BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19. Turkmenistan and
South Korea discussed cooperation in energy and petrochemicals
sectors.
This was reflected in a press release published by the Embassy
of Turkmenistan in South Korea following a meeting between
Ambassador Begench Durdyyev and Korea International Trade
Association Vice President Lee Sang-jun.
"The Republic of Korea emphasized broad opportunities for
cooperation in energy, petrochemicals," the embassy said.
Cooperation in transportation, infrastructure modernization
sectors, as well as in smart cities and urban development were also
revieweb by the participants, the report says.
According to the press release, the sides also discussed
preparations for economic events to be held on the sidelines of the
upcoming Central Asia - Republic of Korea summit in Seoul in
September 2026.
The statement noted that Turkmenistan underlined the importance
of strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation and
engaging Korean partners in the preparation process.
The embassy added that both sides reaffirmed their mutual
interest in further expanding cooperation in strategically
important sectors ahead of the summit.
Meanwhile, South Korea has become one of Turkmenistan’s key
Asian industrial and technology partners, particularly in
shipbuilding, petrochemicals and industrial engineering. A central
pillar of cooperation is the Balkan Shipbuilding and Repair Plant
in Turkmenbashi, where Korean companies have participated in
technology transfer, engineering support and workforce training.
The facility was developed with involvement of South Korean
partners, including Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology Co.,
Ltd., which has provided technical expertise for the modernization
of Turkmenistan’s maritime production capabilities.
A notable result of this cooperation is the commissioning of the
cargo vessel Gadamly in May 2026, built at the Balkan Shipbuilding
and Repair Plant with Korean technological assistance and recently
put into operation by Turkmenistan. Alongside shipbuilding, South
Korean firms are also engaged in broader industrial cooperation in
Turkmenistan, including petrochemical projects, transport
infrastructure development and urban modernization initiatives,
reflecting Seoul’s role as a long-term partner in the country’s
industrial diversification strategy.
