BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 17. Turkmenistan
has called on Central Asian and South Korean businesses to take a
more active role in initiating joint projects and expanding
economic ties.


This was announced in a statement published by the press service
of the Turkmen government, citing remarks made by President Serdar
Berdimuhamedov at the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Business
Summit in Seoul.


“Responsible and successful entrepreneurs are called not only to
participate in development, but also to initiate new projects and
forms of interstate cooperation,” Berdimuhamedov said.


According to him, the business dialogue should serve as a
starting point for “full-scale, systematic and long-term economic,
trade, investment and business partnership” between Central Asia
and South Korea.


Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that Turkmenistan was ready to
facilitate direct contacts and exchanges between business
communities and encourage business activity and initiative in joint
projects.


“Turkmenistan will be fully involved in these processes and is
ready to provide all necessary assistance for the development of
direct contacts and exchanges between business communities,” he
said.







The president also highlighted the potential of Central Asia and
South Korea to expand cooperation based on their economic and
technological capabilities.


Serdar Berdimuhamedov said the agreements and memoranda expected
to be signed following the Business Summit could create a basis for
expanding business relations and mutual trade.


Meanwhile, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov is paying a
state visit to South Korea and taking part in the first Central
Asia-Republic of Korea Summit in Seoul on September 16-17. The
summit brings together the leaders of South Korea and the five
Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan,
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - marking the first elevation of the
Korea-Central Asia dialogue to the leaders’ level. Seoul has said
the summit is intended to deepen regional cooperation and produce
practical results for the participating countries.


For Turkmenistan, the summit is taking place alongside a state
visit and bilateral negotiations with the South Korean leadership.
The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992 and have
developed cooperation particularly in energy and industrial
projects. During South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's state visit
to Turkmenistan in June 2024, the two countries signed a memorandum
aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas including the economy
and investment, culture, education, communications and human
exchanges. Turkmenistan also expressed support for Seoul's K-Silk
Road initiative, which South Korea presented as its comprehensive
strategy for expanding cooperation with the five Central Asian
countries.


The current summit is therefore taking place against the
backdrop of an effort by Seoul to elevate its cooperation with
Central Asia to the leaders' level.