Brussels Celebrates 30 Years of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality

A Prestigious Evening in the Heart of Diplomatic Brussels

By Kadir Duran / Bruxelles Korner /Brussels

Video <p>https://youtu.be/QyihCuIP2ns</p>

Brussels, the diplomatic capital of Europe, hosted this week a remarkable ceremony: the 30th anniversary of the UN’s recognition of Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality. A unique position on the international stage, which over the decades has become a true pillar of stability in Central Asia.

The reception took place in one of the most prestigious hotels in a luxury district of Brussels, offering a setting worthy of the significance of the event. More than 300 guests attended, demonstrating the broad interest generated by Turkmenistan’s 30 years of neutrality.

Protocol and Official Welcome

At the entrance of the hall, guests were received with great protocol elegance.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, H.E. Sapar Palvanov, accompanied by the Turkmen military attaché, Mr. Yagshimurat Kakadjanov, greeted each guest personally, welcoming them into a prestigious venue in the heart of Brussels, carefully decorated for the anniversary.
A respectful and warm gesture, true to Turkmen hospitality and the importance attached to this commemoration.

Ambassador Sapar Palvanov recalled that neutrality is an active strategy for peace, grounded in dialogue and trust. He highlighted the country’s role in hosting peace talks, as well as recent UN resolutions reaffirming the value of this approach.

Turkmenistan positions itself as a central actor in Central Asia, notably through strategic projects such as the TAPI gas pipeline and the TAP electricity line, which strengthen its importance for the European Union.

The evening gathered an exceptional diplomatic audience, including the ambassadors of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, as well as attachés from Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.
The diplomatic, economic, military, cultural, and media communities of Brussels were widely represented.

Among the guests were also high-ranking military officers from various countries, underscoring the strategic and international dimension of Turkmenistan’s message of peace.

Neutrality: An Active Choice, Not Passive Standby

In his speech, Ambassador Palvanov made a point to dismantle common misconceptions:

“Neutrality is not distance. Neutrality is not withdrawal. It is an active choice to open channels of dialogue even when others decide to close them.”

For Turkmenistan, this status is more than a diplomatic stance: it is the foundation of the modern Turkmen state since 1995.

Two recent UN resolutions reaffirmed both this status and the establishment of the Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation in Central Asia.

Today, Central Asia is one of the very few regions in the world with no active conflict a remarkable achievement in the current global context.

Afghanistan, Connectivity, and Regional Vision

Major structural projects such as:

• the TAPI gas pipeline,

• the TAP power transmission line,

reflect Turkmenistan’s approach of building peace through infrastructure, energy, and increased connectivity.

Neutrality as a Vision for the Future

H.E. Palvanov reiterated Turkmenistan’s intention to become a regional platform for dialogue and Eurasian connectivity, turning:

“geography into opportunity and neutrality into strength.”

A Night Enriched by International Expertise

Keynote by Serge Stroobants (Institute for Economics and Peace)

Serge Stroobants, Director for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa at the IEP, delivered a powerful address pointing out:

• the highest number of conflicts since 1945,

• the continuous deterioration of peace indicators,

• the multiplication of geopolitical powers (14 in 1990, 34 today),

• the USD 20 trillion spent in 2024 on managing and controlling violence.

He reminded the audience:

“Trade and connectivity foster peace and peace fosters trade.”

A message strongly aligned with Turkmenistan’s strategic vision.

Diplomacy & Culture: Tribute by Barbara Dietrich

Barbara Dietrich, President of the Diplomatic World Institute, highlighted:

• ten years of diplomatic and editorial cooperation with Turkmenistan,

• the visionary nature of neutrality recognized by the UN,

• the symbolic artwork by Ulrike Bolenz presented as a tribute.

Her speech was marked by respect, recognition, and long-standing collaboration.

Youth, Culture & Diplomacy: Miss Belgium 2026 in Turkmen Traditional Attire

The Brussels regional finalists of Miss Belgium 2026 were invited to represent youth and cultural dialogue, dressed in traditional Turkmen costumes.

Speech by Rachel Pimenza

“Peace, trust, respect and solidarity are not abstract concepts they are daily choices.”

She emphasized:

• the responsibility of youth in an interconnected world,

• the importance of kindness and mutual respect,

• the need to use visibility for positive influence.

“Using one’s voice for good is the most meaningful crown one can wear.”

Exceptional Cultural Segment

Turkmen Music

• Miss Abed Oman performed works by composer Mollä Hemedä.

• Mr. Gasmaran Davliev performed traditional and contemporary Turkmen pieces.

Live Art

• International violinist Annette Homann delivered a captivating performance.

A High-End Culinary Journey

The buffet, crafted by chef Levent Can, offered a gastronomic immersion into Turkmen cuisine, highly appreciated by the guests.

A Night Where Diplomacy, Youth, Art and Peace Converged

Gathering diplomats, military officials, artists, young cultural ambassadors and economic actors, the evening formed a genuine bridge between cultures.

A clear message emerged:

Peace is a choice, neutrality is a commitment, and dialogue is a shared responsibility.

Brussels offered a celebration worthy of Turkmenistan’s lasting peace strategy.