The 6th round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea and Turkmenistan took place on 9 April 2026, in Seoul.
The Korean delegation was led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, while the Turkmen side was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov.
The two parties held extensive discussions regarding the preparations for the inaugural Republic of Korea–Central Asia Summit, scheduled for 26 September 2026, in Seoul. They also reviewed measures to deepen practical cooperation and addressed pressing regional issues.
Positive Momentum in Bilateral Relations
During the meeting, both delegations expressed satisfaction with the high level and dynamic growth of bilateral ties. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, the two nations have consistently strengthened their bonds of friendship and cooperation.
Special emphasis was placed on the active high-level engagement seen over the past year. This includes the telephone conversation between the two heads of state in August 2025, the dispatch of a Special Envoy of the Foreign Minister in November, and the participation of a Turkmen government delegation in the international forum dedicated to the 30th Anniversary of Permanent Neutrality in December 2025. These interactions have further solidified the mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations.
Gratitude for Assistance in Citizen Evacuation
Vice Minister Cecilia Chung expressed her gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for its vital assistance in the safe evacuation of South Korean citizens and their families from Iran. In both 2025 and 2026, Korean nationals were successfully evacuated via land routes through Turkmen territory.
Preparations for the Summit and Presidential Visit
Significant attention was devoted to the upcoming Korea–Central Asia Summit. Vice Minister Chung emphasized that the event will open new horizons for cooperation. She expressed hope for close collaboration to ensure the success of the first official visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Korea.
In turn, Deputy Minister Ahmet Gurbanov highly commended Seoul’s efforts in organizing the summit and expressed confidence that the Turkmen President’s visit would further catalyze high-level exchanges and practical partnership.
A Broad Cooperation Agenda
According to the press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the consultations covered a wide range of topics, including:
- The development of political and diplomatic ties;
- The expansion of inter-parliamentary cooperation;
- The strengthening of the bilateral legal framework.
Particular focus was placed on trade and economic partnerships, spanning sectors such as energy, industrial construction, shipbuilding, water management, transport, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
Both sides highlighted the instrumental roles of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Korean Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technological Cooperation, as well as the Joint Turkmen-Korean Business Council. Furthermore, the delegations discussed enhancing cooperation in humanitarian fields, including science, education, healthcare, culture, tourism, and sports.
Regional and International Outlook
The two parties exchanged views on current regional and international affairs, including the situations on the Korean Peninsula, in Central Asia, and the Middle East. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to constructive dialogue, both bilaterally and within the framework of international organizations.
Concluding the consultations, the sides confirmed their mutual interest in deepening the Turkmen-Korean partnership and agreed to maintain close communication on all matters of mutual concern.
/// nCa, 9 April 2026 (Based on press releases from MFA Turkmenistan and MOFA Korea)