BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 17. Turkmenistan
has proposed a Smart Cities Diplomacy initiative to promote
cooperation between Central Asian countries and South Korea in
urban development and infrastructure.
This was reflected in a statement issued by the press service of
the Turkmen government citing Turkmen President Serdar
Berdimuhamedov’s statement at the first Central Asia-Republic of
Korea Summit in Seoul.
According to the publication, the initiative envisages joint
efforts, exchange of experience and information, and the
implementation of scientific and technological advances to develop
integrated and efficient urban development models, Berdimuhamedov
said.
He said urban development and infrastructure should be among the
priorities of cooperation within the Central Asia-Republic of Korea
format, alongside industry, agriculture, ecology, water management,
healthcare, services and tourism.
In education, Turkmenistan proposed new forms of cooperation
between educational institutions of Central Asian countries and
South Korea, including dual-degree programs.
“We also consider it important to expand the digital knowledge
of young people and hold joint Olympiads, competitions and
conferences,” Berdimuhamedov said.
In science, Turkmenistan proposed increasing joint research and
design activities involving young scientists and establishing an
Institute for Supporting the Development and Implementation of
Youth Innovation Ideas.
Turkmenistan also proposed a Roadmap for intercultural youth
exchanges between Central Asian countries and South Korea and a
“Young Talents” program.
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.
