Policy
The Head of Turkmenistan outlined the prospects for Turkmen-Korean cooperation
16.09.2026During his state visit to the Republic of Korea, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the High-Level Turkmen-Korean Business Forum, which took place on 15 September. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his speech, the Head of State highlighted the long-standing constructive relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea and outlined promising areas for trade, economic and investment cooperation. According to the President, 17 investment projects involving Korean companies, with a total value of over 12 billion US dollars, have been registered in Turkmenistan. Negotiations on new projects are also currently underway. Among the completed projects, Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the construction, in partnership with ‘LX International Corp’ and ‘Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd.’, of a natural gas desulphurisation plant at the ‘Galkynyş’ field and a polymer plant in Kiyanly. ‘SK Networks’ participated in the installation of a road safety system in Ashgabat and the provision of consultancy services. Investment projects are currently being implemented in the country with the participation of ‘Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.’, ‘Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology Co., Ltd.’, ‘Korea Meditech Co., Ltd.’ and other Korean companies. The President of Turkmenistan has stated the country’s interest in attracting Korean technology, investment and managerial expertise to the oil and gas chemical, chemical, energy, transport and other sectors. Transport and logistics infrastructure, the chemical industry, medicine and healthcare were identified as promising areas. Turkmenistan is prepared to consider the participation of South Korean companies in infrastructure projects, as well as to expand cooperation in the production of mineral fertilisers, petrochemical and other industrial products. Korean companies are also involved in the creation of a modern medical cluster in the city of Arkadag. In this sector, Turkmenistan is considering further cooperation on the introduction of medical technologies and the training of specialists. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his readiness to create the necessary conditions and provide support to the Korean business community in the implementation of joint projects.
A High-Level Turkmen-Korean Business Forum took place
16.09.2026On September 15, as part of a state visit to the Republic of Korea, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the High-Level Turkmen-Korean Business Forum. This was reported by AsmanNews. During the forum, participants discussed promising areas for trade, economic and investment cooperation, as well as opportunities for implementing joint projects. Before the event began, the Head of State toured an exhibition of products from Turkmen entrepreneurs. The exhibition featured goods from the light industry and the textile sector, as well as construction and industrial products, and items produced by the company ‘Arkadag Medisina Klasteri Menejment’. Speaking at the forum, Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the experience gained through cooperation with South Korean companies. In particular, he singled out projects involving ‘LX International Corp’, ‘Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd.’ and ‘SK Networks’. According to the Head of State, 17 investment projects involving Korean companies, with a total value of over 12 billion US dollars, are registered in Turkmenistan. Furthermore, negotiations are underway regarding new projects. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised Turkmenistan’s interest in attracting Korean technology, investment and management expertise to the oil and gas, chemical, energy, transport and other sectors. Particular attention was paid to the development of transport and logistics infrastructure, the chemical industry, medicine and healthcare. Korean companies are involved in the creation of a modern medical cluster in the city of Arkadag. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Han Seong-sook, identified the construction of energy and infrastructure facilities, shipbuilding, the transport and logistics sector, and the training of specialists as the main areas of economic partnership. She noted the need to expand cooperation between universities and to exchange technical knowledge and practical experience. The importance of the activities of the King Sejong Institute in Ashgabat was also emphasised. Yoon Jin-sik, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), noted that cooperation between the two countries covers the energy sector, industry, construction, transport, infrastructure, shipbuilding, healthcare, digital technologies and the environment. He also recalled that in 2019, the Korea International Trade Association, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, established the ‘Korea–Turkmenistan’ Business Council. Following the speeches, a ceremony was held to sign bilateral documents. Following the participation of the President of Turkmenistan, the meeting continued. The participants discussed prospects for cooperation in gas chemistry, energy, transport, logistics, shipbuilding, industry, construction, infrastructure, the environment and the introduction of ‘green’ technologies, as well as in the fields of education, science, healthcare and culture.
The President of Turkmenistan’s visit to Korea helps to strengthen the partnership
16.09.2026As part of the state visit by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Korea, high-level negotiations were held on 15 September with the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the political and diplomatic, trade and economic, transport, humanitarian, scientific and educational, and other areas, according to the news agency TDH. On 14 September, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in the Republic of Korea on a state visit. During the visit, the Head of State visited the National Memorial Complex of the Republic of Korea, where he laid a wreath at the monument to Korea’s national heroes and signed the Guest Book. An official welcoming ceremony for the President of Turkmenistan took place at the Cheong Wa Dae Palace. Following this, the Heads of State held a one-on-one meeting, after which negotiations continued in an expanded format with the participation of delegations from both countries. President Lee Jae-myung noted the dynamic development of Turkmen-Korean relations and expressed interest in further expanding cooperation. He also thanked Turkmenistan for its support and for providing the opportunity for citizens of the Republic of Korea to transit through the country’s territory during a period of political turmoil in the region. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the significance of the state visit for further strengthening inter-state dialogue. The Head of State noted the important role of the Republic of Korea as a partner of Turkmenistan in the Asia-Pacific region. Particular attention was paid during the negotiations to trade and economic cooperation. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in investment, energy, industry, the chemical sector, rail transport, artificial intelligence, science and technology, water resource management and the environment. Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the involvement of South Korean companies in major projects in Turkmenistan, including projects in the transport sector, shipbuilding and the creation of a medical cluster in the city of Arkadag. The parties also discussed the development of transport, transit and logistics infrastructure along the East–West and North–South routes, as well as the participation of South Korean companies in these projects. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the fields of culture, science and education. In particular, they highlighted cultural exchanges, the organisation of Culture Days, the development of links between higher education institutions, the exchange of students, lecturers and academics, as well as joint educational programmes. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited President Lee Jae-myung to visit Turkmenistan next year. During the visit, a ceremony was held to exchange bilateral documents. These included agreements and memoranda of understanding on cooperation in the fields of investment, customs, the chemical industry, water resource management, youth policy, intellectual property, law and justice, combating transnational organised crime, police cooperation, infrastructure, rail transport, the environment and combating climate change. A separate package of documents was signed between government agencies, universities and companies from both countries. The documents provide for cooperation in oil refining, road transport, telecommunications, water management, shipbuilding, civil aviation, education, science, academic exchanges, culture and the information sector. As part of the visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Sungkyunkwan University. A ceremony was held at the university to confer upon the Head of State of Turkmenistan the title of ‘Honorary Doctor of Political Science’. The President of Turkmenistan thanked the leadership of Sungkyunkwan University for conferring the title and highlighted the importance of educational cooperation between the two countries. According to the Head of State, particular attention is being paid to the development of joint programmes in the fields of artificial intelligence, engineering, energy, digital technologies and industrial management. Bilateral meetings were also held during the visit between members of the government delegations of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. The parties discussed the further development of cooperation in the political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. Next year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. The parties expressed their interest in the further development of bilateral cooperation. The State visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea is continuing.
Turkmenistan and Moldova are expanding their inter-parliamentary cooperation
16.09.2026On 14 September, a meeting of the Turkmen-Moldovan and Moldovan-Turkmen Interparliamentary Friendship Groups took place at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed ways to improve the work of the groups established on a bilateral basis and to strengthen ties between the relevant committees. It was noted that relations between the countries are developing successfully in various fields, based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. Due to the efforts of the leaders of Turkmenistan and Moldova, bilateral cooperation is being stepped up, including the expansion of opportunities for parliamentary interaction. The Head of the Moldovan-Turkmen friendship group was briefed on the main directions of Turkmenistan’s domestic and foreign policy, based on the principles of positive neutrality, peace, humanism and trust, the composition of the Mejlis, as well as the work being carried out in the country in the fields of trade and the economy, culture and humanitarian aid, science and education, and social welfare. Following the meeting, the parties noted the development of mutually beneficial relations and expressed their support for continuing the exchange of experience in legislative work, stepping up the activities of inter-parliamentary friendship groups, establishing contacts between relevant committees, organising reciprocal visits by delegations and holding meetings.
The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan met with a delegation from Moldova
15.09.2026On 14 September 2026, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, met with a delegation led by Petru Burduja, Chair of the Moldovan-Turkmen Parliamentary Friendship Group. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The meeting covered the main priorities of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, the work of the national Parliament, and the legislative framework for socio-economic reforms. The parties noted the significance of the UN General Assembly resolution ‘2028 – Year of International Law’, adopted on the initiative of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to the development of inter-parliamentary dialogue and the work of parliamentary friendship groups. Political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries were also discussed. D. Gulmanova emphasised the important role of parliamentary cooperation in strengthening Turkmenistan’s relations with the Republic of Moldova and other states. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and trust.
Meetings were held in Turkmenistan with a delegation from Moldova
15.09.2026On 14 September, as part of a visit to Turkmenistan by a delegation from the Republic of Moldova led by Petru Burduja, Chair of the Moldovan side of the Parliamentary Friendship Group, meetings were held at a number of ministries, the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Mejlis. This was reported by the news agency TDH. At the Mejlis, a meeting was held with the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, and a session of the Turkmen-Moldovan Parliamentary Friendship Group took place. Representatives of Turkmenistan briefed the delegation on the main directions of the country’s domestic and foreign policy, as well as the Mejlis’s legislative activities. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Moldovan relations. Particular attention was paid to intensifying inter-parliamentary dialogue, exchanging experience in the legislative sphere and expanding inter-state cooperation. The meeting’s participants reviewed plans for developing parliamentary contacts, including regular meetings and reciprocal visits, as well as cooperation between relevant committees. Trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation were discussed separately. The parties noted the potential for expanding cooperation and implementing joint projects. Members of the delegation from the Republic of Moldova expressed an interest in further developing cooperation with Turkmenistan. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to implement previously reached agreements and to continue developing bilateral relations. The visit also includes meetings at a number of ministries and a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the Moldovan parliament
15.09.2026On 14 September, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Petru Burduja, a Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in the political, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian, and other spheres. The participants in the meeting noted the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening mutual understanding and expressed their readiness to promote the further development of inter-parliamentary ties.
The President of Turkmenistan has begun a state visit to the Republic of Korea
15.09.2026On 14 September, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, departed on a state visit to the Republic of Korea, where he will also take part in the first ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ Summit. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Before his departure, the Head of Turkmenistan arrived at the capital’s international airport. Serdar Berdimuhamedov was seen off at the airport by officials. Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea have maintained diplomatic relations since 1992. Cooperation is developing on the basis of a strategic partnership and covers the trade and economic, transport, educational, cultural and humanitarian, and environmental sectors. Joint projects with South Korean companies in the oil and gas, and petrochemical sectors play an important role. Cooperation is developing in the fields of transport and logistics, education, science and ‘green’ technologies. Regional cooperation takes place within the framework of the ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ Forum, established in 2007. In 2023, Turkmenistan chaired the 16th meeting of the Forum in Ashgabat. A few hours later, the presidential airliner arrived at the airport to receive high-ranking guests in Seoul. The national flags of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea were raised on the flagpoles. Members of the Honour Guard lined up at the aircraft steps, and a salute was fired in honour of the distinguished guest’s arrival. The President of Turkmenistan was met at the airport by officials from the Republic of Korea and Turkmenistan. Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit to the Republic of Korea is continuing.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received a letter of thanks from Marian Weltevreden
14.09.2026Marian Weltevreden, Head of the European Ahal-Teke Horse Association, expressed her gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan,Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for his support and personal involvement in organising the World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke Beauty Contest in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The letter notes that the competitions and accompanying international events took place at the Peelbergen Equestrian Complex and brought together owners and breeders of Ahal-Teke horses, experts, equestrian industry specialists and representatives from various countries. According to Marian Weltevreden, the event attracted interest from both the professional community and the general public. Participants and guests praised the high standard of organisation and the programme’s content. The letter paid particular attention to the international conference and expert discussions dedicated to the conservation, breeding and promotion of the Ahal-Teke breed. The cultural programme introduced guests to the traditions, art and music of Turkmenistan. The Association’s Chair emphasised Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s contribution to the organisation of the event and to the preservation and promotion of the Ahal-Teke breed. Marian Weltevreden also welcomed the initiative to hold the next championship in five years’ time and expressed her hope for the further development of cooperation in the field of Ahal-Teke horse breeding.
The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan met with the Secretary-General of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly
14.09.2026On 11 September 2026, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, held a meeting with Dmitry Kobitsky, Secretary-General of the Council of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation, the promotion of parliamentary diplomacy and the exchange of experience in the field of law-making. D. Gulmanova noted Turkmenistan’s interest in strengthening interaction with countries around the world and international organisations, as well as in expanding cooperation within the CIS. Particular attention was paid to the international and parliamentary events planned for 2026 at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone as part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS and the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Preparations for the meeting of the Council of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, scheduled for November, were also discussed during the meeting. It was noted that the meeting would be aimed at improving the national legislation of the member states and the legal framework for multilateral cooperation.
The results of the first World Ahal-Teke Championship were discussed in the city of Arkadag
14.09.2026A conference was held at the ‘Ruhyýet’ Palace in Arkadag to review the results of the first World Ahal-Teke Horse Championship, which took place in Kronenberg, the Netherlands. Participants discussed the results of the competition and the development of international cooperation in the field of Ahal-Teke horse breeding, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. At the ‘Peelbergen’ arena, Turkmen stallions won several top prizes. The competitions included dressage, show jumping and other disciplines. As part of the championship, representatives of the horse breeding sector from Europe and Asia discussed issues relating to selection, the maintenance of stud books and uniform breed standards. The ‘Galkynyş’ group of show riders also presented a programme featuring elements of traditional Turkmen show riding. As noted by Dayanch Reyimov, a lecturer at the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, the championship brought together athletes, breeders and specialists from various countries. The black stallion Yyndam, from the French stud farm, was crowned the undisputed world champion. This prestigious title was awarded following the results of the competition held in the Netherlands. Alena Grand, France’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, highlighted the significance of Yyndam’s victory for the French equine industry and the international interest in the Ahal-Teke breed. The art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding has been included on UNESCO’s list of cultural heritage. At the conference, representatives from foreign countries emphasised the cultural significance of the traditions associated with Ahal-Teke racehorses. The celebrations concluded in the city’s main square, by the ‘Arkadag’ monument. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, arrived to congratulate the horse breeders and spectators. The programme of celebrations concluded with a performance of the national dance, the ‘kushtdepdi’, and a festive fireworks display.
The President of Turkmenistan is to pay a state visit to the Republic of Korea
12.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, will pay a state visit to the Republic of Korea and take part in the first ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ Summit. R. Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, reported on preparations for the visit at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 11 September. According to the news agency TDH, a number of inter-state, inter-governmental and inter-departmental documents are due to be signed during the visit, aimed at developing cooperation in the fields of the economy, investment, transport, logistics, the chemical industry, infrastructure, industrial construction, the environment, water management, science and education. It was noted that diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea were established in 1992. Since then, the countries have concluded 118 inter-state, inter-governmental and inter-departmental agreements. High-level contacts play an important role in bilateral relations. In recent years, there have been five state, official and working visits by Heads of State. In November 2022, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero Arkadag, visited the Republic of Korea. Trade and economic cooperation is developing. Seventeen investment projects involving Korean companies have been registered in Turkmenistan. Major projects that have been completed include a sulphur purification complex at the ‘Galkynyş’ gas field and a gas-chemical complex for the production of polyethylene and polypropylene in the settlement of Kiyanly. In 2008, the Turkmen-Korean Inter-governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Co-operation was established. To date, nine meetings of the Commission have been held. The parties also cooperate in the fields of science, education, culture and other social and humanitarian areas. Multilateral cooperation is developing within the framework of the ‘Central Asia – Republic of Korea’ Forum, established in 2007 on the initiative of the Korean side. In 2023, Turkmenistan chaired the Forum, and its 16th meeting took place in Ashgabat. Having heard the report, Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, to ensure preparations for the state visit and participation in the Summit.
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