vestiabad.ru – News Portal

Turkmenistan’s foreign policy combines neutrality with international partnership

20.09.2026

Turkmenistan consistently pursues a foreign policy based on the principles of permanent neutrality, peacefulness, dialogue on an equal footing and mutually beneficial cooperation. Its key priorities include strengthening good-neighbourly relations, developing multilateral diplomacy, expanding economic and humanitarian ties, and participating in the resolution of pressing regional and global issues. The distinctive feature of this model lies in combining a consistent approach to international security issues with openness to broad cooperation. Neutrality, in this context, is regarded as the foundation of the foreign policy course, enabling the maintenance of relations with states, international organisations and various regional associations. Permanent neutrality occupies a central place in Turkmenistan’s foreign policy framework. Its significance extends beyond merely refraining from participation in military blocs and conflicts. Neutral status defines the country’s overall diplomatic style — a focus on political and diplomatic methods, respect for the sovereignty of states and the search for mutually acceptable solutions. In UN documents, Turkmenistan’s neutral status is also viewed in the context of its peace-loving foreign policy and its participation in international efforts to strengthen stability. One of the key pillars of its foreign policy is active participation in multilateral diplomacy. Cooperation with international organisations, including the United Nations, plays a particularly important role in this regard. For Turkmenistan, the UN platform enables it to simultaneously promote its own initiatives and participate in discussions on issues of universal significance. These include international security, preventive diplomacy, sustainable development, international law, the environmental and energy agenda, transport connectivity and humanitarian cooperation. Preventive diplomacy takes on particular significance in this context. For a state maintaining neutral status, conflict prevention, maintaining dialogue and creating conditions for negotiations are key areas of diplomatic activity. Central Asia occupies a special place in foreign policy. The regional approach involves the development of good-neighbourly relations, the expansion of economic and humanitarian ties, and the joint resolution of cross-border issues. These include transport, energy, water resources, the environment, and trade and economic cooperation. At the same time, regional diplomacy is not limited solely to relations between the states of Central Asia. Formats for the region’s interaction with other states and organisations are being developed. This model makes it possible to align Central Asia’s interests with broader economic and political processes in Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region. Economic cooperation also occupies an important place in Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. The development of trade links, the attraction of investment, the implementation of infrastructure projects and the expansion of business contacts are regarded as key areas of international cooperation. Energy cooperation is of particular importance. The energy sector is viewed not only as a means of exporting resources, but also as an area for long-term international partnership, technological cooperation and ensuring the sustainability of energy systems. The environmental dimension of energy diplomacy is also gradually expanding. The agenda includes energy efficiency, resource-saving technologies, renewable energy sources and the search for new avenues of energy cooperation. Turkmenistan’s geographical location lends particular significance to transport diplomacy. The country views the development of transport links as an opportunity to expand international economic cooperation and enhance regional connectivity. Transport projects have the potential to link Central Asian markets with other parts of the Eurasian space. Consequently, the development of rail, road, maritime and multimodal routes is viewed within the broader context of international trade. Here, foreign policy and economic interests intersect directly. The development of transport infrastructure simultaneously strengthens transit potential, expands trade opportunities and contributes to the development of regional ties. The foreign policy agenda also includes a humanitarian dimension. Cultural, educational and scientific ties enable the formation of long-term contacts between societies and the strengthening of mutual understanding. Through educational exchanges, scientific cooperation, cultural programmes and international dialogues, an additional level of diplomacy is formed, one that is not limited to inter-state relations. In this context, humanitarian diplomacy serves to bring societies closer together in the long term. It creates channels of interaction capable of enduring regardless of changes in the international landscape. The approach to international law deserves special attention. For a neutral state, compliance with universally recognised norms and principles of international law is of particular importance, as it is precisely legal mechanisms that enable relations to be built on the basis of sovereign equality and predictability. Hence Turkmenistan’s interest in strengthening international legal mechanisms, developing legal dialogue and enhancing the role of diplomatic means of dispute resolution. Turkmenistan’s foreign policy also takes into account new areas of international cooperation. These include digitalisation, artificial intelligence, new energy technologies and environmental security. These areas are taking an increasingly prominent place on the international agenda alongside security issues, as well as technological, climate and socio-economic matters. Participation in these processes creates an opportunity to combine national priorities with international initiatives. At the same time, the fundamental principle remains: promoting cooperation through dialogue and multilateral mechanisms. Overall, Turkmenistan’s foreign policy encompasses several levels of engagement. The first relates to bilateral relations with individual states. The second area relates to regional cooperation. The third involves participation in the activities of international organisations. The fourth area is the development of economic, humanitarian and environmental ties, which complement traditional diplomacy. Consequently, Turkmenistan’s foreign policy represents a model in which neutrality is combined with active international engagement. Its key elements are political and diplomatic dialogue, good neighbourliness, multilateralism, international law, economic interdependence and humanitarian cooperation. It is precisely the combination of these elements that shapes foreign policy as a comprehensive system geared towards preserving the independence of the country’s foreign policy course, expanding international cooperation and creating favourable conditions for the country’s long-term development.


The visit by the Head of Turkmenistan broadens the scope of cooperation between Ashgabat and Seoul

19.09.2026

Next year, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Over this period, bilateral ties have expanded and are now developing on the basis of a strategic partnership, encompassing the political, trade and economic, energy, transport, educational, scientific and humanitarian spheres. The state visit by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Korea, which took place from 14 to 16 September 2026, gave further impetus to bilateral relations. The highlight of the visit was the Head of State’s participation in the first ‘Republic of Korea–Central Asia’ Summit, held on 16 September in Seoul. The meeting of the Heads of State of the five Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea marked the first summit at the highest level in this format. The ‘Republic of Korea–Central Asia’ format has a history stretching back at least 20 years. Cooperation was launched in 2007 on the initiative of the Korean side as a multilateral consultative platform. The first summit of Heads of State elevated this dialogue to a new political level. The Presidents of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea gathered in Seoul. The summit agenda covered issues relating to transport and logistics connectivity, energy, industrial cooperation, high technology, digitalisation, the environment and the climate agenda. Particular attention was paid to the processing of raw materials using South Korean technologies, the joint development of deposits, the establishment of industrial enterprises and the development of transport corridors providing Central Asian countries with access to global markets. Projects in the fields of artificial intelligence, the digitalisation of public services, ‘green’ technologies and adaptation to climate change were also discussed. Following the meeting, the Seoul Declaration of the first ‘Republic of Korea–Central Asia’ Summit was adopted. In addition, the parties adopted a number of documents setting out specific areas for further cooperation. Turkmenistan’s Initiatives In his address at the summit, the President of Turkmenistan noted that the summit lays the foundation for a new phase of cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the states of Central Asia. Turkmenistan regards peace and trust as essential conditions for sustainable development and bases its foreign policy on its status of permanent neutrality, which has been recognised three times by the UN General Assembly. One of the areas proposed by Turkmenistan was urban development and infrastructure. In particular, the Head of State presented the ‘Smart Cities Diplomacy’ initiative, which envisages the pooling of efforts, the exchange of experience and information, the joint implementation of scientific and technical achievements, and the creation of integrated models of urban planning. A separate set of proposals concerned education, science and youth cooperation. Turkmenistan proposed developing new forms of interaction between educational institutions in Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea, including dual-degree programmes. The need to expand young people’s digital literacy and to organise joint academic competitions, contests and conferences was also highlighted. In the scientific sphere, it was proposed to step up joint research and project-based research work by young scientists, as well as to establish an Institute to support the development and implementation of innovative ideas by young people. Cultural cooperation is to be developed through the Roadmap for Intercultural Exchanges between Young People from Central Asian Countries and the Republic of Korea and the ‘Young Talents’ programme. In the sporting sphere, Turkmenistan has proposed expanding the exchange of specialists, promoting a healthy lifestyle and exploring the possibility of organising International Youth Sports Games involving the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea. Economy and the involvement of Korean business Economic cooperation is one of the key areas of Turkmen-Korean relations. Over recent years, Korean companies have been involved in major projects in the oil and gas, gas chemical, industrial, transport and infrastructure sectors. According to data presented by the President of Turkmenistan at the Turkmen-Korean Business Forum, 17 investment projects involving Korean companies, with a total value of over 12 billion US dollars, are registered in the country. New projects are currently being implemented and discussed in Turkmenistan involving Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology Co., Ltd., Korea Meditech Co., Ltd. and other companies. During the negotiations and business meeting, opportunities were identified for expanding cooperation in the energy sector, gas chemistry, the chemical industry, transport, logistics, shipbuilding, construction, medicine, digital technologies and environmental projects. Transport and logistics as a separate priority Cooperation in transport and logistics has become one of the key elements of both intergovernmental and business dialogue. Turkmenistan is developing ‘East–West’ and ‘North–South’ infrastructure, viewing it in the context of strengthening Eurasia’s transit and logistical connectivity. During the summit and the Business Summit, discussions centred on the development of multimodal corridors, the expansion of logistics routes and the enhancement of the region’s transit capacity. Particular attention was paid to the potential of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. Practical issues included the digitalisation of customs procedures, the harmonisation of standards, the protection of intellectual property and the streamlining of cargo clearance. For Turkmenistan, the participation of Korean businesses in these projects is linked not only to the development of transport infrastructure, but also to the expansion of Central Asia’s links with the Caspian region and other international destinations. The Business Summit as a mechanism for practical cooperation The first ‘Republic of Korea–Central Asia’ Business Summit served as a dedicated platform for discussing investment, trade and economic projects. In his speech, Serdar Berdimuhamedov identified the business community as one of the key elements in the practical implementation of intergovernmental agreements. Thematic sessions addressed cooperation on rare-earth mineral resources, energy and supply chains, as well as issues relating to trade and investment, industry, transport and logistics. In particular, discussions centred on the joint development of deposits using Korean technological and environmental standards, the expansion of lending programmes through Korean financial institutions, and the establishment of high-tech manufacturing facilities in Central Asian countries. The industry and transport session examined multimodal corridors, the expansion of logistics routes—including the Trans-Caspian route—the digitalisation of customs procedures, and the harmonisation of standards to accelerate freight flows. Bilateral package of agreements An important outcome of the state visit was Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s negotiations with the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, as well as meetings with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Han Seong-sook, and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Cho Jeong-sik. During the negotiations, the parties identified investment, trade, energy, industry, the chemical sector, rail transport, artificial intelligence, science and technology, water management and the environment as areas for further cooperation. A separate set of bilateral documents covered the areas of investment, customs, industry, water resources, youth policy, law, security, transport, digital technologies and the climate agenda. Agreements and memoranda of understanding were also signed by Turkmen and South Korean organisations in the fields of oil refining, road and rail transport, telecommunications, water management, shipbuilding, aviation, education, science, IT and culture. In the fields of education and science, agreements were concluded between Turkmen higher education institutions and Kangwon National University, KOREATECH, Kyung Hee University, Incheon National University, Seoul National University and other organisations. Also, during the visit, the President of Turkmenistan was awarded the title of ‘Honorary Doctor of Political Science’ by Sungkyunkwan University. During his address at the university, the Head of State emphasised the need to expand exchanges of students, lecturers and researchers, as well as to implement joint educational programmes in the fields of artificial intelligence, engineering, energy, digital technologies and industrial management. Parliamentary and humanitarian dimensions Inter-parliamentary ties between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea have been developing since 2015. The first consultative meeting between representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea took place in September 2023, followed by a second meeting in October 2024. At a meeting with Cho Jeong-sik, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, the parties noted the importance of parliamentary contacts in strengthening mutual understanding and trust. Furthermore, on 16 September, the Turkmenistan Culture Days opened at the National Centre for Asian Culture in Gwangju. The event was attended by representatives of the two countries’ ministries of culture, artists and other guests. The programme included a concert by master artists and an exhibition of national decorative and applied arts, museum exhibits, works by painters and sculptors, as well as national costumes. The state visit covered several levels of Turkmen-Korean cooperation at once: negotiations between the Heads of State, contacts with the government and parliament, business dialogue, educational and scientific ties, as well as cultural cooperation. A key outcome was the integration of the bilateral agenda with a new regional framework. Whilst bilateral relations encompass specific investment, industrial, transport, educational and humanitarian projects, the ‘Republic of Korea– Central Asia’ summit created an additional platform for linking these to regional objectives. The next important milestone will be 2027, when Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. During the negotiations, Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed marking this date with a wide range of events in both countries, and also invited President Lee Jae-myung to visit Turkmenistan next year. Thus, the September visit shaped both the bilateral and regional agendas for Turkmen-Korean cooperation.


Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan outlines the key priorities for Turkmenistan’s development

19.09.2026

The Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan holds a special place in the country’s socio-political system as the highest representative body representing the interests of the people. Its work involves examining issues relating to state and public life, discussing strategic directions for development, and taking into account proposals from representatives of various regions and civil society organisations. One of the key events in the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan’s calendar for 2026 will be its next session, which is to be held on 23 September in Ashgabat at the ‘Maslahat köşgi’ Palace in the run-up to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, a fact which lends the event a special significance. Preparations for this session began in July. On 10 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, issued instructions on organising preparations for the Halk Maslahaty session and the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. On 15 July, a meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty was held, chaired by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. At this meeting, issues relating to the convening of the nationwide forum were discussed, the date and venue were determined, an Organising Committee was established and its membership approved. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of materials, the coordination of actions by state bodies and public organisations, media coverage, public outreach and the consideration of proposals from citizens. The Mejlis, the Cabinet of Ministers, ministries and departments, administrations, political parties and civil society organisations are all involved in preparing for the meeting. Work is also being carried out at regional level. Meetings and conferences are being held in the velayat, etrap and city Halk Maslahaty, where issues relating to the forthcoming forum are being discussed, and work is underway on proposals and appeals from the public. The international dimension of the preparations for the session has been reflected in a series of events organised abroad. Turkmenistan’s diplomatic missions in foreign countries are holding conferences and round-table discussions dedicated to the forthcoming session. Participants in these meetings included representatives of the Turkmen diaspora, students, lecturers, academics, parliamentarians, journalists and public figures. Furthermore, preparations for the session include the work of state and civil society organisations within the country, collaboration with the regions, gathering proposals from citizens, preparing materials and, at the same time, informing an international audience about the forthcoming forum and the related areas of state policy. From an institutional perspective, this highlights several distinctive features of the Halk Maslahaty’s current activities. On the one hand, this nationwide forum brings together representatives from various levels of the state and civil society. On the other hand, its activities involve considering long-term development issues and proposals received from regional and civil society levels. It is precisely this combination of elements that defines the significance of the forthcoming session. It is taking place in a commemorative year for the country, when the achievements of 35 years of independence are being assessed, current socio-economic indicators are being reviewed, and objectives for the future are being formulated. The meeting on 23 September can therefore be regarded as one stage in a broader process of defining the future direction of Turkmenistan’s development. Its substantive agenda will centre on the issues put forward for discussion, the proposals received, and the decisions that will determine the future direction of work. The forthcoming session of the People’s Council will not only form part of the events marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, but will also serve as an important forum for discussing the country’s development.


The Head of Turkmenistan highlighted the role of the Humanitarian Association of Turkmen Worldwide

19.09.2026

The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has extended his congratulations to the participants of the 27th conference of the Humanitarian Association of Turkmen Worldwide, which is taking place in Ashgabat on the eve of the country’s 35th anniversary of independence. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State highlighted the role of the Humanitarian Association of Turkmen Worldwide in strengthening ties between compatriots living in different countries, as well as in promoting the national culture, traditions and history of Turkmenistan. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that, over the 35 years since its establishment, the Association has fostered cooperation in the fields of the economy, culture, science, education, healthcare, tourism and entrepreneurship. The organisation also contributes to the preservation and enrichment of the material and spiritual heritage of the Turkmen people. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan’s independence and status of permanent neutrality have created the conditions for expanding international ties. The country currently maintains diplomatic relations with more than 160 states and is a member of 55 international and regional organisations. The Head of State made a special point of emphasising the importance of cooperation with countries home to the Turkmen diaspora. Among the Association’s main objectives, the President of Turkmenistan cited the expansion of economic, cultural and humanitarian ties with the historical homeland, as well as the promotion of national culture, art and traditions. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence that Turkmen people around the world would continue to participate in promoting Turkmenistan’s initiatives in the fields of peace, security and international cooperation. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the participants on the start of the 27th Conference and wished them good health, well-being and success.


Turkmenistan is set to develop its chemical industry and museum sector

19.09.2026

The President of Turkmenistan has signed two resolutions aimed at developing the chemical industry and improving museum services. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The first Resolution instructs the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ to ensure the effective operation of the ‘Tejenkarbamid’ plant. The Resolution is aimed at the further development of the domestic chemical industry and the modernisation of its material and technical base. The second Resolution provides for the further development of the country’s museums and museum services. The document is aimed at promoting the rich heritage and history of the Turkmen people, as well as preserving cultural treasures for future generations.


The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly

19.09.2026

On 18 September, a briefing was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan on the country’s priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and on cooperation with international and regional organisations. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The key areas highlighted included peace, security and neutrality; sustainable development; transport; energy; climate; environmental protection; humanitarian cooperation; and international law. Particular attention was paid to preventive diplomacy, the strengthening of international trust and the peaceful resolution of disputes. In the economic sphere, discussions centred on international trade and economic cooperation and Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation. In the transport sector, attention was drawn to the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035 and the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity. Initiatives in the fields of energy, climate and water resources were also presented, including the Caspian Environmental Initiative and the establishment of the UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin. In the humanitarian sphere, issues relating to healthcare, education, youth, the empowerment of women and the preservation of cultural heritage were addressed. To conclude, the participants exchanged views on topical issues on the international and regional agenda.


Turkmenistan took part in the 70th session of the IAEA General Conference

19.09.2026

A delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by Azat Ovezov, Deputy Minister of Health and the Medical Industry, is taking part in the 70th session of the IAEA General Conference, which is being held in Vienna from 14 to 18 September. The year 2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s accession to the Agency, reports the news agency Orient. During the visit, the Head of the Turkmen delegation held a bilateral meeting with the Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi. The parties discussed cooperation in the field of healthcare, the strengthening of the regulatory framework and the use of nuclear technologies for sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to the development of Turkmenistan’s cancer care services. Rafael Grossi noted the country’s efforts to modernise its specialist infrastructure, including in connection with the forthcoming opening in Ashgabat of the International Scientific and Clinical Centre for Oncology, established with the support of the IAEA. The parties also discussed the application of isotope hydrology methods for monitoring and managing water resources. In its statement at the plenary session, the Turkmen delegation reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear safety and the peaceful use of technology. The delegation took part in the IAEA Scientific Forum ‘Rays of Hope: Delivering on the Promise of Cancer Care’, presenting Turkmenistan’s approach to the implementation of radiotherapy and nuclear medicine. On the sidelines of the conference, the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the IAEA held a seminar entitled ‘Atoms for LLDCs: From Commitment to Action – Nuclear Science for the Implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action’. The event was attended by Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General of the IAEA, representatives of the WHO and international experts. The seminar focused on expanding access to radiation technologies for landlocked countries, training medical personnel and attracting investment in healthcare.


Turkmenistan took part in a UNHCR seminar on asylum issues

19.09.2026

A training seminar on improving the asylum system, held to mark the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, took place in Geneva on 15–16 September at the headquarters of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This was reported by the press office of the Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of a number of foreign states and international organisations, including the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. Seminar participants exchanged experiences, presented case studies and discussed international practices for responding to migration flows. Among the topics covered were broadening access to asylum procedures, introducing mechanisms to identify vulnerable groups and protecting victims of human trafficking. The parties also discussed approaches to bringing national protection systems into line with international standards and methods of inter-agency cooperation. Following the seminar, the parties announced their intention to develop their partnership in this area.


Ashgabat has proposed developing the ‘Smart Cities Diplomacy’ initiative

18.09.2026

During his state visit to the Republic of Korea, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, took part in the first ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Summit. In his speech, the Head of State outlined the priorities for further cooperation, paying particular attention to the technological modernisation of the urban environment, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the ‘Smart Cities Diplomacy’ initiative, aimed at developing digital infrastructure and coordinating relevant research between the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea. Particular attention was paid to the creation of sustainable urban models, the exchange of experience in the field of digitalisation, and the joint implementation of scientific and technical solutions. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed Ashgabat’s readiness to participate actively in this framework and to promote the development of an equal partnership.


The President of Turkmenistan has received a message of congratulations from Hero Arkadag

18.09.2026

The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, congratulated the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on his successful state visit to the Republic of Korea, his award of an Honorary Doctorate in Political Science from Sungkyunkwan University, and the presentation of an Honorary Medal and a special certificate from the Korea International Trade Association. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The message of congratulations noted that the visit had helped to take Turkmen-Korean cooperation to a new level. High-level negotiations in Seoul, the signing of documents, the Turkmen-Korean Business Forum and participation in the ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Summit were key events of the visit. Hero Arkadag highlighted the development of cooperation between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. The statement noted the participation of South Korean companies in industrial projects in Turkmenistan and the prospects for expanding cooperation in the fields of the ‘green’ economy, ‘smart’ cities and artificial intelligence. Special mention was made of Serdar Berdimuhamedov being awarded an ‘Honorary Doctorate in Political Science by Sungkyunkwan University. The message of congratulations also mentions the presentation to the Head of State of an Honorary Medal and a special certificate from the Korea International Trade Association for his contribution to the development of friendly relations, mutual trust and economic cooperation between the two countries. In conclusion, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished the President of Turkmenistan good health, a long life and success in his future efforts to strengthen international relations.  


Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the potential for cooperation in the field of medicine

17.09.2026

At the high-level Turkmen-Korean business forum in Seoul, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, described healthcare and medicine as a promising area for bilateral cooperation. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Head of State noted the involvement of South Korean companies in the creation of a modern medical cluster in the city of Arkadag. According to the President of Turkmenistan, the project could serve as a platform for the introduction of cutting-edge medical technologies and innovations, as well as for the joint training of qualified specialists. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the Turkmenistan Government’s readiness to support South Korean businesses and create favourable conditions for the implementation of joint projects.


Turkmenistan has set out the priorities for the economic partnership between Central Asia and South Korea

17.09.2026

On September 16, during a state visit to the Republic of Korea, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the first ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Business Summit, outlining the main areas of economic, trade, investment, and business cooperation, according to the TDH news agency. The Head of State highlighted the role of business communities in implementing new projects and developing inter-state relations. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the economic and technological potential of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea creates opportunities for expanding cooperation. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed Turkmenistan’s readiness to facilitate direct contacts between business communities, business exchanges and the implementation of partnership initiatives. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the participation of South Korean companies and financial institutions in joint projects with Turkmenistan. Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid particular attention to transport and logistics cooperation, describing this area as a strategic priority. The Head of State called on the business community to participate in the creation of sustainable transport corridors and the development of logistics connectivity between Central Asia and Korea. He said that Turkmenistan is ready to provide the necessary support in this area. The President of Turkmenistan also highlighted the outcomes of the first ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Summit, emphasising that the exchange of views that took place confirmed the parties’ interest in deepening multifaceted cooperation. Following the Business Summit, a Joint Statement is due to be adopted, and agreements and memoranda of understanding are to be signed. It is expected that the agreements reached will contribute to the expansion of business ties and mutual trade between the Central Asian states and Korea.