On 3 February 2026, a ceremony for the handover of equipment within the framework of the Small-scale Official Development Assistance (ODA) Program was held at the Institute of International Relations (IIR) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
The equipment costs about $220,000 USD – this covers 4K cameras, microphone systems, an LED wall, large briefing/video-conference screens, info kiosks, and laptops. ODA Program is implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. It is aimed at modernizing the material and technical base of the Institute and strengthening its educational and research capacities.
The meeting brought together senior representatives of the Institute, including Rector Mrs. Gulshat Yusupova, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, as well as the Dean of the Faculty and Chief Specialist for Digital Systems and Communications. The Korean side was represented by Mr. Kim Joon Chul, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Korea in Turkmenistan, Ms. Chae Minkyung, Second Secretary for Political and Cultural Affairs of the Embassy, and other embassy staff members.
During the meeting, Rector Gulshat Yusupova highlighted the growing interest in Korean culture and language in Turkmenistan. Currently, the Korean language is taught in several educational institutions across the country, reflecting the steady expansion of cultural and educational ties between the two nations.
The Rector also congratulated Mr. Kim Joon Chul on being awarded the jubilee medal of Turkmenistan “Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna”, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality.
In his turn, Mr. Kim Joon Chul emphasized that this initiative is the largest among Korea-led ODA projects of its kind implemented in Turkmenistan to date in terms of funding. He noted that cooperation between the two countries continues to expand across a wide range of areas, including energy, infrastructure, humanitarian cooperation, culture, and sports.
As examples of the successfully developing Turkmen-Korean relations, Mr. Kim highlighted the achievements of 2025, including the laying of the foundation stone for a mineral fertilizer plant and the launch of a shipbuilding project. The Chargé d’Affaires expressed confidence that projects such as the current ODA initiative will provide new momentum for relations between the two countries and create a solid foundation for their continued development.
Concluding the meeting, Rector Gulshat Yusupova once again expressed her gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea for the provided equipment, which will significantly improve the learning environment and support students in their academic and professional development. She also invited representatives of the Korean Embassy to participate in the upcoming celebrations dedicated to Diplomat’s Day of Turkmenistan.
The ceremony concluded with the signing of a bilateral document, an exchange of memorable gifts, and a commemorative group photo.
The event demonstrated the Korean side’s commitment to actively promoting people-to-people exchange and institutional cooperation, including through the implementation of initiatives such as the Small-scale ODA Program. This approach reflects a shared vision for strengthening mutual trust, deepening cultural understanding, and expanding comprehensive cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. /// nCa, 3 February 2026