Speech by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the first summit “Central Asia-the Republic of Korea”

(Seoul, September 16, 2026)

Esteemed President of the Republic of Korea!
Esteemed heads of state of Central Asia!
Ladies and gentlemen, members of delegations!

First of all, let me warmly welcome you all and express my gratitude to the President of the Republic of Korea, esteemed Mr. Lee Jae Myung for his friendliness, hospitality, high level organization of the first summit of “Central Asia-Korea” and creating convenient conditions for work.

Today by having this high-level meeting, we are laying down the foundation of a new stage of collaboration between the Republic of Korea and states of Central Asia.

Turkmenistan firmly adheres to the principle that peace, stability and trust are vital conditions for sustainable development.

The foreign policy concept of our country is based on the status of permanent neutrality, recognized three times by the United Nations.

Among the priorities of mutual activities in the framework of present format, Turkmenistan also considers city development and infrastructure, creation of innovative urban environment, that meet present requirements and tendencies. 

In this context, I would like to evoke the recently presented initiative of Turkmenistan “Diplomacy of Smart Cities”, which implies the uniting of efforts, exchange of experiences ad information, joint inclusion of scientific-technical accomplishments, and consequently creation of integrated and effective models of urbanism and city construction. 

Today entrepreneurship, agriculture, ecology, water issues, healthcare, service sector, tourism are identified as important vectors.

An important event in this regard will be the “Central Asia-Republic of Korea” business-forum, which will be held with the theme “Future Cooperation of Central Asia and Republic of Korea for improvement and innovation”.

In the educational sector, we proposed development of new forms of mutual collaboration among educational entities of Central Asia and Republic of Korea, including double degree programs.

We also consider it important to expand digital knowledge of the youth, carrying out joint Olympiads, competitions and conferences.

In the field of science, we propose to activate young researchers’ cooperative scientific research and project works, and establish the Institute for Facilitating Development and Implementing the Youth’s Innovative Ideas.

In the field of culture, we proposed the Roadmap for youth intercultural exchange of Central Asia and Republic of Korea, including the “Young Talents” program.

It is necessary to proceed holding festivals, concerts, creative contests and other events, uniting the youth of our countries.

Additionally, we propose to develop sport cooperation, including exchange of experts, promotion of healthy lifestyle and work on the establishment of   International youth sport games of the countries of Central Asian and the Republic of Korea.

We consider the development of parliament diplomacy as an effective supplement to intergovernmental cooperation and effective mechanism for   trust building among our countries.

Esteemed heads of state!

Today’s summit offers us the opportunity to move from separate segments  of interaction towards the development of a comprehensive, long-term partnership system.

Turkmenistan is ready to actively promote trust and just, mutually beneficial partnership among our countries, and to play an active role in this format.

We are convinced that the Central Asia – Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum serves the long-term interests of our peoples and has the potential to become a key factor in establishing sustainable and effective mechanisms for international cooperation.