Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Turkmen ambassador highlights 2025 as international year of peace and trust
Turkmen Ambassador to Korea Begench Durdyyev speaks during the International Year of Peace and Trust event held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Turkmen Ambassador to Korea Begench Durdyyev emphasized Turkmenistan’s foreign policy goals for 2025, proclaimed as the International Year of Peace and Trust, during an event held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Seoul, Thursday.
The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. This designation aims to promote peaceful and trustworthy relations between nations.
"We come together on the occasion of introducing Turkmenistan's foreign policy plans for this year, an especially notable period as 2025 has been proclaimed as the International Year of Peace and Trust. This year, we also take pride in celebrating the 30th anniversary of our nation’s permanent neutrality," Durdyyev said.
The ambassador highlighted Turkmenistan's long-standing policy of peaceful neutrality, which is built on principles of noninterference in the internal affairs of other states, abstaining from military alliances and advocating for conflict resolution through diplomatic means.
"Over the three decades since gaining its independence, Turkmenistan has adhered to a peaceful neutral policy," he said. "By championing diplomacy over conflict, we have made an enormous contribution to the cause of promoting peace throughout the world."
One of the key diplomatic achievements in this regard, Durdyyev noted, was the adoption of the United Nations Resolution titled "2025 International Year of Peace and Trust" on March 21, 2024. The resolution, co-sponsored by 86 U.N. member states, highlights the U.N. Charter’s fundamental commitment to peaceful dispute resolution.
"The resolution represents the practical embodiment of the philosophy of the new international relations — 'Dialogue is a guarantee of peace,' as announced by the national leader of the Turkmen people," he said.
Durdyyev pointed to several significant anniversaries coinciding with this initiative, including the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, the 80th anniversary of the U.N. and the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Turkmenistan.
Bilateral ties
Durdyyev also highlighted the deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations commemorating the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations.
"The historical intergovernmental document titled 'Protocol of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea' was signed on Feb. 7, 1992, followed by the opening of the embassies in the capitals of our two countries," he said.
"Over the past three decades, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea have worked hand in hand to advance our common goals, deepening ties in various fields, including politics, economy, culture and education."
The ambassador outlined Turkmenistan's plans to expand cooperation this year with a comprehensive cooperation program aimed at elevating bilateral relations in the political and economic realm, starting from arranging political consultations and ending with a state visit.
"At least two large-scale projects will start to be implemented by leading Korean companies in Turkmenistan this year, and we will work to increase this number," he said.
"Since in the coming months we plan to launch direct passenger flights between Ashgabat and Seoul, we would like to encourage representatives from the aviation and tourism sectors to actively work together on facilitating tourism exchange between our countries."