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Turkmenistan has set out the priorities for the economic partnership between Central Asia and South Korea
17.09.2026On September 16, during a state visit to the Republic of Korea, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the first ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Business Summit, outlining the main areas of economic, trade, investment, and business cooperation, according to the TDH news agency. The Head of State highlighted the role of business communities in implementing new projects and developing inter-state relations. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the economic and technological potential of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea creates opportunities for expanding cooperation. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed Turkmenistan’s readiness to facilitate direct contacts between business communities, business exchanges and the implementation of partnership initiatives. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the participation of South Korean companies and financial institutions in joint projects with Turkmenistan. Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid particular attention to transport and logistics cooperation, describing this area as a strategic priority. The Head of State called on the business community to participate in the creation of sustainable transport corridors and the development of logistics connectivity between Central Asia and Korea. He said that Turkmenistan is ready to provide the necessary support in this area. The President of Turkmenistan also highlighted the outcomes of the first ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Summit, emphasising that the exchange of views that took place confirmed the parties’ interest in deepening multifaceted cooperation. Following the Business Summit, a Joint Statement is due to be adopted, and agreements and memoranda of understanding are to be signed. It is expected that the agreements reached will contribute to the expansion of business ties and mutual trade between the Central Asian states and Korea.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented Turkmenistan’s initiatives at the Seoul Summit
17.09.2026On September 16, during his state visit to the Republic of Korea, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the first ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Summit, outlining the main areas for further cooperation between the countries. This was reported by AsmanNews. The Head of State noted that the summit lays the foundation for a new phase of cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the Central Asian states. Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, for his hospitality and for organising the summit. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that Turkmenistan regards peace and trust as essential conditions for sustainable development. The country’s foreign policy is based on its status of permanent neutrality, which has been recognised three times by the United Nations General Assembly. Among the priority areas for cooperation, Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted urban development and infrastructure. In this regard, he presented Turkmenistan’s ‘Smart Cities Diplomacy’ initiative, which provides for the exchange of experience and information, the joint implementation of scientific and technical achievements, and the development of modern urban planning models. Other areas identified included industry, agriculture, the environment, water issues, healthcare, the service sector and tourism. In the field of education, Turkmenistan proposed developing cooperation between educational institutions in Central Asia and the Republic of Korea, including dual-degree programmes. It was also proposed to broaden young people’s digital literacy and to organise joint academic competitions, contests and conferences. In the field of science, the Head of State advocated stepping up joint research by young scientists and establishing an Institute to support the development and implementation of innovative ideas by young people. In the cultural sphere, a Roadmap for Intercultural Exchanges between Young People from Central Asian Countries and the Republic of Korea and the ‘Young Talents’ programme were proposed. Turkmenistan also called for the development of sporting cooperation and for consideration to be given to organising International Youth Sports Games involving Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a complement to inter-governmental cooperation and as a mechanism for building trust. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed Turkmenistan’s readiness to contribute to building trust and fostering an equal and mutually beneficial partnership, and to participate actively in this new format.
The President of Turkmenistan took part in the first ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Summit
17.09.2026On 16 September, as part of a state visit to the Republic of Korea, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, took part in the first ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Summit. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The meeting marked the first summit of Heads of State in this format. It was also attended by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev; the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov; the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon; and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, highlighted the significance of this new format for the development of cooperation between the Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea. In his address, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude to the Korean side for their hospitality and for organising the summit. The Head of State emphasised that the meeting lays the foundation for a new phase of cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan’s foreign policy is based on its status of permanent neutrality, which has been recognised three times by the United Nations General Assembly. Peace, stability and trust were cited as prerequisites for sustainable development. Turkmenistan identified urban development and infrastructure as priority areas for cooperation. In this regard, the ‘Smart Cities Diplomacy’ initiative was presented, providing for the exchange of experience, the joint implementation of scientific and technical achievements, and the development of modern urban planning models. Industry, agriculture, the environment, water resources, healthcare, the service sector and tourism were also highlighted. In the field of education, Turkmenistan proposed developing cooperation between universities in Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea, including dual-degree programmes. It was also proposed to expand young people’s digital literacy, organise joint academic competitions, contests and conferences, stimulate research by young scientists, and establish an Institute to support the development and implementation of innovative ideas by young people. In the cultural sphere, it was proposed to implement the Roadmap for Intercultural Exchanges between Young People from Central Asian Countries and the Republic of Korea and the ‘Young Talents’ programme. Particular attention was paid to the development of sporting ties and the possibility of holding International Youth Sports Games between Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea. The President of Turkmenistan also highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as an additional mechanism for strengthening trust and inter-state cooperation. The Heads of State discussed the processing of raw materials using Korean technology, the joint development of deposits, the establishment of industrial enterprises and transport corridors, the development of logistics, projects in the field of artificial intelligence, the digitalisation of public services, the introduction of ‘green’ technologies and adaptation to climate change. Following the Summit, the Seoul Declaration of the first ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Summit was adopted. In addition, Serdar Berdimuhamedov also took part in a special session of the ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Business Summit, held under the motto ‘Future Cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Central Asia for Growth and Innovation’. The Head of Turkmenistan highlighted the role of the business community in developing economic, trade, investment and technological cooperation. Particular attention was paid to transport and logistics, and to the creation of sustainable transport corridors between Central Asia and Korea. During the Business Summit, discussions centred on issues relating to geology and the processing of mineral resources, energy, ‘green’ energy, the introduction of South Korean technologies, the creation of multimodal transport corridors and the enhancement of the region’s transit potential. Thematic sessions covered cooperation on rare-earth resources, energy and supply chains, the expansion of trade and investment, the simplification of trade and customs procedures, lending through South Korean financial institutions, the establishment of high-tech manufacturing facilities, and the development of transport and logistics. Following the Business Summit, a number of documents were adopted and signed. Upon completion of his state visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed from Seoul for Turkmenistan. The Head of State was met by members of the Government at the international airport in the Turkmen capital. During the visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was awarded the title of ‘Honorary Doctor of Political Science’ and presented with an honorary badge from the Korean International Trade Association.
Seoul has thanked Ashgabat for its assistance in evacuating Korean nationals
17.09.2026During a meeting with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen side for its assistance and for providing a transit corridor for the evacuation of citizens of the Republic of Korea during a period of political instability in the region. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The President of the Republic of Korea noted that this humanitarian initiative was a testament to the friendly relations and high level of trust between the two countries. The parties also discussed issues of bilateral cooperation and the regional agenda. Lee Jae-myung highlighted Turkmenistan’s economic and resource potential, noting the implementation of major joint projects and the development of industrial cooperation. The President of the Republic of Korea also thanked President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for creating favourable conditions for South Korean businesses operating in Turkmenistan and reaffirmed his readiness to further expand and deepen the comprehensive partnership.
Turkmenistan is keen to attract Korean technology and investment
17.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has stated that the country is keen to attract technology, investment and management expertise from the Republic of Korea to develop the oil and gas chemical, chemical, energy and other sectors. The Head of State announced this at the high-level Turkmen-Korean business forum in Seoul, according to the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’ news agency. According to the President of Turkmenistan, the Republic of Korea is an important technological and investment partner for Turkmenistan. The country has significant potential in the fields of digitalisation, industrial modernisation and the development of high-tech manufacturing. Turkmenistan, for its part, possesses a rich resource and energy base, as well as a favourable geographical location, which creates opportunities for the implementation of major investment projects.
The prospects for Turkmen-Korean economic cooperation were discussed
17.09.2026As part of the state visit by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Korea, negotiations were held with President Lee Jae-myung. The parties discussed the development of their partnership in key economic sectors, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Priority areas include investment, trade, energy, the chemical industry, manufacturing and rail transport. Issues relating to cooperation in science, technology, artificial intelligence, the environment and water resource management were also discussed. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in transport and logistics. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the role of the Republic of Korea as an important partner for Turkmenistan in the Asia-Pacific region. The Head of State reported on Turkmenistan’s development, in conjunction with international partners, of transport and transit infrastructure along the ‘East–West’ and ‘North–South’ routes. He invited Korean companies to participate in the implementation of the relevant projects.
Ashgabat and Seoul have signed a package of bilateral agreements
17.09.2026Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea have signed a package of bilateral documents following negotiations in Seoul between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In the presence of the Heads of State, agreements and memoranda of understanding were exchanged concerning cooperation in the fields of investment, industry, transport, water management, the environment, law and other areas. Among the documents signed were the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Korea on the Promotion and Protection of Investments and the Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters. The State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources of the Republic of Korea concluded a memorandum of cooperation in the chemical industry and industrial construction. Agreements have also been formalised in the fields of water resource management, intellectual property, law and justice, infrastructure, rail transport, digital forest restoration and the fight against climate change. Individual documents have been signed between government bodies, educational institutions and organisations of the two countries, as well as with South Korean companies. These include memoranda of understanding between the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex and ‘YUHANTECH CO., LTD’; between the Ministry of Road Transport of Turkmenistan and ‘Hyundai Corporation’; between the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and ‘LS Cable & System’; and between the State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan and ‘Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.’ In addition, the parties agreed to cooperate in shipbuilding, aviation, science, education, academic exchanges, the media and culture. The President of Turkmenistan arrived in Seoul to take part in the first ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ summit.
Turkmenistan Culture Days have begun in the Republic of Korea
17.09.2026On 16 September, the opening ceremony of the Turkmenistan Cultural Days took place in the Republic of Korea. The event marked one of the practical steps towards implementing the agreements reached at the highest level, according to Turkmenportal. The development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation was discussed at a meeting between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung. The negotiations took place in a one-on-one format, followed by an expanded meeting involving the official delegations of both countries. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the priority importance of the humanitarian dimension in bilateral relations. He noted that Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea have accumulated experience in organising joint events involving figures from the worlds of culture and the arts. The Head of State emphasised that holding reciprocal Culture Days helps to bring the two peoples closer together. He said that the Turkmenistan Culture Days in the Republic of Korea are intended to give new impetus to cooperation and to strengthen friendship and mutual understanding.
Turkmenistan took part in a transport seminar in Yerevan
17.09.2026Representatives from Turkmenistan took part in a seminar entitled ‘Promoting Sustainable Transport Corridors to Strengthen Inter-Regional and Intra-Regional Connectivity’. The two-day event took place on 14–15 September in Yerevan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The seminar was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The event was attended by representatives of member states’ governments, transport operators, the private sector, academia, international organisations and development partners. Participants exchanged experiences and discussed common challenges in the development of transport corridors. They also examined practical approaches to enhancing their efficiency, sustainability and environmental friendliness.
Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea discussed expanding business ties
17.09.2026On 15 September 2026, as part of the Turkmen-Korean Business Forum, a meeting took place between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Lee Dal-gon, Chairman of the Committee on Shared Growth of the Republic of Korea. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the prospects for the further development of socio-economic cooperation between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to expanding business ties and establishing new contacts between business representatives from Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. Lee Dal-gon previously held the posts of Minister of Public Administration and Security of the Republic of Korea and State Secretary for Political Affairs to the President of the Republic of Korea. He also served as a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.
Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea will expand their cooperation in the field of technology
17.09.2026On 15 September 2026, on the sidelines of the Turkmen-Korean Business Forum, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Kim Jin-pyo, Director of the Institute for Global Innovation Research of the Republic of Korea. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the prospects for developing Turkmen-Korean cooperation in the fields of innovation, modern technologies and the expansion of business ties. Particular attention was paid to further interaction between representatives of the business and expert communities of the two countries. Kim Jin-pyo served as Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea from 2022 to 2024.
The Turkmenistan Investment Forum has gained a new Knowledge Partner
17.09.2026Oxford Business Group (OBG) will take part in the Third International Investment Forum of Turkmenistan (TIF 2026) for the first time as a Knowledge Partner. The forum will bring together representatives of government bodies, international financial organisations, investors and the global business community, according to the news agency Orient. Oxford Business Group was founded in 1994 and specialises in economic research and investment analysis of emerging markets. The company operates in more than 40 countries, combining an international research network with on-the-ground work, and provides businesses and government bodies with information to assess investment opportunities and make decisions. Its materials are used by international investors, company executives and government leaders. OBG’s participation in TIF 2026 will enable the forum’s investment agenda to be presented to a wider international audience and highlight the importance of Turkmenistan as a destination for cooperation. The forum’s Knowledge Partners also include The Turkmen-American Business Cooperation Association (TABCA). TIF 2026 will create opportunities for direct interaction between Turkmen companies and international partners, investors and business leaders. During B2B meetings, participants will be able to present projects and discuss prospects for cooperation, whilst B2G meetings will provide a platform to discuss investment initiatives with representatives of government bodies. The business programme will cover key sectors of Turkmenistan’s economy: energy, transport corridors, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, virtual assets, ‘green’ projects, agribusiness, tourism and water resources.
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