The Republic of Korea has officially entered the practical phase of preparations for a historic event – the first Korea-Central Asia Summit. On March 16, the opening ceremony of the Special Planning Group for the summit, scheduled for September 2026, was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul.
The event was attended by Foreign Minister of Korea Cho Hyun, the leadership of the preparatory committee, and representatives of the embassies of five regional countries: Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
Minister Cho Hyun emphasized that President Lee Jae-myung places high priority on this event. Following the instructions of the head of state, a government-wide cooperation system has already been established in South Korea, uniting key ministries and agencies to ensure the success of the upcoming forum.
The exact dates for the summit have already been set: September 16 and 17, 2026. The planning group, led by Vice Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hye, will be tasked with synchronizing the agenda with all participants within a short timeframe.
Minister Cho called for active interaction between the relevant Korean ministries and the embassies of Central Asian countries. A special group will work to ensure the diplomatic marathon proceeds without technical and organizational obstacles. The summit is expected to lay the foundation for a long-term technological and investment partnership within the framework of Korea's "K-Silk Road" strategy.
Representatives of the diplomatic corps of the countries in the region expressed their readiness for close cooperation, noting Seoul's systematic efforts to foster rapprochement with Central Asia.
Symbolically, the political preparations coincided with the presentation of a unique project—a joint book, "Novruz," dedicated to UNESCO's intangible heritage. As part of this dialogue, a conference was held on March 18 at the Secretariat of the Central Asian-Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum, bringing together diplomats, academics, and representatives of the tourism industry.
At this platform, Turkmenistan presented its unique model for preserving traditions. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan Begench Durdyev emphasized that Novruz is celebrated with particular pomp in our country, with the "Novruz Valley" invariably becoming the center of the festivities.
In 2026, Turkmenistan celebrates the 35th anniversary of its independence. The Ambassador introduced the guests to the year's motto—"Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan—Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses," emphasizing the continuity of the country's course. Forum participants viewed an exhibition of books by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as artifacts revealing the depth of the national heritage.
The meeting concluded with a tasting of traditional Turkmen appetizers, transforming the official reception into a warm, friendly gathering.
The summit, scheduled for September, will not be limited to energy or IT issues. Cultural heritage will be a key pillar of cooperation. As noted by participants at the presentation in Seoul, today Korea and Central Asia are "welcoming spring together," opening a new chapter where high-tech technologies of the future harmoniously blend with centuries-old traditions.
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