BISHKEK, June 13 | ORIENT. The 2nd Forum of Think Tanks of the Republic of Korea and Central Asia opened in Bishkek today. This significant event, organized by the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Korea Foundation (Secretariat of the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum), brought together delegations of strategic research centers from six countries: the Republic of Korea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The goal of the forum is to develop joint approaches to key challenges in the region, including energy stability, climate change, digital transformation and logistics.

The delegates at the opening ceremony were greeted by Deputy Director of the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Adilbek uulu Shumkarbek, Executive Director of the Secretariat of the Republic of Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum Ri Jong Kuk, Deputy Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Sakuov, First Deputy Director of the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Murtazozoda Oraz, and Deputy Director of the International Institute of Central Asia Sherzod Fayziev.

Speaking at the opening of the forum, Bekdurdy Amansaryev, Senior Researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, noted that the cooperation of the Republic of Korea with Central Asia, and in particular with Turkmenistan, is a sustainable and dynamic model of strategic partnership. This model, according to Amansaryev, is based on mutual respect, practical benefits and a common desire for sustainable development, and its vector continues to deepen, covering an increasingly wide range of areas - from energy and infrastructure to digitalization and education.

The representative of Turkmenistan dwelt in detail on the historical foundation of the partnership. He especially emphasized that South Korea was one of the first Asian partners to see the region not only as a source of raw materials, but also as a platform for mutually beneficial technological, industrial and humanitarian cooperation.

Amansaryev gave an example of the active participation of South Korean companies, such as Hyundai Engineering, LG International, Daewoo and Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), in the implementation of large infrastructure and industrial projects in Turkmenistan since the beginning of the 2000s, including the construction of gas processing complexes and modernization of the petrochemical sector. The embedded foundation of institutional cooperation through intergovernmental commissions, various forum formats, as well as parliamentary and cultural exchanges was also noted.

Speaking about the current stage of partnership, Bekdurdy Amansaryev emphasized that the Republic of Korea and Central Asia formed mature architecture of interaction in key areas, such as economics, industry and the humanitarian sphere. He gave an example of the participation of the Hyundai Engineering in one of the world's largest gasoline production projects in the Akhal vilayat, and also noted that bilateral cooperation covers energy, transport, chemistry, logistics, telecommunications and green technologies.

In the humanitarian sphere, according to him, students exchange is underway, the South Korean model of education is highly appreciated in Turkmenistan, and the Center of the Korean language and culture is constantly operating in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan is of great interest in South Korean experience in the field of digitalization, electronic government and medicine, actively modernizing their state and social institutions.

Turning to the prospects of the future, the speaker focused on innovation, digitalization, green economy and logistics. He stated that in the focus of future cooperation there will be digital transformation, including the development of “smart” cities, artificial intelligence technologies, electronic education and telemedicine, emphasizing Turkmenistan’s interest in South Korean experience in digital control and blockchain solutions.

In the field of the green economy, in his opinion, wide opportunities for joint projects in the field of hydrogen energy, energy efficiency and sustainable agriculture are opened. The interest of the Republic of Korea in the use of the transit potential of the region, including the International Sea Port of the Turkmenbashi as a key link in expanding the trade between East Asia, the Caucasus and Europe was also noted.

Bekdurdy Amansaryev noted the importance of deepening cultural and scientific exchange, developing joint educational programs, which serves to strengthen the "soft power" of the partnership.

The forum includes four thematic sessions devoted to energy security, climate and ESG principles, logistics and transport, as well as digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Following the event, a resolution is expected to be signed, which is intended to become the basis for future interstate cooperation. This Forum will undoubtedly be an important step towards deepening the partnership between the Republic of Korea and the countries of Central Asia, making a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the entire region.

In the near future, we will present reviews of individual sessions, where members of the Turkmen delegation will share their vision with their colleagues.