NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE HEADS OF TWO FRIENDLY STATES

On June 11, 2024, during the two-day state visit of the head of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, high-level negotiations were held between Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Yoon Suk Yeol.

At the International Airport of the Turkmen capital, where the National Flags of the two countries were raised on flagpoles and a guard of honor was formed, the head of the friendly country was met by officials.

In the afternoon, the distinguished guest, accompanied by an honorary escort of motorcyclists, proceeded to the Oguzhan Presidential Palace Complex. At the central entrance to the Palace complex, the head of the friendly state was warmly and cordially greeted by the head of Turkmenistan.

After the traditional ceremony of official photography against the backdrop of the State flags of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea, the heads of the two countries go to the “Rowaç” hall, where high-level bilateral negotiations took place.

Cordially welcoming his Korean counterpart to the hospitable Turkmen soil, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed deep gratitude to President Yoon Suk Yeol for accepting the invitation to pay a state visit to Turkmenistan.

At the same time, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted with satisfaction the effective nature of interaction between the two countries within the framework of international organizations and thanked President Yun Suk Yeol for supporting the position of Turkmenistan and the international initiatives put forward.

Expressing sincere gratitude for the warm welcome, the President of the Republic of Korea noted that he was glad to have the opportunity to visit Turkmenistan and discuss issues of strengthening interstate cooperation with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Continuing the negotiations, which took place in a businesslike manner, the heads of the two states discussed a wide range of issues of interstate cooperation, specifying its priorities taking into account the realities of our time and with a long-term perspective.

Further negotiations continued in the “Soltan Sanjar” hall in an expanded format - with the participation of members of the official delegations of the two countries.

Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that interparliamentary relations were an important component of the interstate dialogue. Continuing the topic, the head of state noted with satisfaction that in accordance with the Joint Declaration adopted following the Meeting of Speakers of Parliaments of the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea, held in September 2023 in Seoul, an agreement was reached to hold the second Meeting of Speakers of Parliaments of the participating countries of this format in 2024 year in Ashgabat.

Our countries are reliable partners in the trade and economic sphere. Touching upon the topic of cooperation in the transport sector, the head of state noted that currently we are talking about the formation of a transcontinental transport and transit corridor from the Asia-Pacific region to Europe, the Near and Middle East. In conclusion, the head of state, taking the opportunity, addressed peace, well-being and prosperity to the friendly people of the Republic of Korea.

President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol, in turn, said that as a result of the current visit, a Memorandum of Understanding is being signed to stimulate trade and investment, the practical implementation of which will contribute to the intensification of bilateral ties in this area.

Touching upon the topic of political partnership, the distinguished guest noted that 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and 2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the launch of the Republic of Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum.

In conclusion, the distinguished guest noted that he was glad to conduct a constructive dialogue today with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on topical issues of bilateral cooperation.

At the end of the negotiations in an expanded format, a signing ceremony of bilateral documents took place in the “Seljuk Khan” hall. To the applause of those present, Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Yoon Suk Yeol put their signatures on the Joint Statement.

At the end of the document signing ceremony, the heads of the two states proceeded to the “Magtumguly” hall, where they addressed representatives of the media.

Commenting on the results of the summit meeting, the President of Turkmenistan noted that during the negotiations, the main directions of bilateral cooperation were discussed, and views were exchanged on key issues of international politics.

In turn, President Yoon Suk Yeol noted that in Turkmenistan, the first country during the tour of Central Asia, he presented in detail the K-Silk Road Cooperation Initiative to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and proposed holding the First Summit “Republic of Korea - Central Asia”.

The head of Turkmenistan expressed full support for our ideas and in this regard, an agreement was reached to promote this initiative and closely cooperate in this direction, the distinguished guest said. At the end of the press conference, the heads of the two states left the “Magtumguly” hall.

On the same day, the distinguished guest laid flowers at the Monument to the Independence of Turkmenistan. According to the established good tradition, the President of the Republic of Korea planted a young tree on the Alley of Honored Guests located here.