This year, Turkmenistan celebrates its 33rd anniversary of independence and the 32nd anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea.
These two significant events in the socio-political life of both countries have been widely covered in the media of Turkmenistan and South Korea. For instance, a recent issue of the popular South Korean publication "The Korea Herald" features an overview article on Turkmenistan, noting that over the past three decades, the partnership between Turkmenistan and South Korea has expanded to cover a wide range of sectors.
The editorial notes that this cooperation is based on mutual respect and a shared vision for prosperity and development. Effective bilateral cooperation in the political sphere is clearly demonstrated by the joint work of Turkmenistan and South Korea in international organizations. The positions of the two countries on various global agenda topics are often aligned or similar. Turkmenistan and Korea are actively working to strengthen international peace, security and stability.
A key factor in strengthening cooperation with South Korea is the open and fruitful dialogue established between our countries. Notable examples include high-level reciprocal visits in recent years. The article highlights that the state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to Turkmenistan in June this year was an important milestone in strengthening diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between the two countries, building on progress made during previous meetings. Two agreements and six memorandums of understanding were signed as a result of negotiations between the leaders of the two countries. These documents aim to expand bilateral trade, encourage Korean investment in Turkmen infrastructure projects, cooperate in energy development, and explore opportunities for expanding cultural programs, academic exchanges, and people-to-people connections.
As part of the state visit of the President of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, a Turkmen-Korean business forum was held in Ashgabat with the participation of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of Halk Maslahaty, and President of friendly country Yoon Suk Yeol. It is noteworthy that interaction between our countries through business communities has gained new momentum for development on a multilateral basis, particularly on the Central Asia-Republic of Korea platform. The publication also notes that major Korean companies are actively involved in implementing large projects in Turkmenistan, such as constructing a gas purification plant at the Galkynysh field, building a gas-chemical complex for producing polyethylene and polypropylene in Kiyanly, and modernizing oil refineries in Turkmenbashi.
Moreover, the article notes that one important area of cooperation is developing "smart cities." South Korea, known for its leadership in smart city solutions, is actively exploring ways to contribute to this landmark project in Arkadag city. Korean companies intend to play a significant role in this project; their expertise in Internet systems, intelligent energy solutions, and high-tech infrastructure aligns with Turkmenistan's urban development goals.
The material also discusses the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation in developing bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. A notable example of the special attention our countries pay to developing inter-parliamentary interaction is creating an inter-parliamentary friendship group. The article also mentions that cultural exchange is an important part of bilateral relations. Events such as Turkmen Culture Days held in South Korea and educational exchanges significantly strengthen mutual understanding. The Korean Language Department at the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages and the King Sejong Institute Korean Education Center, along with an Information Access Center based at the Innovation Information Center located at Turkmenistan's National Institute of Education, are excellent examples of cultural cooperation. Moreover, cooperation between the two countries extends to healthcare, sports and tourism, further enriching cultural and humanitarian ties between their peoples.
Another South Korean publication, "ICH Courier," highlights one attractive aspect of life in Turkmenistan: Akhal-Teke horses. A full spread with beautifully arranged photographs is dedicated to these heavenly horses from Turkmenistan. Alongside a historical overview of Akhal-Teke horses, it mentions that during visits by delegations from South Korea to Ashgabat, they always witness equestrian skills and circus performances involving Akhal-Teke horses firsthand. The article's author also notes that not long ago, Turkmenistan received a special certificate for including "Art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses' decoration" in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At that time, UNESCO General Conference Chairperson S. Miculescu personally presented the certificate while congratulating the country's leadership and all Turkmen people on this significant event.
Overall, it should be noted that publications appearing both in Turkmenistan's media and South Korean press about achievements of two countries and their growing friendship and mutual understanding greatly contribute to bringing their peoples closer together. Turkmenistan continuously seeks new directions for cooperation focusing on innovation, sustainable development, mutual benefit, and further strengthening bilateral ties in technology, energy and cultural exchange. In this regard, there is no doubt that developing Turkmen-Korean relations will continue to promote joint efforts to achieve common goals for the peoples of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea.
