An International conference dedicated to the motto of 2026 and the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence was held in Seoul

On March 25, 2026, an international conference dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence and to the year 2026, proclaimed as the year of “Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Heavenly Horses,” was held at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) in the Republic of Korea. The event was organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Korea.

The conference was attended by heads and representatives of ministries, state institutions, and public organizations of the Republic of Korea, heads and diplomats of the diplomatic missions of the Central Asian countries accredited in Seoul, professors and students of higher educational institutions of the Republic of Korea, including Turkmen students studying in the country, as well as representatives of the mass media.

At the opening ceremony of the conference, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, Begench Durdyyev, delivered a speech in which he particularly emphasized Turkmenistan’s achievements in the political, economic, and cultural spheres during the years of Independence, as well as the significance of the policy of permanent positive neutrality, which has been recognized several times by the United Nations. The Ambassador also introduced the participants of the event to the new book of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled “The Neutrality of Turkmenistan – a bright way of peace and trust.”

Speaking about the significance of the title “Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Heavenly Horses,” the Ambassador noted the special symbolism of the fact that this year’s motto coincides with the widely celebrated “Byeong-o,” or “Year of the Fiery Horse,” in the Republic of Korea.

Then, Professor Kim Bongchul of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies delivered welcoming remarks, highlighting cooperation between Turkmenistan and the university in the field of science and education.

In his speech Mr. Ri Jon-kuk, Executive Director of the Secretariat of the “Central Asia - Republic of Korea” Cooperation Forum, highly praised Turkmenistan’s policy of Neutrality, and spoke about the cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea within the framework of the “Central Asia - Republic of Korea” Cooperation Forum, as well as the first “Central Asia - Republic of Korea” Summit planned for September of this year.

During the second section of the conference, entitled “The History of Cooperation between Turkmenistan and Korea,” Professor Mehmet Fatih Öztarsu of Joongbu University of the Republic of Korea and Ms. Danbi Kim, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of the Republic of Korea (UNA-ROK), delivered presentations.

Within the framework of the international conference, an exhibition of works of Turkmen national decorative and applied arts was also organized. Guests were offered traditional Turkmen dishes.