President Berdimuhamedov Presents Turkmenistan’s Cooperation Proposals at Seoul Summit
Seoul, The Gulf Observer: President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit and the inaugural six-party Business Summit in Seoul on Wednesday, where he outlined a number of initiatives aimed at expanding cooperation between South Korea and the Central Asian countries.
Addressing the summit, President Berdimuhamedov said the high-level meeting laid the foundation for a new stage of interaction between the Republic of Korea and the Central Asian states.
Turkmenistan presented its “Smart City Diplomacy” initiative, which seeks to promote the exchange of expertise and information, joint implementation of scientific and technological achievements, and the development of integrated and efficient models of urban planning.
The President proposed expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including industry, agriculture, environmental protection, water resource management, healthcare, services and tourism.
Particular attention was given to education and youth cooperation. Turkmenistan proposed strengthening ties between educational institutions in Central Asia and South Korea, including through the introduction of dual-degree programmes.
Ashgabat also called for greater efforts to enhance the digital skills of young people and organize joint academic olympiads, competitions and conferences.
In the field of science and innovation, President Berdimuhamedov proposed expanding joint research as well as design and survey projects involving young scientists. He also suggested establishing an Institute for Supporting the Development and Implementation of Youth Innovative Ideas.
Turkmenistan further proposed developing humanitarian and cultural cooperation through a Roadmap for Intercultural Youth Exchanges between Central Asian countries and South Korea and a “Young Talents” programme. The proposed activities include festivals, concerts, creative competitions and other joint cultural events.
Sports cooperation was also highlighted as an important area of partnership. Turkmenistan proposed exchanges between sports experts, promotion of healthy lifestyles and consideration of the establishment of International Youth Sports Games involving Central Asian countries and South Korea.
President Berdimuhamedov also emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy as an additional mechanism for strengthening mutual trust and complementing intergovernmental cooperation.
He said the new cooperation format should help move relations from individual areas of interaction toward a long-term and comprehensive partnership system.
“Turkmenistan is ready to actively contribute to building trust and fostering an equal, mutually beneficial partnership between our countries, and to be an active participant in this format,” the Turkmen President said.
The summit and the inaugural six-party Business Summit concluded with the adoption of the Seoul Declaration, joint statements and a series of initiatives aimed at further strengthening cooperation between South Korea and the Central Asian states.
President Berdimuhamedov noted that the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum serves the long-term interests of the participating countries and could contribute to the development of sustainable mechanisms for international cooperation.
