Ashgabat hosted the second Central Asia–Korea parliamentary forum

On October 14, 2024, the second parliamentary meeting in the Central Asia-Korea format took place in Ashgabat.

The event was attended by:

• Woo Won Shik, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea
• Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
• Nurlanbek Shakiev, Chairman of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic
• Yerlan Koshanov, Speaker of the Majilis of Kazakhstan
• Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda, Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan
• Nuriddin Ismoilov, Chairman of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan
• As well as parliamentarians from all participating countries.

  During the plenary session, “Partnership for Peace, Prosperity, and Mutual Trust,” speakers emphasized the growing importance of interparliamentary dialogue in implementing high-level agreements and expanding practical cooperation between Central Asia and the Republic of Korea. They highlighted the role of Interparliamentary Friendship Groups in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties between the fraternal peoples of the region.

  Turkmenistan’s foreign policy is determined by the philosophy of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, expressed in the formula “Dialogue is a guarantee of peace.” Stressing that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to strengthening peace and trust, friendship and mutual understanding between peoples, Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan D.Gulmanova focused on the theme of the meeting – strengthening partnership for peace and sustainable development.In a world undergoing rapid change, marked by climate challenges, demographic shifts, and rising tensions, constructive dialogue and mutual trust are essential for addressing global issues. As E. Koshanov (Kazakhstan) noted, these qualities are crucial for overcoming modern challenges and resolving problematic issues.“Only through joint efforts, close cooperation, mutual trust and mutual understanding will we be able to give a positive impetus to the process of ensuring peace, stability and sustainable development,” M. Zokirzoda (Tajikistan) stressed.“The economic well-being of the peoples of our countries directly depends on the quality of our interaction. Mutual trust is the foundation of any successful partnership. Through open dialogue and active interaction between parliaments, we can strengthen this trust. We must recognize that trust concerns not only the sphere of diplomacy and the economy, but is also a key element of the country’s domestic policy,” N. Shakiev (Kyrgyzstan) emphasized.

• N.Ismoilov of Uzbekistan welcomed the UN General Assembly’s declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, initiated by Turkmenistan. 

  Speaker Woo (Korea) commended Central Asia’s efforts in building smart new cities based on digital and eco-friendly infrastructure for sustainable growth, as well as its responses to the climate crisis. ‘Korea is also striving to overcome the climate crisis by maintaining the productivity of existing major industries such as automobiles, petrochemicals, and semiconductors while fostering information and communications, aerospace, and new industries, and expanding renewable energy research and low-carbon industries,’ he explained.

  Concluding the main session, Woo emphasized the need for solidarity for peace, stating that ‘ultimately, everything is supported by stability and peace.’ He urged that “Korea and Central Asia, having been friends for over 1,500 years, should go beyond being mere friends and become trusted partners who prosper together in the rapidly changing new world order.”