The Turkmen Embassy in Seoul underlined 2025 as a crucial year for diplomacy and peace, marking the International Year of Peace and Trust.

Speaking at the event, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Korea Begench Durdyyev introduced Turkmenistan’s adoption of the UN resolution titled “2025 — International Year of Peace and Trust.”

He noted that on March 21 last year, during the 63rd plenary meeting of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, this resolution was co-sponsored by 86 UN member states.

The Central Asian country views 2025 as a landmark year for commitment to neutrality for global peace and security. The year is also commemorating the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.

According to the embassy, Turkmenistan has maintained peaceful neutrality, avoiding military alliances and advocating global peace through diplomacy for over 30 years.

“The resolution reflects the fundamental purposes and principles of the UN Charter, particularly the commitments to settle disputes by peaceful means and methods,” said Durdyyev stressing it as an event for transition to a new stage in international relations.

The Central Asian country sees 2025 as symbolic, marking the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality, the UN’s 80th anniversary, and 33 years of diplomatic ties with Korea, said Durdyyev.

He invited government representatives, Korean media, and academic institutions from Korea to participate in these events.

Marking 33 years of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Korea, Durdyyev highlighted sustained cooperation in politics, economy, culture and education.

Turkmenistan and South Korea established diplomatic ties on July 2, 1992. In 2024, Presidents Yoon Seok Yeol and Serdar Berdimuhamedow agreed to expand cooperation in energy and infrastructure projects under Seoul's "K-Silk Road Cooperation" initiative.

The strategy aims to connect South Korea’s innovation with Central Asia’s resources. Berdimuhamedow has extended Ashgabat’s support for the initiative.

“In 2025, our countries will continue to demonstrate the value of balanced, forward-looking diplomacy,” he said.

Both countries see strong cooperation potential to develop a transcontinental transportation route connecting Asia and Europe and expansion of energy sector.

The ambassador also announced high-level political consultations, a state visit, and at least two large-scale economic projects led by Korean companies in Turkmenistan.

“This year we will also hold the next round meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Korean Commission for trade, economic, scientific and technological cooperation,” Durdyyev.

“Turkmenistan believes that by strengthening partnerships — especially with neutral and non-aligned states — the international community can develop more effective ways to prevent and resolve disputes,” said Durdyyev.

He noted that President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has proposed a Global Security Strategy that incorporates economic, environmental, technological, and humanitarian factors.

The ambassador called 2024 "The Fount of Wisdom of Magtymguly Fragi," honoring the Turkmen poet’s influence on peace.

Introducing a book titled "Magtymguly – the Sage of the World" authored by Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the ambassador highlighted his country's diplomatic legacy.

The book describes the history, cultural heritage, and philosophical contributions of the leader of the Turkmen people, highlighting the country's illustrious past and its preserved historical monuments.

Meanwhile, he also announced hopes of boosting aviation and tourism, with plans to launch direct passenger flights between Ashgabat and Seoul in the coming months.

“By expanding people-to-people connections, we believe our overall cooperation will grow significantly,” he added.

The event was attended by senior officials from South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the secretariat of the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum, ambassadors from Central Asian countries, political experts and cultural representatives.