Turkmenistan’s Neutrality as a Foundation for Growth and Opportunity

On June 5th, Iurie Moraru, Vice President of JCC, participated in the “International Dimension of Neutrality – A Geneva Security Debate,” co-organized by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) and the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan in Switzerland. The event featured prominent speakers including Ambassador Thomas Greminger (GCSP), H.E. Ambassador Vepa Hajiev of Turkmenistan in Switzerland, and Shiri Shiriyev, Director of Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

Representing JCC, Moraru highlighted the economic and business implications of Turkmenistan’s internationally recognized permanent neutrality. Key insights included:

Transport and Logistics
Turkmenistan leverages its neutrality and geographic advantage to emerge as a strategic Eurasian transport hub. Investments in infrastructure such as the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, modern airports, and extensive road and rail networks facilitate critical East–West (Lapis Lazuli Corridor) and North–South (Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran railway, Ashgabat Agreement) connectivity, fostering regional trade and interregional economic cooperation.

Energy Cooperation
Neutrality enables Turkmenistan to maintain diverse energy partnerships, exporting natural gas to China and South Asia (TAPI pipeline), while ensuring regional energy security through stable, conflict-free supplies. Turkmenistan also provides long-term reliable electricity supplies to Afghanistan via the TAP project. Additionally, the proposed Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline from Turkmenbashi to Baku would enable Turkmenistan to export gas to Europe via the Southern Gas Corridor.

Turkmenistan’s neutral stance has attracted substantial international investments in energy infrastructure and fostered partnerships free from geopolitical entanglements, significantly boosting the nation’s economic development and international cooperation.

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Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality- A Foundation for Economic Growth and Business Cooperation