On October 25, 2022, the 15th “Central Asia-Republic of Korea” Cooperation Forum was held in Busan, Republic of Korea, which was attended by high-ranking officials of South Korea and Central Asian countries, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
During the forum, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Park Jin stressed that the countries of Central Asia are important partners in various fields, including energy and infrastructure. He also asked representatives of the Central Asian countries to support Busan's bid for the right to host the World Universal Exhibition EXPO 2030.
In his speech, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov noted that "the main task today is the solidarity of the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea in maintaining universal long-term peace and stability." Under these conditions, Meredov stressed, the role of political and diplomatic cooperation between our countries, the establishment of a regular and open exchange of views on issues of mutual interest is growing.
The head of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan noted great prospects for joint activities in the implementation of projects in high-tech industries, including in the telecommunications and space sectors, for water desalination.
During the Forum, diplomats and experts from the participating countries discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of energy, digital technologies, economic security, tourism and healthcare.
The participants noted the special significance of the current Forum in the year of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the states of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea, as well as the 15th anniversary of the launch of this format of cooperation.
As a result of the meeting, the Joint Statement of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Work Plan of the Secretariat of the Central Asia-Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum for 2023 were adopted.
