OSCEs Parlamentariske Forsamling 2022-23 (2. samling)
OSCE Alm.del Bilag 33
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Highlights from the Call for Action – Helsinki+50
Central Asia Regional Seminar on
“The Role of Neutral States in Strengthening
Security, Stability and Dialogue in the OSCE Area”
16 May 2023, Ashgabat
The OSCE PA Call for Action – Helsinki +50 Central Asia Seminar on “The
Role of Neutral
States in Strengthening Security, Stability and Dialogue in the OSCE Area”
was held in
Ashgabat upon the invitation of the Parliament of Turkmenistan. The event brought together
OSCE PA members from the OSCE area, including in particular the Central Asian region,
with local and international experts to reflect on the role of neutral states in a polarized
geopolitical context.
Introductory remarks
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The special status of neutrality which guides the formulation of Turkmenistan’s
foreign policy agenda can help build bridges among the states.
The importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue in fostering peace and stability in the
Central Asian region was repeatedly underlined.
Preventive diplomacy is one of the most effective and practical tools in multilateral
diplomacy: the OSCE's comprehensive approach to security promotes it in all three
dimensions of security.
2023 is the International Year of Dialogue as Guarantee for Peace as declared by the
UNGA in Resolution 77/32: in this light, the timing of the Regional Seminar was very
appropriate.
Many speakers commended Turkmenistan’s initiative to declare Central Asia ‘a zone
of peace, trust and cooperation’ at the UN General Assembly.
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Main points raised by panellists:
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Pointed out the increasingly complex international agenda, with a progressive
replacement of multilateral processes with a “multipolar” environment, which has
progressively led to lack of dialogue and trust, to deep divisions in the international
community and eventually to new conflicts and wars.
 OSCE, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 33: Highlights: Call for Action - Helsinki +50 Central Asia Seminar "The Role of Neutral States in Strengthening Security, Stability and Dialogue in the OSCE Area", 16 May 2023, Ashgabat
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Stressed the significance of Turkmenistan's positive neutrality status and its
contributions to international peace and security. On an increasingly divided
international scene, neutrality is seen as an asset for negotiations, addressing conflicts,
and global threats such as climate change and transnational threats.
Acknowledged the challenges and the spectrum of instabilities faced by neutral states
and underscored that Turkmenistan’s positive neutrality serves as a significant factor
in regional security and co-operation and helps in reconciliation processes in
Afghanistan.
Pointed out that the region is experiencing a period of increasingly active involvement
in the geopolitical and geo-economic processes taking place in the Eurasian space.
Noted that in the context of geopolitical turbulence and of instability of the world
economy, the countries of the region have understood that the preservation of security
and stability in Central Asia requires close co-operation and dialogue, a key
precondition for joint engagement in addressing new challenges and threats.
Therefore, co-operation between the Central Asian states is progressively developing
in the spirit of a strategic partnership, as demonstrated by the ongoing process of
regular meetings involving regional Heads of State.
Emphasized the need for dialogue, peaceful resolution of conflicts, joint efforts in
prevention of transnational crimes, and boosting economic development.
Stressed the role of young MPs and, more broadly, the need to promote a strong
engagement of the younger generation in building peace and in addressing
increasingly serious global challenges.
Analysing the Austrian and Swiss models of neutrality, their potential and limitations,
discussing modalities of military and non-military engagement, concluded that the
notion of neutrality can be considered as an important asset for the OSCE and for the
future of the region.
Stressed that neutrality is not about being friends with everyone, it is more about
being credible, active and able to engage conflicting sides in dialogue, while not
precluding firm views and a clear alignment of neutral States in respect of individual
issues.
Underlining that political will and good faith engagement is an essential condition for
dialogue to be successful, noted that it is paramount to restore trust and engage in
honest dialogue about the future of the organization preserving the Helsinki, Paris and
Astana spirit.
The UN (in particular, the General Assembly) and the OSCE were acknowledged as
essential platforms for promoting peace and co-operation. Participants stressed the
need to exploit these organizations’ full potential in conflict prevention and resolution
and in restoring the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian security architecture.
 OSCE, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 33: Highlights: Call for Action - Helsinki +50 Central Asia Seminar "The Role of Neutral States in Strengthening Security, Stability and Dialogue in the OSCE Area", 16 May 2023, Ashgabat
General recommendations:
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Attendees underlined Turkmenistan’s role in mediation and encouraged to utilize its
status for reconciliation purposes vis-à-vis regional border conflict, regional
challenges and Russia’s war in Ukraine, which put dialogue among participating
States on halt.
Participants agreed that neutral engagement gives a possibility for a return to more
cooperative relations in the OSCE space
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Emphasized that Central Asia states should continue this joint parliamentary dialogue
initiative in a regional format through a process that may help develop a common
platform for dialogue of engaged countries acting in the interest of common security
and stability both at the regional and at the broader OSCE-wide level.
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