On 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.