Turkmenistan marks independence in South Korea

The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Seoul hosted a diplomatic reception late last week at a downtown hotel to commemorate the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence.

The event was also designed to mark the 30th anniversary of its Permanent Neutrality and more than three decades of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea.

Amb. Begench Durdyyev stressed the unique role neutrality plays in shaping Turkmenistan’s global image, noting that it distinguishes the nation among its Central Asian neighbors—Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Afghanistan. 

He talked about the special significance of this year’s celebrations, recalling the UN General Assembly Resolution adopted unanimously by 185 member states on Dec. 12, 1995, which recognized Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. 

Since then, the date has been observed worldwide as the International Day of Neutrality.

“Neutrality has become not only a cornerstone of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy but also an integral element of our national identity,” Embassy spokesperson Shamamed Seyitmuradov said.

The Embassy also underlined that under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan has made steady progress in social and economic development, strengthened its international standing, and laid the foundations of a modern state committed to peace and prosperity.

“In the foreign policy strategy of an independent and neutral Turkmenistan, special importance is given to developing relations with Asia-Pacific countries, especially the Republic of Korea," Amb. Begench said.

"We share many commonalities—cultural affinity, similar perspectives on international issues, and mutual interests in cultural, humanitarian, trade, economic, and industrial cooperation.”

He also noted the significance of the Aug. 29 telephone conversation between President Berdimuhamedov and President Lee Jae Myung, which reaffirmed the two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership.

The event drew a strong turnout of Central Asian and regional envoys.

Among them were Kyrgyzstan’s Amb. Aida Ismailova, Azerbaijan’s Amb. Ramin Hasanov, Iran’s Amb. Saeed Koozechi, Tajikistan’s Amb. Kirom Salohiddin Amriddinzoda, Kazakhstan’s Amb. Nurgali Arystanov, Russia’s Amb. Georgy Zinoviev, and Belarus’s Amb. Andrew Chernetsky.