Government delegation of Turkmenistan paid a working visit to the Republic of Korea

A working visit of the Government delegation of Turkmenistan, led by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov, was held in the Republic of Korea from April 16 to 19, 2025. During the visit, meetings were held with government officials of the Republic of Korea, as well as with heads and representatives of Korean companies and financial institutions. The delegation also visited production facilities and public infrastructure sites.

Meeting at the Export-Import Bank of the Republic of Korea

On April 16, 2025, members of the Government delegation of Turkmenistan held a meeting at the headquarters of the Export-Import Bank of Korea (K-Exim) with the Bank's President, Mr. Yoon Hee-sung, as well as heads of several structural units of the Bank.

During the meeting, the parties discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation, including the implementation of the Medical Cluster project in the city of Arkadag, as well as important matters related to collaboration in the gas and chemical sector. Prospects for future cooperation in various areas were also considered.

From the perspective of further developing cooperation in the banking and financial sector, both parties emphasized the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2024 between the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Export-Import Bank of Korea. In this regard, the Turkmen side reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining constructive and effective cooperation with the relevant institutions of the Republic of Korea, including its financial entities.

Meeting at Kookmin Bank of the Republic of Korea

On April 16, 2025, Chairman of the Board of the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan, Mr. R. Jepbarov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan, Mr. D. Orazov, and Chairman of the State Concern "Turkmenhimiya," Mr. D. Sapbayev, held a meeting with executives of Kookmin Bank, one of the leading private banks in the Republic of Korea.

Emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the financial institutions of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea, the Turkmen side expressed interest in expanding these relations and proposed exploring the possibility of signing a framework agreement between the banks of the two countries in the future. Representatives of Kookmin Bank, in turn, conveyed their interest and readiness to explore avenues for mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed the involvement of Korean companies in projects planned within the framework of the Medical Cluster to be established in the city of Arkadag.

Meeting with the Chairman of the Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership Mr. Lee Dal Gon

On April 16, 2025, the Government delegation of Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Mr. B. Annamammedov, held a meeting with Mr. Lee Dal Gon, Chairman of the Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership (formerly the head of the Korea-Turkmenistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group).

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Lee Dal Gon expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen delegation for taking the time to meet and warmly recalled the visit of the Hero Arkadag to the Republic of Korea in November 2022 and extended his appreciation to the Turkmen side for the great attention given to the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

It was noted that the Framework Agreement planned to be signed during the current visit between the State Concern "Turkmenhimiya" and the company “Daewoo E&C” - regarding the design, full construction, and commissioning of a mineral fertilizer production complex at the chemical plant in Turkmenabat - as well as the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan and “Korea Meditech Co., Ltd.”, originate from the visit of the Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea.

Meeting with the Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea

On April 17, 2025, Mr. D. Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Mr. Hyun Hwan Jin, Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea.

At the beginning of the meeting, parties exchanged warm greetings and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to hold the meeting. The Korean side noted the growing cooperation between Korea and Turkmenistan in recent years in the area of smart cities, proudly highlighting that the Smart City of Arkadag was awarded three awards at the World Smart City Expo held in Goyang, Korea, in September 2024. This achievement was recognized as a reflection of Turkmenistan's commitment to modern urban development and ensuring a high standard of living for its citizens.

During the meeting, Mr. Orazov briefed the Korean side on the Medical Cluster planned within the second phase of construction of Arkadag City, which is currently underway.

Mr. Hyun Hwan Jin emphasized Korea’s extensive experience in building smart cities, particularly in implementing smart transport, communications, and residential infrastructure. He proposed involving Korean companies in other sectors of Arkadag City’s ongoing development.

Meeting with Mr. Kang Yong-shin, Director General of the Bureau for Northeast and Central Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea

On April 17, 2025, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Mr. D. Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Mr. Kang Young-shin, Director General of the Bureau for Northeast and Central Asian Affairs.

The central focus of the meeting was the smooth implementation of the project to construct a medical equipment manufacturing plant in the city of Arkadag. The parties discussed practical steps and coordination mechanisms necessary to ensure the successful and timely realization of the project.

Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan and Korea Meditech Co., Ltd.

On April 18, 2025, at the Lotte Hotel a signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan and Korea Meditech Co., Ltd. was held.

At the event from the Korean side also participated Mrs. Jung Eun-young, Director General of the Bureau of Medical Industry of the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea, as well as other officials from the Ministry and representatives of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute.

Participants of the ceremony emphasized that the signing of this document once again affirms the mutual commitment of both parties to strengthening Turkmen–Korean cooperation in the field of healthcare. It was noted that the planned project in Arkadag City is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of Turkmenistan’s medical industry.

Mr. D. Orazov underlined that the smooth implementation of this project is essential and must fully align with the trust and expectations expressed by the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Following the signing ceremony, Mr. Orazov held a separate meeting with Mrs. Jung Eun-young and other Korean representatives. During this meeting, the parties discussed opportunities to further expand cooperation between Korean government agencies and companies in the implementation of projects within the Medical cluster to be established in Arkadag City.

Meeting with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Ahn Duk-geun, and Signing Ceremony of the Framework Agreement between the State Concern "Türkmenhimiýa" and Daewoo E&C

On April 18, 2025, a high-level meeting was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul between the Government delegation of Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Mr. B. Annamammedov, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Ahn Duk-geun. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Kim Bo-hyun, President and CEO of Daewoo Engineering & Construction.

At the beginning of the meeting, parties exchanged warm greetings and highly praised the steadily developing friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea in recent years. Following this, a signing ceremony took place for a Framework Agreement between the State Concern “Türkmenhimiýa” and Daewoo Engineering & Construction regarding the design, full construction, and commissioning of a state-of-the-art mineral fertilizer production complex to be built within a new chemical plant in the city of Türkmenabat.

The parties emphasized that the signing of this agreement marks the beginning of a new phase in Turkmen–Korean economic relations.

During the subsequent discussions, the two sides conducted an in-depth review of the current state and future prospects of economic cooperation. The Turkmen side provided detailed information on the national economic policies put forward by the honorable President of Turkmenistan aimed at increasing the production and export potential of the national economy, as well as the implementation of large-scale projects to produce high-quality mineral fertilizers that are in high demand in international markets.

Moreover, the Turkmen side underlined the importance of expanding partnerships in the chemical industry in cooperation with foreign companies, expressing confidence that the successful implementation of this project would significantly enhance Turkmenistan’s international export capacity in the production of mineral fertilizers.

Mr. Ahn Duk-geun commended Turkmenistan’s decision to choose the Republic of Korea as a strategic economic partner for this project. He stressed that the construction of the new chemical complex would not only boost Turkmenistan’s economy but also contribute meaningfully to the development of the chemical industry in the entire Central Asian region.

Mr. Kim Bo-hyun, President and CEO of Daewoo Engineering & Construction, expressed his sincere gratitude for the trust placed in his company and assured that the project would be implemented with the highest standards of quality. He also emphasized that all technical and organizational aspects of the construction would be carried out at an exceptional level.

At the meeting sides acknowledged the important role of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Korean Commission for trade, economic, scientific and technological cooperation in advancing bilateral relations. The parties also exchanged views on preparations for the next session of the Commission, which is planned to be held in Turkmenistan at a high organizational level.

Meeting with Mr. Kim Jin-pyo, Chairman of the Global innovation studies (Former Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea)

On April 18, 2025, a meeting was held at the Fairmont Ambassador Hotel between the Government delegation of Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Mr. B. Annamammedov, and Mr. Kim Jin-pyo, Chairman of the Global innovation studies and former Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.

The Korean side was also represented by Mr. Maeng Sung-kyu, Member of the National Assembly of Korea and Chairman of the Committee on Land, Infrastructure and Transport from the Democratic Party, as well as Mr. Kim Yoon-sik, head of the trading company “Shindong Enercom Inc.”, and a representative from the company “DYNPF.”

Deputy Prime Minister B. Annamammedov expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet and conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

During the meeting, Mr. D. Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City, presented an official invitation to Mr. Kim Jin-pyo to participate in the international forum scheduled for December 12, 2025, in Ashgabat. The event is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent Neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust.

Mr. Kim Jin-pyo expressed sincere gratitude for the invitation and confirmed his intention to attend the forum.

Following this, the parties discussed key issues on the agenda of Turkmen–Korean relations and identified promising areas for future bilateral cooperation. The Turkmen side provided information on major national projects, particularly the development of the “smart” city of Arkadag, and expressed interest in establishing partnerships with reputable South Korean companies in this area.

Meeting with Mr. Yoon Jin-sik, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA)

On April 18, 2025, the Government delegation of Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Mr. B. Annamammedov, held a meeting with Mr. Yoon Jin-sik, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA).

At the beginning of the meeting, the Korean side warmly welcomed the Turkmen delegation and noted that the current visit was proving to be highly successful. It was emphasized that the meetings held and the documents signed during the visit would undoubtedly elevate the bilateral economic relationship to a new level. Both sides also discussed the activities of the Turkmen-Korean Business Council, giving it a positive evaluation and expressing mutual interest in fully utilizing its potential.

The Turkmen side shared information about ongoing projects involving Korean partners in the construction of industrial facilities in Turkmenistan. Special attention was also given to the development of the Smart City of Arkadag, a flagship initiative personally led by the Hero Arkadag. It was highlighted that Korean companies are invited to participate in various tenders announced for facilities within the city.

The Korean side affirmed that KITA stands ready to assist in establishing cooperation between Korean companies and relevant Turkmen counterparts in priority sectors.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Turkmen side invitated Mr. Yoon Jin-sik to participate in the high-level International Forum to be held on December 12, 2025, in Ashgabat, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent Neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust.

Meeting with Executives of Daewoo Engineering & Construction

On April 18, 2025, at the invitation of Mr. Jeong Won-joo, President of Daewoo Engineering & Construction, a working luncheon and dinner were held with the participation of the Turkmen delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Mr. B. Annamammedov.

During this meeting, the sides discussed issues related to bilateral cooperation in the construction of industrial facilities. Both parties reaffirmed their mutual interest and readiness to further deepen and expand their partnership in the future.

Visit to the Production Facilities of EMKorea, ABIMAN Engineering, and Shinsung E&G

On April 16, 2025, a delegation led by Mr. D. Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan, visited the production facility of EMKorea in the Republic of Korea, where single-use medical products and related technologies are manufactured.

The Turkmen delegation was warmly welcomed by the management of EMKorea and was introduced to the company's activities in the design, construction, and installation of equipment used for the production of syringes, needles, and infusion sets. The visit included live demonstrations of fully automated infusion set assembly machines, insulin syringes, filtered needles, safety syringes, safety pen needles, fully automated assembling and packaging systems, and part supply units.

On April 17, 2025, the Turkmen delegation continued its program with visits to the production facilities of ABIMAN Engineering and Shinsung E&G.

During the visit to ABIMAN Engineering, the delegation was introduced to the company’s capabilities in robotic technology and medical device manufacturing. The company showcased its solutions in automation, smart factory technologies, and robot systems, including industrial robots, multi-joint robots, and collaborative robots (cobots), with live demonstrations of their functionality.

That same day, the delegation also visited Shinsung E&G’s production facility. There, the Turkmen side was presented with the design and operation of high-precision clean rooms-critical components in medical device manufacturing facilities, ensuring sterile production conditions. The operational efficiency of the company’s clean room technologies was demonstrated in practice.

Additionally, the delegation was familiarized with Shinsung E&G’s solar energy solutions, including solar panels and battery storage systems, gaining insight into the company’s renewable energy technologies.

Familiarization visits to the Landfill Project and Energy Projects in Ulsan

On April 16, 2025, a delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Mr. B. Annamammedov, visited a Landfill project implemented with the participation of Daewoo Engineering & Construction in the Republic of Korea.

The project was introduced as an environmentally friendly and renewable initiative, recognized globally as one of the most innovative and successful examples of modern waste management. Project managers highlighted the advanced technologies used in waste processing and the project's alignment with sustainable development goals.

On April 17, 2025, Deputy Chairman Mr. B. Annamammedov, Chairman of the Board of the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan Mr. R. Jepbarov, and Chairman of the State Concern “Türkmenhimiýa” Mr. D. Sapbayev visited a major energy infrastructure site-an LNG terminal located at the North Port of Ulsan, also constructed with the involvement of Daewoo E&C. Key features of the project include 2 large-capacity above-ground LNG storage tanks, equipment capable of regasifying 180 tons of liquefied natural gas per hour and massive 270,000 m³ crude oil storage tank.

These specifications were presented as some of the terminal’s most notable features, reflecting its strategic importance and advanced engineering.

The delegation also visited another significant facility within the Onsan Industrial Complex in Ulsan. This project, jointly developed by Daewoo E&C and Daelim, was described as a high-tech and innovative installation focused on ethylene gas processing. The site exemplifies the cutting-edge industrial and technological capabilities currently being implemented in Korea’s petrochemical sector.