Diplomacy Journal David Kendall 기자 | The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Seoul hosted an international conference on March 25 at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. Ambassadors, government officials, academics, and students attended the event, which was also a celebration of diplomacy, scholarship, and culture produced by and about Turkmenistan.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea Begench Durdyyev championed his country's 2026 motto "Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan, the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses," explaining how it reflects both important national achievements and values that are close to the heart of the Turkmen people.
The importance of the Akhal-Teke horse to Turkmenistan's history and culture was also noted. Widely revered for its beauty, grace, endurance and loyalty, "it has become a symbol of nobility, inspiration and forward movement" that proudly adorns the center of the state emblem of Turkmenistan, the Ambassador explained.
"Permanent neutrality" was touted "as one of the strongest foundations" of Turkmenistan's foreign policy. The Ambassador called it "deeply connected with the humanitarian values of the Turkmen people." "Today, when the world faces many serious challenges, the policy of neutrality becomes even more relevant," he added. And for anyone interested in peace studies, international relations, and Central Asia, he recommended The Neutrality of Turkmenistan: A Bright Way of Peace and Trust, the recently published book by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
The last half of the opening address focused on bilateral relations with Korea. The year 2008 was cited as a milestone, marked by the launch of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Korean Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation and the Korean Language Department at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Language in Ashgabat.
The Ambassador emphasized that trade between Korea and Turkmenistan tripled between 2021 and 2025. In addition to products and services, cultural and people-to-people exchanges are rapidly expanding with Turkmenistan Airlines now offering direct passenger flights between Ashgabat and Incheon International.
The background information provided added weight to the importance of the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit scheduled for September this year. Since five leaders from Central Asia will meet with Korean President Lee Jae Myung, it has been called "the C5 Summit" and will bring the heads of state of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to Seoul. Ambassador Durdyyev made a point of thanking the ambassadors and high-ranking diplomats from all four of the other C5 countries who had come that day to honor Turkmenistan's 35th anniversary of independence.
The academics and officials who followed Ambassador Durdyyev spoke of Turkmenistan and Korea's complementary and mutually beneficial relationship, the security and prosperity Turkmenistan's neutrality policy has brought to itself and Central Asia, and the shared values of the people of Turkmenistan and Korea.
Professor Kim Bongchul, Director of the Jean Monnet EU Centre at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), spoke warmly about his interest in Turkmenistan: "It's not about the economy, it's not about the political things. It is about human beings and culture." He mentioned that Ambassador Durdyyev is a HUFS alumnus and the two of them first met years ago when the Ambassador was still a student. He then pointed out that the Ambassador's daughter, who was in the audience in a bright red traditional dress, was currently studying at HUFS.
Professor Kim was honored later during the event with an appreciation plaque in recognition of his contributions to Turkmenistan–Korea academic cooperation.
Rhee Jong Kook, Executive Vice President of the Korea Foundation and Executive Director of the Korea–Central Asia Cooperation Forum Secretariat (KCACFS), said the KCACFS is committed to following up on the outcome of September's C5 Summit and to further strengthening ties with Turkmenistan and each of the Central Asian partners. He expressed confidence that "through continued dialogue and cooperation, we will build an even more prosperous and mutually beneficial partnership all together."
Dr. Kim Danbi, Deputy Secretary-General of the U.N. Association of the Republic of Korea, gave a vivid example of how Korea's strong bilateral relations with Turkmenistan "translate into meaningful actions when it matters most." After the United States and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28, retaliatory strikes by all sides led to airport closures and left hundreds of Korean nationals stranded in Gulf states. Dr. Kim explained how Turkmenistan provided "crucial support by eliminating and simplifying the entry procedures and facilitating the crossing of borders." She also pointed to Turkmenistan's strategic geographic position as a potential "key partner for Korea" in areas such as logistics, digital technology, and regional connectivity.
Dr. Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu, Assistant Professor at Joongbu University and a regional specialist, praised Turkmenistan for providing a model to all nations and bringing peace to Central Asia by holding firm to its now 30-year-old policy of permanent neutrality. "Central Asian republics are a type of heaven of peaceful atmosphere" surrounded by such nuclear and economic powers as Russia, China, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, he noted. While conflicts rage in Ukraine, the Middle East, and along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, Central Asia stands above the fray. He added a striking energy data point, saying Turkmenistan holds an estimated 20 trillion cubic meters of natural gas — "a crazy amount" that makes it an attractive alternative for nations diversifying away from Russian and Iranian suppliers.
After the formal program concluded, all of the dignitaries and HUFS and Joongbu University students who attended were invited onto the stage for a group photo followed by coffee and refreshments accompanied by traditional Turkmen music.
