On 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.