Policy
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.
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 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.
A madrasah in the city of Arkadag will be built in accordance with Islamic principles
16.09.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has recommended that the principles recognised in the Islamic world be taken into account during the construction and fitting out ofthe madrasah in the city of Arkadag. This was reported by the news agency TDH. During a working visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen people inspected the progress of construction at the ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’ mosque, where he was shown plans for the madrasah’s classrooms and the facilities for student education. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed officials to study international experience in the construction and equipping of similar educational institutions, as well as to focus on strengthening the material and technical base and applying international standards in the organisation of the educational process. D. Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, reported that the complex is designed to provide facilities for study, teaching staff, student accommodation and leisure. The Chief Imam of the Mosque, Yalkap Hojagulyev, provided an update on the progress of construction and the materials being used, whilst also noting that lessons had been learnt from international experience in the construction of madrasas and the equipping of classrooms.
Turkmenistan and Korea are strengthening the legal framework for cooperation in education
16.09.2026As part of the state visit by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Korea, documents on cooperation in the fields of education, science and youth policy were signed on 15 September. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. In particular, the following were concluded: ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family of the Republic of Korea on cooperation in the field of youth policy’; ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management (Turkmenistan) and Sungkyunkwan University (Republic of Korea)’; ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Engineering, Technology and Transport Communications of Turkmenistan (Turkmenistan) and the Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH)’; ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan and the Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH)’; ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the International University for the Humanities and Development (Turkmenistan) and Incheon National University (Republic of Korea)’; ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the International University for the Humanities and Development and Kyung Hee University’; ‘Cooperation Agreement between the Scientific Centre for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Seoul National University Asia Center’; ‘Cooperation Agreement between the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages and Kangwon National University’. The documents provide for the expansion of cooperation between higher education institutions, the development of academic exchanges and the training of qualified personnel. They are also aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of youth policy, science and the introduction of innovative technologies into education. The signing of the documents forms part of the ongoing development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea in the fields of education and science.
The Head of Turkmenistan has been awarded the title of ‘Honorary Doctor of Political Science’
16.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has been awarded the title of ‘Honorary Doctor of Political Science’ by Sungkyunkwan University in the Republic of Korea. The formal ceremony took place on 15 September as part of the Head of Turkmenistan’s state visit to the Republic of Korea, according to the news agency TDH. The decision to award the honorary title was taken by Sungkyunkwan University in recognition of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s contributions to the development of international cooperation, the strengthening of political and diplomatic ties, and the socio-economic development of Turkmenistan. The document conferring the degree highlights the Head of State’s experience in foreign policy, law-making, local self-government and the economy, as well as his contribution to the development of the digital economy and the diversification of the national economy. The ceremony took place in the main conference hall of Sungkyunkwan University. Before the ceremony began, those present were briefed on the key achievements of the President of Turkmenistan. Yoo Ji-beom, President of Sungkyunkwan University, emphasised the significance of the honorary degree for the development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. Following this, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was presented with the diploma, and a commemorative photo session took place. Speaking at the ceremony, the Head of Turkmenistan expressed his gratitude to the management and staff of Sungkyunkwan University for conferring the honorary title. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of cooperation in the field of education and highlighted Sungkyunkwan University’s collaboration with the International University for the Humanities and Development and the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also highlighted the prospects for joint educational initiatives, including exchanges of students, lecturers and researchers, as well as the training of specialists in the fields of artificial intelligence, engineering, energy, digital technologies and industrial management. Sungkyunkwan University dates back to 1398. According to the university, the honorary degree was first awarded in 1957. To date, 101 people have been awarded this honour, including the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in 2015.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Mexico on Independence Day
16.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the United Mexican States, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the people of the country on their national holiday — Independence Day. This was reported by AsmanNews. The Head of State wished the President of Mexico good health and happiness, and the people of the country peace, progress and prosperity.
Ashgabat and Seoul discussed the development of parliamentary cooperation
16.09.2026On 15 September, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Cho Jeong-sik, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, as part of his state visit to the Republic of Korea. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Cho Jeong-sik highlighted the importance of the visit of the Head of Turkmenistan for the further development of inter-parliamentary and inter-state relations. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov conveyed greetings to the Speaker of the National Assembly from the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The parties discussed the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation as one of the mechanisms for strengthening mutual trust and understanding between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to the activities of the Turkmen-Korean Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. The inter-parliamentary friendship groups of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea have been cooperating since 2015. The initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag, to establish a new format for inter-parliamentary cooperation was also noted. The first Turkmen-Korean consultative meeting took place in September 2023, and the second in October 2024. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties expressed their confidence in the further development of Turkmen-Korean relations across a wide range of areas.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with the Prime Minister of South Korea
16.09.2026On 15 September, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Han Seong-sook, as part of a state visit to the Republic of Korea. This was reported by AsmanNews. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the prospects for the further development of Turkmen-Korean cooperation. It was noted that the high-level negotiations held with President Lee Jae-myung would give new impetus to inter-state cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Han Seong-sook on her appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea and wished her every success in his work. The Head of State emphasised the priority of developing a constructive partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation between Turkmenistan and countries around the world. In this context, he noted the importance of expanding relations with the Republic of Korea. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence that the outcome of the state visit would contribute to the further strengthening of the bilateral partnership. The Head of State also highlighted the significance of the Republic of Korea as an economic, technological and innovation partner for Turkmenistan. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea to visit Turkmenistan at a time convenient to her. Ms Han Seong-sook expressed her gratitude for the invitation. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties expressed their confidence in the further development of Turkmen-Korean cooperation and wished each other success in their work, as well as peace and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.
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