On September 26, 2025, a reception organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Korea was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul to mark the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence, the 30th anniversary of its Permanent Neutrality, and the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.

The reception was attended by senior officials and employees of the Government of the Republic of Korea, the National Assembly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other ministries and state agencies, representatives of public organizations, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Seoul, Turkmen students studying at higher education institutions in the Republic of Korea, as well as members of the mass media. As the guest of honour on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr. Lee Jae-woong, Deputy Minister for Public Affairs and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, attended the solemn event.

In his speech, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr. Begench Durdyyev, highlighted the historic transformations undertaken by Turkmenistan throughout the years of independence, its achievements in political, social, economic, humanitarian, and other priority spheres, as well as the long-term initiatives realized under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, H.E. Mr. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, aimed at ensuring the prosperity and well-being of the Turkmen people and strengthening the principles of peace, friendship, and goodwill worldwide. In particular, touching upon the role of the Halk Maslakhaty in the development of the Turkmenistan, the Ambassador emphasized that the decisions and proposals made at its recent meeting on September 19 of this year contribute to a significant improvement in the living standards of the people.

Noting the particular importance that Turkmenistan attaches to strengthening bilateral political and economic relations with the Republic of Korea within the framework of advancing international cooperation, the Ambassador informed the participants that a number of significant developments had taken place during the current year as clear evidence of this commitment. These included the signing of contracts between the State Concern “Türkmenhimiýa” and Daewoo Engineering & Construction, as well as between the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan and Korea Meditech Co., Ltd., with a combined value of around 1 billion United States dollars.

He further emphasized the launch of the first regular passenger flight on the Ashgabat–Seoul–Ashgabat route, in addition to the already operating cargo flights, and noted that in the first half of 2025 the volume of trade between the two countries had doubled compared to the same period of the previous year.

The Ambassador underlined that the Resolution on the proclamation of 2025 as the Year of International Peace and Trust, initiated by Turkmenistan, was unanimously adopted at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, with 86 co-sponsoring states. He emphasized that this Resolution reflects the recognition by the international community of the peace- and dialogue-oriented foreign policy of Turkmenistan.

In turn, H.E. Mr. Mr. Lee Jae-woong, Spokesperson and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, affirmed that Turkmen–Korean relations, founded on the principles of mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation, are reaching new heights thanks to the efforts of the Heads of State. He noted that this was confirmed by the telephone conversation held on August 29, 2025, between the President of Turkmenistan, H.E. Mr. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr. Lee Jae-myung, during which important issues of bilateral cooperation were discussed. In this regard, it was confirmed that Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea enjoy broad potential for cooperation.

As part of the reception, a special exhibition of photographs and drawings, together with an exhibition of Turkmenistan’s national applied and decorative arts, was organized, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. Guests were also served traditional Turkmen cuisine.

Contributed by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Korea