The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Central Asia and Head of UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Kaha Imnadze, participated in the 2nd Meeting of Speakers of Parliaments of the Member States of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development. The event was organized by the Parliament of Turkmenistan in a hybrid format.
The meeting brought together parliamentary leaders and representatives from across Central Asia, as well as from Russia, Belarus, China, and Qatar, alongside representatives of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS.
Participants emphasized the importance of neutrality in the current geopolitical context, noting that neutrality is not isolation but an opportunity to foster dialogue and resolve disputes through peaceful means.
The discussions also underscored the critical role of parliaments in maintaining peaceful relations among states, in line with the principles of the United Nations. Speakers highlighted that parliaments not only possess legislative authority to shape national and international policies but also maintain a direct connection with their electorates, enabling them to build public support for dialogue and cooperation at all levels.
In his statement, SRSG Imnadze underlined the significance of Turkmenistan’s long-standing commitment to neutrality and its contribution to strengthening international peace and trust. He stressed that neutrality should not be perceived as passivity but as an active commitment to dialogue, humanitarian engagement, and multilateral solutions.
He also highlighted that parliaments are uniquely positioned to champion neutrality — not as a retreat, but as a platform for constructive global citizenship.
“Through parliamentary diplomacy, legislative frameworks for cooperation, and regional outreach, parliaments give neutrality both institutional depth and democratic legitimacy,” he added.
UNRCCA continues to support regional and international efforts aimed at confidence-building, preventive diplomacy, and enhanced cooperation in Central Asia and beyond. ///UNRCCA, 8 October 2025