year of Peace and Trust — Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan reached a long-awaited agreement on the full delimitation of their shared border.

This agreement resolves one of the most sensitive and long-standing disputes in Central Asia peacefully, through negotiation and political will.

We extend heartfelt congratulations to our Tajik and Kyrgyz brothers and to all of Central Asia on this achievement. This is an encouraging example, and we hope to see more peace agreements and diplomatic breakthroughs during this symbolic year.

It sends a clear message to the world:
Our region is transforming into a space free of conflicts and controversy — a region of peace, trust, and pragmatic cooperation.

 

Preventive Diplomacy: Stopping Conflicts Before They Start

Our most prominent institutional contribution to regional peace is the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), established in Ashgabat in 2007.

This is not just a regional office—it is a global model. UNRCCA is the world’s only UN centre specifically dedicated to conflict prevention, not crisis response. From water and energy to border issues and transboundary security challenges, the Centre brings countries together before conflicts erupt.

This reflects our conviction that early dialogue is more effective than post-conflict reconciliation—a view we promote regionally and globally.

We believe that preventive diplomacy should be a global priority. Given the success of the UNRCCA, there is now growing interest in creating similar centers in other parts of the world to help regions affected by political and security tensions.

 

Peace Is Also Cultural: A Story from Our Villages

Let me take you away from geopolitics for a moment—into a Turkmen village.

In the past, when someone needed a new carpet (a symbol of family and pride in our culture), the women of the village would all gather and weave it together. Not because they didn’t have their own carpet waving looms—but because cooperation was tradition.

The same was true for baking bread. Families used the same clay oven, taking turns and sharing the bread with neighbors.

That’s what I mean when I say peace starts in community.
Neutrality is not just a policy. It’s a reflection of how we see the world: as shared, as human, as connected.

 

A Message for You: Future Diplomats, Peacemakers, and Leaders

You are not just students—you are future diplomats, lawyers, journalists, tech innovators, and peacebuilders.

The world you inherit will be complex. But neutrality offers an alternative to division:

A way to build trust where others see threats.
A platform for dialogue where others see rivalry.

Turkmenistan’s path shows that even a small state can play a big role if it chooses peace over power, and dialogue over dominance.

 

Final Words: Choose Peace. Live Peace. Be the Bridge.

So, let me finalize my briefing and try to give answer the question “What does peace mean to us?”—I hope you’ll have a better answer.

Maybe it’s not just about ending war. Maybe it’s about never letting it begin.

Maybe it’s about being the space where others can find common ground.

And maybe, just maybe, it’s about building a world where neutrality is not weakness—but wisdom.

Thank you very much. I look forward to your questions and thoughts.

 

 

 

Why did Turkmenistan choose the path of neutrality? Was it a necessity?

Turkmenistan chose neutrality not because it was forced to, but because it believed in it.

When we gained independence in 1991, we faced a world full of uncertainty — shifting alliances, new tensions, and old rivalries resurfacing. We stood at a crossroads: either become part of someone else's sphere of influence or chart our own course based on the values we hold dearest.

We chose neutrality as a conscious, sovereign decision.

Not because we wanted to isolate ourselves, but because we wanted to stay open to all.

Not because we feared commitment, but because we believed that true strength lies in being a bridge, not a wall.

Neutrality allowed us to offer something rare in a divided world:
a platform for dialogue, a safe harbor for trust, a voice that speaks to all sides without bias.

For Turkmenistan, neutrality was never just a political necessity — it was, and remains, a moral choice.

A choice to believe that peace is possible, that cooperation is stronger than confrontation, and that trust must be built every single day.

 

Derya soysal, moderator 
like: “As we know, Turkmenistan does a lot for promotion of peace initiatives not only in the region, but also worldwide. 
To explain this to us, I would like to give the floor to the Ambassador of Türkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, Head of the Mission of Türkmenistan to the EU, who took his position in August 2022.”

2.    Main Speech:
The Ambassador delivered his speech, elaborating on Turkmenistan’s efforts and initiatives in promoting peace.
3.    After the main speech, Derya (the moderator) asked the following question:
Specifically:
1.    “Why did Turkmenistan choose the path of neutrality? Was it a necessity?”
Does Turkmenistan’s neutral status create any discomfort or difficulties for the country?
 The Ambassador answered the questions.

After the response, Oğuzhan Bahadir Adi asked the following question:
“What is it like to maintain neutrality while cooperating with major players and organizations such as the European Union?”

Avec Ayse Malcikan Conseillere communale à Bruxelles

Avec Nazgul Balmukhanova

The chairman Open VLD Department St-Joost
Member of the Board Directors SLRB

Avec Sait Kose, Conseiller Communal Schaerbeek