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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.
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.
A PETRONAS professor is teaching at an oil and gas university in Turkmenistan
16.09.2026From September 14 to 17, students and young teachers at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas are taking part in online classes on the analysis and design of offshore structures. The classes are being led by a professor from PETRONAS University of Technology (Malaysia), according to the news website Turkmenportal. As part of the course, participants are introduced to modern technologies and methods used in the industry, according to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Upon completion of the course, participants will be awarded certificates from the PETRONAS University of Technology. The classes have been organised under the Memorandum of Cooperation between Turkmen and Malaysian higher education institutions. For the 2026–2027 academic year, lectures by professors from the University of Technology are also planned, both online and in person when they visit Turkmenistan. Topics will cover the oil and gas industry, artificial intelligence, chemistry and processing.
Representatives of the Turkmen media are learning about modern media technologies in China
16.09.2026Representatives of the Turkmen media are taking part in the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) 2026 international training programme, which is being held in China from September to December. The programme combines theoretical sessions, Chinese language lessons and practical training in modern media technologies, according to the IIC. The programme was officially launched on 8 September. During the first few days, participants attended a lecture by Li Yunhui, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, on the national characteristics of the People’s Republic of China, strategic partnerships with regions and the workings of modern media. The programme also featured a lecture by Zhao Ping, head of China Global Television Network (CGTN), on the application of artificial intelligence in the development of the media industry and international communications. The students visited the 11th ‘Colourful World’ cultural exhibition as part of the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) and took part in the international event ‘East Meets West: Charming Beijing’. In addition, they attended practical Chinese language classes focused on everyday communication.
Turkmenistan and South Korea are to join forces in the production of IT equipment
16.09.2026In Seoul, the business association ‘Amatly çözgüt’ and the South Korean company ‘S&T System Inc.’ signed an agreement to establish the joint venture ‘Yerli Tor’. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The venture will manufacture IT equipment for government agencies, large companies, data centres and infrastructure facilities. The product range will include servers, data storage systems and networking equipment. The South Korean side will provide technology transfer, technical solutions and expert support. The Turkmen side will be responsible for adapting the products to local standards, establishing the production infrastructure and introducing the equipment to the domestic market. Production will include the assembly and configuration of equipment, quality control, testing and software integration. Warranty and after-sales services are also provided for. Going forward, the parties plan to increase the level of localisation in production, train national specialists and introduce new technological solutions.
The Turkmen dance ‘Kushtdepdi’ was performed at a festival in Islamabad
16.09.2026The Turkmen Ambassador to Pakistan, A. Movlamov, took part in a celebratory event held on 9 September in Islamabad at the National Museum of Pakistan to mark the Independence Days of the Central Asian states and Azerbaijan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The Heads of the diplomatic missions of the Central Asian states, Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation congratulated those present on their national holidays. In their speeches, they emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy and humanitarian cooperation in strengthening friendship, mutual respect and mutual understanding between peoples. The concert programme centred on performances by Pakistani artists, who presented traditional dances and musical compositions whilst wearing the national costumes of the peoples of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. The traditional Turkmen dance ‘Kushtdepdi’, reflecting the distinctiveness of Turkmenistan’s national cultural heritage, was also performed. The event was organised by the Eurasian Peoples Friendship Forum in conjunction with the embassies of the Central Asian countries, with the support of the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage of Pakistan.
The Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan were discussed at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad
16.09.2026A round-table discussion was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad, dedicated to the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by a delegation from the Pakistan Youth Parliament, led by its President, Ubaid Ur Rehman Qureshi, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed the significance of the Halk Maslahaty meeting, which is due to take place on 23 September. It was noted that this will be an important socio-political event, during which the results of the work carried out will be summarised and priorities for the country’s further socio-economic development will be set. Particular attention was paid to the upcoming session in the context of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, as well as the country’s main achievements since independence and its future objectives. The parties also discussed the international initiative by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. It was noted that the relevant resolution of the UN General Assembly had been adopted on the initiative of Turkmenistan, with 78 states acting as co-sponsors. Representatives of the Pakistan Youth Parliament highlighted the constructive nature of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, which is based on the principles of permanent neutrality, mutual respect and good-neighbourliness. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing ties between the youth and parliamentary bodies of the two countries, exchanging experience and organising joint events. Their aim will be to strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Pakistan.
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