An international conference dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Independence of Turkmenistan and the motto of the year 2026 was held in Seoul

On March 25, 2026, an international conference dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Independence of Turkmenistan and to the motto of 2026: “Independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan - the homeland of purposeful winged horses” was held at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS).

The conference was attended by representatives of ministries and government institutions of the Republic of Korea, public organizations, heads and diplomats of the Central Asian countries Embassies in Seoul, professors and students of universities of Korea, as well as representatives of the mass media.

During the opening ceremony, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea H.E. Mr Begench Durdyyev delivered a speech highlighting Turkmenistan’s achievements in political, economic, and cultural spheres during the years of Independence. He also emphasized the importance of the policy of permanent positive Neutrality, which has been repeatedly recognized by the United Nations. Speaking about the history of Turkmenistan’s neutrality and its connection with the national identity of the Turkmen people, the Ambassador introduced participants to the new book authored by the President of Turkmenistan H.E. Mr. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, titled “The Neutrality of Turkmenistan - A Bright Way of Peace and Trust.”

He also addressed the development of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. In particular, participants were informed about high-level visits carried out over the past five years, steadily increasing indicators of trade and economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges between the Turkmen and Korean peoples.

The Ambassador noted the significance of announcing the current year as “Independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan - the homeland of purposeful winged horses”, emphasizing the important role of the Akhal-Teke horse in Turkmen history and culture. He pointed out the symbolic coincidence of this theme with the “Byeong-o” year, known as the “Year of the Fire Horse,” widely celebrated in the Republic of Korea.

Then, Professor Kim Bongchul of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies delivered an opening speech, focusing on academic and educational cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. He shared his views on existing and potential areas of cooperation between higher education institutions of the two countries.

Next, the floor was given to Mr. Ri Jong-kuk, Executive Director of the Secretariat of the “Central Asia - Republic of Korea” Cooperation Forum. In his speech, he highly praised Turkmenistan’s peacefulness, good-neighborliness and neutral policy. He also expressed gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for assisting in the evacuation of Korean citizens from the Islamic Republic of Iran through its territory due to the situation in the Middle East. Additionally, he spoke about ongoing cooperation within the framework of the “Central Asia - Republic of Korea” Forum and about the first Summit of this format, planned for September this year.

In the second session of the conference, titled “The Story of Turkmenistan and Korea” dr. Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu of Joongbu University and Ms. Danbi Kim, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of the Republic of Korea (UNA-ROK), delivered speeches. They provided information on the history of Turkmen-Korean relations, Turkmenistan’s important role in current geopolitical conditions, and its efforts to support peace.

Within the framework of the international conference, an exhibition of Turkmen cultural items, handicrafts, and works of national decorative and applied arts was also organized.

At the end of the event, guests were offered traditional Turkmen snacks and sweets.