Talks between the President of Turkmenistan and the President of the Republic of Korea were held
On September 15, 2026, the high-level talks between the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung, in the framework of the state visit of the Turkmen leader to the Republic of Korea, were held.
Early in the morning, the Head of State visited the National Memorial Complex of the Republic of Korea. Paying tribute to the memory of the national heroes of Korea, the President of Turkmenistan laid a wreath to the monument.
Afterward, as a sign of respect for the traditions of the Korean people, the Head of State placed wooden sticks into a special urn.
Following the ceremony honoring the memory of the national heroes of Korea, the President of Turkmenistan left a commemorative entry in the Book of Honored Guests and proceeded to the Cheong Wa Dae Palace of the President of the Republic of Korea. Here, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was warmly welcomed by the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae Myung. In the foyer of the Palace, the President of Turkmenistan also left a commemorative entry in the Book of Honored Guests.
Following the official photo ceremony in front of the National Flags of the two countries, a “tete-a-tete” meeting took place between Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Lee Jae Myung.
Warmly welcoming the distinguished Turkmen guest, the Head of the Republic of Korea expressed gratitude for the accepted invitation and the visit to the Republic of Korea, noting with satisfaction the current dynamics of Turkmen-Korean relations, which are developing based on the principles of mutual respect and trust.
Expressing appreciation to President Lee Jae Myung for the invitation to pay a state visit to the Republic of Korea, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the current visit is aimed to further strengthen the interstate dialogue, and, taking the opportunity, conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag.
Addressing in return best wishes to the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the President of the Republic of Korea emphasized the immense contribution of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to the development of Korean-Turkmen cooperation.
The talks then continued in the enlarged format with the participation of the delegations of two countries.
The current state visit of the President of Turkmenistan marks a new page in the history of bilateral relations, the Head of the Republic of Korea emphasized, expressing confidence that its outcomes will provide a powerful impetus to the development of multi-faceted cooperation.
President Lee Jae Myung also expressed special gratitude to the Turkmen side for the support provided and the opportunity granted for the transit of citizens of the Republic of Korea through the territory of Turkmenistan during the difficult political situation that arose in the region.
Then, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on behalf of the delegation of Turkmenistan, expressed gratitude for the invitation to pay a state visit to the Republic of Korea and for the hospitality extended, noting the great significance of this first state visit to the Republic of Korea in developing the interstate dialogue.
It was emphasized that the Republic of Korea consistently supports the resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at the initiative of Turkmenistan.
A special place is given to cooperation in the trade and economic sphere.
Extensive part of the public transport fleet in Turkmenistan consists of buses and passenger cars made in Korea. Along with this, cooperation has been established with Korean companies in the field of shipbuilding. In addition, representatives of the business circles of the Republic of Korea are participating in the implementation of the project to create a medical cluster in Arkadag city, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, reaffirming Turkmenistan’s commitment in developing partnership in areas such as investment, trade, energy, manufacturing, the chemical industry, railway transport, artificial intelligence, science and technology, water resource management, and ecology.
Speaking on the importance of the activities of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Korean Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technological Cooperation in intensifying trade and economic ties, the President of Turkmenistan noted that great opportunities are opening up for joint work in the transport sector.
Currently, Turkmenistan, along with its partners, is creating an extensive network of transport-transit and logistics infrastructure along the East–West and North–South corridors. In this regard, the Head of State noted that Turkmenistan supports the participation of Korean companies in these projects.
Turkmenistan also attaches special importance to the development of bilateral relations in the humanitarian sphere. Noting that the opening ceremony of the next Days of Culture of Turkmenistan will take place in the Republic of Korea on September 16, the Head of State emphasized that Turkmenistan strives to develop extensive collaboration in this field.
The scientific and educational sphere was named as an important vector of cooperation. In this regard, emphasis was placed on the existence of great opportunities for expanding partnership in areas such as scientific research, healthcare, sports, and tourism.
Thanking the Korean side for fruitful talks and their readiness to strengthen friendship and develop interstate dialogue, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited President Lee Jae Myung to pay a visit to Turkmenistan next year and, taking the opportunity, wished peace and prosperity to the people of Korea.
Afterwards, the ceremony of exchanging bilateral documents took place in the presence of the heads of state.
Then, an official reception was hosted by President Lee Jae Myung in honor of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
In the afternoon, the Head of State visited Sungkyunkwan University. Here, the distinguished Turkmen guest was warmly welcomed by the President of the institution Ji-Beom Yoo. The university is one of the oldest and most respected higher education establishments in the Republic of Korea.
The President of Turkmenistan and the Head of Sungkyunkwan University then viewed the exhibition dedicated to Turkmenistan’s achievements in science, education, and culture, as well as an exposition showcasing national decorative and applied arts.
Then, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Ji-Beom Yoo proceeded to the grand conference hall of the University, where a ceremony was held to award the Head of the Turkmen State with the title of “Honorary Doctor of Political Science”.
At the beginning of the official ceremony, the attendees were briefed on the achievements and merits of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Speaking next, the President of Sungkyunkwan University Ji-Beom Yoo warmly welcomed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the members of the government delegation, noting the significance of the event.
It was emphasized that the conferral of the title of “Honorary Doctor of Political Science” upon the Head of the Turkmen State by Sungkyunkwan University is a clear proof of the friendly relations established between the two countries.
In conclusion, Ji-Beom Yoo once again extended his sincere congratulations to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on receiving the title of “Honorary Doctor of Political Science” and expressed his best wishes.
The President of Turkmenistan was then presented with the diploma in a ceremonial setting, followed by an official photo of the Head of the Turkmen State with the President of the university and the Dean of the graduate school.
Next, the floor was given to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Expressing sincere gratitude to the management and all staff of the respected Sungkyunkwan University for conferring upon him the high title of Honorary Doctor of Political Science, the Head of State highlighted that it is a great honor for him to receive the diploma of one of the most famous and oldest higher education institutions of the Republic of Korea, whose history encompasses more than six centuries.
Reiterating his heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of the university for awarding him the title of Honorary Doctor of Political Science, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov extended his best wishes to the students, faculty, professors, and staff members.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Head of State said farewell to everyone and departed the venue.
The state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea continues.
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Within the framework of the state visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Korea, the bilateral meetings between the members of the government delegation of Turkmenistan and their Korean counterparts were held. During these meetings, the sides exchanged views on ways to develop further mutually beneficial interstate cooperation in priority areas. Particular attention was paid to expanding collaboration in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, as well as cultural and humanitarian fields.