The Korea Times: Central Asia is crucial for Korea's future
Effective bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea in the political sphere is clearly manifested in joint work at the international level. Both countries constantly support each other's candidacies in various organizations and structures.
The economic relations between the two countries are currently characterized by a certain stability and a new qualitative content. Among the priority areas of cooperation between the two countries are the fuel and energy complex, agriculture, trade and economic sphere, construction, textile industry, transport and communications and other industries. "We welcome the participation of Korean partners in the development of the Turkmen economy and intend to further expand our cooperation," The Korea Times quoted the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Seoul Begench Durdyyev as saying.
The Turkmen diplomat also noted that a special place in strengthening bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea is given to the development of contacts at the highest level, including the exchange of visits between the heads of state, as well as inter-parliamentary cooperation. One of the striking examples of this is the official visit of Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Korea in November 2022, during which the national leader of the Turkmen people held bilateral meetings with President Yoon Suk-yeol and Chairman of the National Assembly Kim Jin-pyo.
The opening of direct cargo flights between Ashgabat International Airport and Incheon International Airport on April 26, operated on A330-200 cargo planes recently acquired by Turkmen Airlines, is another vivid example of great achievements in the history of Turkmen-Korean relations. Thanks to this new international air cargo transportation, bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the countries will be significantly expanded.
Ambassador Durdyyev noted that the 16th Forum of Cooperation between Central Asia and the Republic of Korea will be held in Turkmenistan in the second half of this year. The foreign ministers of the five Central Asian countries and Korea will gather in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, to discuss ways to further expand multilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between the five Central Asian countries and Korea.
Speaking to The Korea Times, the Ambassador welcomed the holding of a round table on "Partnership between Korea and Central Asia", held at the headquarters of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul with the participation of representatives of embassies of Central Asian countries in Korea.
The round table was organized by the management of The Korea Times. "Central Asia is considered a region of crucial importance for the future of Korea, given its rich resources and potential for mutual growth. Covering five countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — the region is famous for its vast natural resources and young skilled workforce," the newspaper writes.
There are other sectors ripe for cooperation. For example, in afforestation projects. The ongoing development of new cities offers additional potential for cooperation, especially in the field of infrastructure and smart city initiatives. Korea views Central Asia as a promising new trading partner in light of the changing trade structure.
"In the process of transition to a zero economy, Central Asia can complement the limited resources of Korea and help navigate the ever-changing trading environment. Recognizing the technological and production experience of Korea, there is an opportunity for mutual growth if Korean advanced technologies and production skills are combined with the resources of Central Asia," the Korean participants of the round table believe.
ORIENT news
