Speech at the Reception of Korea-Georgia Friendship Night 2018
First of all, congratulations on the election of new president of Georgia.
Thanks to this, I am certain that relationship between Georgia and Korea will achieve development.
Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Georgia on December 14, 1992, the bilateral relations of our two countries have been developing smoothly on the basis of the principles of peaceful co-existence.
From the Korean side visited Georgia high level delegations such as, delegation of transportation committee of National Assembly on March, Deputy Minister of Interior and Safety on July for participation on OGP summit Tbilisi, Chief constitutional Judge to Constitutional Court of Georgia.
And from Georgia side visited Korea high delegation such as,
First Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Mikheil Giorgadze on Feburary,
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs George Sharvashidze on March,
Chief of Korea-Georgia Parliamentary Friendship Association Shota Khabareli on September,
Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Grigol Katsia on Global Infrastructure Cooperation Conference,
Member of Parliament Irina Pruidze on OGP Asia-Pacific Conference on October.
This is a good example of that mutual interest between Georgia and Korea is growing, and it gives positive dynamics on development of relationship between two countries.
Even more Korean companies have a strong interest and paying more attention to the Georgian economy because of its great growth potential, which was ranked on 6th position on Doing Business 2018.
The biggest economic project between two countries is Nenskra Hydroplant construction.
With the effort of recently newly appointed president, Mr. Kim Sun Young, K-water signed MOU with Government of Mestia, and is doing its best effort to accelerate the progress of this project
On October this year, KOTRA organized the visit of delegation of small-medium business to Georgia, Tbilisi, and they saw the great potential of Georgian market.
Regarding Tourism sector, many Korean tourists visit Georgia to enjoy its nature, historical and cultural wealth.
On September 2018, the growth of number of Korean tourists compare to same period of last year was 140%, furthermore, until the end of October, almost 13,000 koreans visited Georgia.
Until the end of the last year, this number was 7,200 people, and we can see that almost twice more Koreans visited Georgia already. We can expect much more growth next year.
In the field of Culture, I can see that the popularity of Korean Culture is growing.
On June this year, more than 500 students participated in K-pop Festival,
Also 2 days ago, on 1st of December, there was a Korean Culture Festival in Free University of Tbilisi, where participated many young Georgians, who enjoyed Korean songs and dance.
However in Korea, Georgian Language Lecture is opened at Hankguk University of Foreign Studies thanks to the ambassador Mr. Otar Berdzenishvili.
This is a really good chance to popularize Georgian language and culture.
From Korea will be dispatched qualified Taekwondo master, soon he will come to Georgia.
Georgia has strength on Judo, Basketball, Rugby and achieving great success on international competitions, so I hope that Georgia can this high success also on Taekwondo.
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Such partnerships for progress, built over the past 26 years, do not come without effort, or affection.
All our guests present here have made contributions in different categories to the development of the friendly relations between our two countries.
I am very confident that the Republic of Korea will have more and more friends in Georgia and much more Georgian people will devote themselves to the development of the cooperative relations between our two countries.
To the further development of cooperative and friendly relations between Korea and Georgia,
To the good health of all the guests present here tonight,
Thank you!
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THE FIRST FORUM OF SPEAKERS OF THE PARLIAMENTS OF CENTRAL ASIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
On September 19, 2023, the parliamentary delegation of Turkmenistan led by the Chairman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova participated in Seoul in the first Forum of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Central Asian States and the Republic of Korea on the topic "Development of mutually beneficial relations focused on the future".
The meeting was also attended by the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea.
The Head of the Turkmen Delegation stressed in her speech that the initiative to create an inter-parliamentary forum "Central Asia - Republic of Korea" was first put forward in November 2022 by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov during an official visit to the Republic of Korea at the invitation of the Speaker of the National Assembly Kim Jin-pyo. In this context, it was noted that the current Forum of Speakers of Parliaments will give impetus to the development of parliamentary diplomacy between the Central Asian States and the Republic of Korea.
It was noted that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to cooperation with the Republic of Korea, which is implemented on the principles of equality, long-term and mutually beneficial partnership. At the same time, regular meetings and negotiations at various levels confirm the commitment of the parties to further intensify fruitful ties.
The main session of the meeting was devoted to the priorities of regional cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the countries of Central Asia in the near future. The discussion continued in two special sessions. It was noted that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to cooperation with the Republic of Korea, which is implemented on the principles of equality, long-term and mutually beneficial partnership. At the same time, regular meetings and negotiations at various levels confirm the commitment of the parties to further intensify fruitful ties. The main session of the meeting was devoted to the priorities of regional cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the countries of Central Asia in the near future. The discussion continued in two special sessions.
The forum participants stated that the current format of cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Republic of Korea is a good opportunity to strengthen relations between the states and confirmed the importance of inter-parliamentary exchanges for the further development and expansion of partnership.
During the meeting, the parties discussed specific areas and areas of partnership, primarily related to issues of economic cooperation between the states of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea, as well as cooperation in the field of digital transformation.
As a priority areas for further regional cooperation were identified the spheres in energy, infrastructure, effective water resources management, industrial diversification, finance, education, health care and tourism.
As a result of the Forum participants adopted a Joint Declaration, in accordance with the parties reached an agreement to hold the second Meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Central Asian States and the Republic of Korea in 2024 in Ashgabat.
Within the framework of the Forum, the Korean side organized a photo exhibition dedicated to historical and cultural monuments, which are connecting the peoples of the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea.
Also was organized a ceremony of drinking traditional tea in the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea. During the tour at the exhibition, the Heads of Delegations showed particular interest to the Turkmen pavilion, which presented various types of natural herbal tea "Saglyk çaýlary" (Health Teas), traditional Turkmen green tea, national sweets, pishme, kulche, gavun kaky, chelpek, gatlama, as well as all kinds of sweets, dried fruits, flour and dairy products from Turkmen manufacturers.
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THE PRESIDENT OF TURKMENISTAN AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DISCUSSED ISSUES OF COOPERATION
On September 18, 2023, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, met with the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol.
Stressing that he is very pleased with today’s meeting in New York, the President of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the current negotiations will help identify new ways for the development of bilateral relations and will give an effective impetus to their further expansion.
As noted, Turkmen-Korean relations and mutually beneficial partnership, based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, respect and trust, have been actively developed and continue to grow steadily in an ascending line, filling with qualitatively new content.
Stressing that our states are currently fruitfully cooperating not only in a bilateral format, but also within the framework of international organizations, primarily the UN, the interlocutors noted with satisfaction the established constructive partnership in supporting initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace, sustainable sustainability and security .
Successful bilateral interaction within the framework of the Central Asia-Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum was also noted. As part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship in this structure, the 16th meeting of this Forum is planned to be held in Ashgabat in November. In this regard, the head of Turkmenistan expressed firm confidence that its results will contribute to the coordination of joint efforts with the Republic of Korea in the implementation of economic, cultural and humanitarian projects at the regional level.
Particular emphasis was placed on the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy. In this context, the great importance of the ongoing high-level mutual visits was emphasized. Thus, the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Korea in November 2022, the visit of the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Kim Jin-pyo to Turkmenistan in July 2023, as well as the visit of the Mejlis delegation to the Republic of Korea taking place these days to participate in the inter-parliamentary forum, they brought Turkmen-Korean cooperation in this area to a new level.
In conclusion, the mutual readiness of the parties was confirmed to continue to make the necessary joint efforts to bring Turkmen-Korean relations to a qualitatively new level for the benefit of the two states.
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THE PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION OF TURKMENISTAN IS ON A VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
On September 17-19, 2023, a delegation led by the Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan D.Gulmanova is on a working visit to the Republic of Korea. The purpose of the visit is to participate in the First Meeting of Speakers of Parliaments “Central Asia - Republic of Korea”.
On September 17, 2023, upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, D.Gulmanova met with the head of the Korea-Turkmenistan Interparliamentary Friendship Group Lee Dal-Gon. During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the development of interparliamentary relations and cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea.
On September 18, a meeting was held in a narrow format between the Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Kim Jin-pyo. D.Gulmanova conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
During the conversation, the parties noted the positive dynamics in the development of interparliamentary dialogue between the two countries.
Furthermore, the delegation of Turkmenistan, under the leadership of the Chairman of the Mejlis, took part in the first Turkmen-Korean inter-parliamentary consultations initiated by the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
During a detailed exchange of views on the current agenda of bilateral cooperation, the parties emphasized that this event would serve as an effective platform for the expansion and development of inter-parliamentary partnership. In this context, the important role of the Turkmen-Korean friendship groups acting in the parliaments of the two countries was noted.
The special role of interparliamentary dialogue in the further development and strengthening of bilateral relations was also noted. The trade and economic sphere, oil and gas, petrochemical and transport sectors, the cultural and humanitarian dimension, including the field of medicine, education, in particular, the study of the Korean language in Turkmenistan, were identified as promising areas.
Particular attention was paid to the prospects for the participation of Korean companies in the implementation of industrial projects in the city of Arkadag.
In addition, the parties discussed a number of issues on the agenda of the upcoming first meeting of the heads of parliaments of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea on September 19.
On the same day, a meeting was held between the head of the Parliament of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Han Duck-soo. At the beginning of the meeting, D.Gulmanova conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
During the negotiations, the parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation, and also exchanged views on the prospects for further interaction between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea.
In the process of discussing aspects of further development of trade and economic relations, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea expressed the desire of leading Korean companies to actively participate in the implementation of oil, gas and petrochemical projects in Turkmenistan.
At the same time, it was emphasized that the progressive development of the interparliamentary dialogue established between our countries is one of the priority aspects of interaction.
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ACTUAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TURKMEN-KOREAN COOPERATION DETERMINED
On November 29, in the morning, the motorcade of the Hero-Arkadag headed to the Yonsan Palace of the President of the Republic of Korea. Here, the head of the protocol service of the Office of the President of the friendly state warmly welcomed Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and invited him to enter the building.
Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh went to the meeting hall of the Palace. Here Hero Arkadag and President Yoon Seok Yeol greeted each other warmly.
During the meeting, the high level of political-diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between the countries, which are actively developing on the basis of the principles of equality and mutual respect, and in recent years have reached a qualitatively new level, was stated.
In the afternoon, the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the President of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Christopher Koo, during which issues of developing cooperation in various areas, in particular, in the transport and logistics sector, were discussed.
Then Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with representatives of business circles of the Republic of Korea.
The meeting was attended by the heads of the following companies and structures of the country - "Hyundai Engineering", "Hyundai Corporation", "Hyundai Motor", Export-Import Bank of Korea "KEXIM", "LX International Corp.", "Omnisystem Co Ltd", "Daewoo Engineering & Construction, Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI), MESCO, National Institute for the Development of Korean Medicine, Chilgok Clinic at Kyungbuk National University, KITECH Convergent Technology Center, KD Navien.
At the end of the meeting, a ceremony of signing bilateral documents between the profile structures and business circles of the two countries took place.
Within the framework of the official visit of Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Korea, the members of the delegation of Turkmenistan met with the heads of the profile structures of the friendly country, during which the ways of further development of bilateral partnership were discussed.
Upon completion of the official visit to the Republic of Korea, the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan left for homeland.
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The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov took part in the 15th Cooperation Forum "Central Asia - the Republic of Korea", which was held on Tuesday, October 25, in the city of Pusan.
Speaking at the forum, Rashid Meredov noted that "the main task today is the solidarity of the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea in maintaining universal long-term peace and stability," according to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
According to Meredov, in modern conditions "the role of political and diplomatic interaction between our countries is growing, establishing a regular and open exchange of views on issues of mutual interest," the press service of the Foreign Ministry notes.
Meredov drew the attention of the Korean side to the great potential for cooperation in high-tech industries, including telecommunications and space, in water desalination projects.
As a result of the meeting, the Joint Statement of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Work Plan of the Secretariat of the Central Asia-Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum for 2023 were adopted.
On the sidelines of the forum, Rashid Meredov met with Pusan Mayor Pak Hyeong-Jun, discussing with him the possibilities of developing relations between the seaports of Turkmenbashi and Pusan, exchanging experience in the field of port management, and in the future - establishing sister city relations between them.
Issues of promoting partnerships in the fields of information and digital technologies, transport and communications, shipbuilding, water and forestry, architecture and urban planning were considered.
Rashid Meredov also met with his South Korean counterpart Pak Jin. The head of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said that Turkmenistan, with a sense of gratitude and high responsibility, takes over the chairmanship of the Forum and starts preparing for the next, 16th meeting of the Republic of Korea-Central Asia Forum in 2023 in Ashgabat.
The parties expressed confidence that the official visit of Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty - the Upper House of the Turkmen Parliament Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Korea in November this year will open a new page in the history of bilateral relations.
