Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan Propose To Establish UN?s Regional Centers In Their Capitals
Topic: Permanent Neutrality
22 November, 2004. Saparmurat Niyazov and Islam Karimov paid a great deal of attention to issues related to enhancing the role of the UN in the Central Asian region at the talks last Friday in Bohara, the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru reports. The leaders of neighboring countries spoke in favor of developing closer cooperation with this international organization and fixed this thesis in the bilateral Treaty on Friendship, Confidence Building and Development of Cooperation.

As the document says, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan “attach particular importance to the further enhancement of the role of the UN and its Security Council, the implementation of goals and principles stated in the documents of OSCE and other authoritative international organizations in avoiding and settling conflicts, dealing with issues of security and stability and confidence building.”

To achieve this goal Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan considered it necessary to establish the UN Regional Center of Preventive Diplomacy with residence in Ashgabat and the UN Central Asian Regional Information Center on Countering Transnational Crime and Drug Trafficking with residence in Tashkent.

It should be noted that President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Niyazov had earlier put forth this initiative on the establishment of the UN Regional Center of Preventive Diplomacy in Ashgabat in his letter to the Secretary General of the UN, Kofi Annan.

Turkmenistan.Ru

ASHGABAT DECLARATION
Topic: Permanent Neutrality
We participants in the international conference "Permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan: national foundations and international significance" and representatives of States Members of the United Nations,

Congratulating the people of Turkmenistan with the State holiday "Neutrality Day" and welcoming the fifth anniversary of the adoption the General Assembly of the United Nations of the resolution the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan,

Adopt this Declaration and declare the following:

1. For five years, Turkmenistan acts as an officially recognized permanently neutral State in the international arena. It has confirmed its unwavering commitment to the international obligations it undertook in this capacity: the status of neutrality has decisive for Turkmenistan in determining its approaches and positions issues of bilateral relations and regional and international policy. Neutral Turkmenistan has not joined military or military-political bloc, association or alliance or any kind of international structure with functions that are rigidly regulatory or entail collective responsibility and has adhered strictly and unswervingly to the principles of peace, equality of rights, good-neighbourliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Turkmenistan has actively involved in activities of the international community aimed at ensuring , harmony and constructive cooperation.

2. Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality has important factor in the maintenance of regional security and stability. Turkmenistan, making use of its potential as a neutral State, has pursued active and constructive policy in the region aimed at creating conditions conducive to the peaceful, non-violent settlement of disputes and conf1icts. Turkmenistan initiated the holding, under United Nations auspices, of continuous round of inter-Tajik talks in Ashgabat, which made significant contribution to the establishment of and harmony in Tajikistan. Turkmenistan's neutrality and its steadfast and principled position of non-interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan laid the ground for the commencement of process aimed at achieving political dialogue between the warring Afghan sides. In March 1999, in Ashgabat, representatives of the Taliban movement and the Northern Alliance sat down at the negotiating table for the first time. This active and constructive policy of Turkmenistan, pursued in parallel with United Nations efforts, has earned it great authority among neighbouring States and in the region as whole and has secured the rightful promotion of Ashgabat to the rank of recognized peacemaking centres in Asia.

3. In its economic policy, neutral Turkmenistan has proclaimed and is consistently putting into practice the "open doors" principle, aimed at mutually advantageous cooperation with States, and is establishing equal conditions for the effective functioning of foreign companies in its territory, irrespective of their national origin and form of ownership. This approach of Turkmenistan is ensuring steady interest the part of foreign partners in commercial and economic cooperation with Turkmenistan, facilitating the establishment of sound climate for investment in the country and ensuring the gradual development of its economy .

Turkmenistan is actively participating in regional and inter-regional economic cooperation. Large-scale inter-regional projects are currently being implemented on the initiative of and with direct participation Turkmenistan in the energy, transport and communication sectors with view to giving impetus to the accelerated economic development of the countries of the region and narrowing the technology gap between developed and developing and industrial and agrarian States. In addition, Turkmenistan is a firm advocate of compliance with the principles of complete equality of rights in relations between States and exclusion from the practice of international relations of forms of economic blackmail, dictate and pressure.

4. Given the global character that the problem of securing and distributing energy resources is assuming in the twenty-first century, as well as its own huge fuel potential, Turkmenistan has set about developing and implementing large-scale projects involving the laying of pipelines westward, southward and eastward. A multi-variant pipeline infrastructure will ensure the increase and diversification of world energy reserves and allow for their stabilization and equitable international distribution. The construction of systems for the transport of oil and gas to the west, the Far East and across Europe and the Iranian and Caspian routes will require unprecedented regional cooperation, serve to create huge number of jobs and address social issues, and give strong impetus to the rational cessation of conf1icts. In the twenty-first century, exceptional need is arising for triangular cooperation: among producer countries, transit countries and consumer countries. Dangerous maneuvering and unhealthy competition are giving way to new global approach based the principle of equal benefit, adequate for all . In this context, Turkmenistan's initiative for the drafting and adoption of international convention to guarantee the security and unimpeded transit of crude energy resources via major inter-State pipelines - which are of enormous value to humankind and will carry the lifeblood for global economic development in the twenty-first century - merits broad international support.

5. The philosophy of neutrality has important factor for conflict-free internal development, for the creation in multi-ethnic Turkmenistan of conditions of harmony among faiths, races and ethnic groups, political stability and social partnership, and for the consistent humanization of aspects of public life. In Turkmenistan, citizens are guaranteed equal rights irrespective of ethnic origin, skin colour, sex, age, religion or political views. Turkmenistan was the first State the Asian continent to pass legislation abolishing the death penalty. All of this is furthering the spiritual education of the Turkmen people in lofty, life-affirming ideals and the implantation in society, as the foundation of the national philosophy, of humanist values - peace, justice, openness, tolerance, mutual respect - which are gradually penetrating the f1esh and blood of the Turkmen people.

6. The humanist criteria inherent to the ideology of neutrality have determined Turkmenistan's attitude and approaches to the main trends in world development and the new challenges confronting humankind today. Turkmenistan has consistently and insistently supported the establishment in international relations of more humane, equitable and constructive order, opposed forms of discrimination, the isolation of States on political or ideological grounds and the imposition of various types of economic sanctions, embargoes and the like, and urged respect for the distinctive characteristics of each country and its chosen model of social and political development. As member of the United Nations, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and number of other authoritative international organizations, Turkmenistan is making important contribution to the cause of achieving rapprochement among peoples and States and establishing process of dialogue among cultures and civilizations.

True to the spirit and letter of the Charter of the United Nations, neutral Turkmenistan categorically opposes the dissolution of the Organization into new supranational structures and the appropriation and assumption of its functions by individual States or groups of countries or other organizations. Turkmenistan supports United Nations reform, but only reform that strengthens and broadens the Organization's role in the world, reflects the interests of components equal basis and renounces the principle of special privileges and powers as political anachronism.

The fifth anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality is significant date in the history of the Turkmen people. Five years of neutrality have provided them with the opportunity for peaceful and constructive labour in conditions of internal harmony and stability, the laying of stable material and spiritual foundation for accelerated economic reform, the gradual introduction of democratic standards and institutions, and the elevation of the country in the near future to the ranks of the world's modern developed States.

Neutrality has created external conditions conducive to the country's successful development. Despite the complexity and varied nature of regional processes, Turkmenistan is maintaining relations of partnership and good-neighbourliness, characterized equality of rights, mutual advantage and respect, confidence and tolerance, with the States of the region. Turkmenistan has no irreconcilable differences any with country; its relations with the outside world are based on the compatibility of national interests and key trends in global development, and its own vision of its place and role in the system of world political and economic affairs.

Turkmenistan's neutrality is the outcome of the entire course of the historical development of the Turkmen nation and is founded on deep cultural roots, traditions and customs. The neutral model corresponds, in its moral and ethical manifestations, to the mentality of the Turkmen people, their perception of the world and their established system of values. Neutrality is in keeping with the long-term interests of Turkmenistan's economic development, the welfare of its people and its spiritual rebirth.

The five years during which Turkmenistan acts as permanently neutral State recognized by the United Nations have demonstrated for all to see the strength and viability of Turkmen neutrality. Turkmenistan's neutrality has become an undeniably positive factor in regional and inter-regional economic development. The neutral status of the Turkmen State has proven to be an asset in peacemaking and mediatory efforts for the peaceful, non-violent settlement of disputes and conf1icts in the region. Turkmenistan's neutrality objectively meets the long-term interests of the international community as an important and effective factor in the maintenance of peace, stability and security in Asia.

Ashgabat, 11 December 2000

Joint Statement between Turkmenistan and the People's Republic of China
Topic: Foreign Relations
I. At the invitation of Turkmenistan President Saparmurad Niyazov, President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China paid a state visit to Turkmenistan from 5 to 7 July 2000.

During the visit, President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China and President Niyazov of Turkmenistan held talks. The two leaders had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern in a sincere, friendly and business-like atmosphere and reached broad consensus. The two sides believe that President Jiang Zemin's visit to Turkmenistan is a complete success, which brings China-Turkmenistan relations to a new high.

II. The two sides express satisfaction over the vigorous and continued development of cooperation between the two countries in political, economic, trade, scientific and technological, cultural, education, health care and other areas since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Turkmenistan in January 1992.

The two sides agree that it is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples and conducive to regional peace, stability and development to further consolidate and develop friendly relations and cooperation of equality and mutual benefits oriented toward the 21st century on the basis of the principles set by the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and Turkmenistan of 6 January 1992, the Joint Communique between the People's Republic of China and Turkmenistan of 21 November 1992 and the Joint Communique on Further Developing and Strengthening Friendly Relations and Cooperation between the People's Republic of China and Turkmenistan of 31 August 1998.

III. The two sides will continue to maintain high-level exchanges and contacts at all levels so as to expand the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries in all areas, enrich the content of the relationship and achieve its sustained and stable development in the 21st century.

IV. The two sides agree that the economic cooperation and trade between the two countries have a great potential and broad prospects. The two sides express the willingness to further expand economic cooperation and trade on the basis of equality and mutual benefits to bring them to a level that fits the economic potentials of the two countries. The two countries will, according to domestic laws and bilateral agreements, encourage and protect mutual investment, strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the relevant departments of the two countries, create favorable economic, financial, legal and other conditions for the entities of the two countries to conduct economic cooperation and trade and provide necessary support.

V. The two sides attach importance to the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in the area of energy. The Chinese side is ready to actively encourage its enterprises to participate in the exploration, exploitation and marketing of oil and gas resources in Turkmenistan. The two sides agree that based on the actual implementation of China's project of transporting gas produced in the western part to the eastern, they will conduct a feasibility study on the project of constructing a natural gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to China.

VI. The two sides will further strengthen their exchanges and cooperation in scientific and technological, cultural, education, health care, press, sports and other areas. The governments of the two countries will create necessary conditions in this regard.

VII. The two sides believe that the ancient "Silk Road" played an important role in developing the friendship between the two peoples and the exchanges between oriental and occidental civilizations. To reinvigorate the "Silk Road" is conducive to promoting the friendly exchanges and cooperation between countries along the way and in the common interests of all countries in the region. The two sides would like to strengthen bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation with all the countries along the "Silk Road" to make efforts to revitalize it.

VIII. The two sides would like to take concrete measures to strengthen cooperation to effectively fight ethnic separatism, terrorism, religious fundamentalism and illegal smuggling of weapons, narcotics and psychedelics, trafficking of illegal immigrants and other criminal activities. To that end, the two sides will not ever allow any organizations or forces to engage in activities that impinge upon the sovereignty, security and stability within their respective boundaries.

IX. The People's Republic of China supports Turkmenistan's positive policy of permanent neutrality and believes it exerts constructive influence on the development of the regional situation.

Turkmenistan reiterates the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory. Turkmenistan is against any motive aimed at creating "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan", against "Taiwan independence" and against Taiwan's participation in any international organization where only sovereign states qualify. It reiterates its refraining from establishing any official ties or conducting any official exchanges with Taiwan.

X. The two sides believe that all countries have the right to establish corresponding political, economic and social systems and choose modes of safeguarding and protecting human rights based on national conditions. No country has the right to interfere in other sovereign states' internal affairs under any pretext, including the conduct of impairing other countries' sovereign independence with so-called "the supremacy of human rights over sovereignty" or "humanitarian intervention".

XI. The two sides emphasize that it is of great importance to exchange views on global and regional issues of common concern and express the willingness to strengthen bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation and dedicate themselves to the establishment of a fair and reasonable international political and economic new order based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and universally recognized principles of international law.

UN General Assembly Resolution on Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan
Topic: Permanent Neutrality
The General Assembly,

Having considered the question of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan,

Reaffirming the sovereign right of every State to determine independently its foreign policy in accordance with the norms and principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations,

Welcoming the legislative confirmation by Turkmenistan of its status of permanent neutrality,

Welcoming also the desire of Turkmenistan to play an active and positive role in developing peaceful, friendly and mutually beneficial relations with the countries of the region and other States of the world,

Expressing the hope that the status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan will contribute to the strengthening of peace and security in the region,

Taking note of the support by the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and by the Economic Cooperation Organization of the status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan,

Recognizing that the adoption by Turkmenistan of the status of permanent neutrality does not affect the fulfilment of its obligations under the Charter and will contribute to the achievement of the purposes of the United Nations,

1.Recognizes and supports the status of permanent neutrality declared by Turkmenistan;

2. Calls upon States Members of the United Nations to respect and support this status of Turkmenistan and also to respect its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

12 December 1995