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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.

   

• 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.

• 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.

• THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF GEORGIA, ILIA DARCHIASHVILI HAS PAID AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE STATE OF ISRAEL

  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili and the Minister of Economy and Industry of the State of Israel, Nir Barkat signed a joint declaration on completion of the technical and economic feasibility study for a free trade agreement between Georgia and the State of Israel. 

  Before the signing ceremony, the Minister had a meeting with the Minister of Economy and Industry of Israel. Within the framework of the meeting, the sides discussed current issues on the agenda of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and the great potential of cooperation in the economic area, including bilateral trade, investments and tourism.
  Within the framework of the two-day visit, Ilia Darchiashvili will meet with his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, and the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog.
  Meetings with the chairman of the Knesset, ministers of economy, tourism and internal affairs are also planned. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will lay a wreath at the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Centre on behalf of the Georgian people.

• EU Foreign Affairs Council: Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia in focus

  The EU Foreign Affairs Council took place on 24 April, with the situation in Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova as priority topics.

  Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba addressed the EU ministers via video conference, and briefed them about the latest developments on the ground and Ukraine’s military priorities and needs, especially in terms of ammunition and missiles. 

  EU High Representative Josep Borrell highlighted that in total the EU and its member states have already facilitated the delivery to Ukraine of over €13 billion in military support. 

  He also updated ministers on EU military support to Ukraine in the context of the three-track plan. On track one, the EU adopted an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility worth €1 billion to address Ukraine’s most immediate needs. EU member states are also finalising work on track two, to facilitate joint procurement. Lastly, the European Commission will soon present concrete proposals on how to ramp up the European defence production capacity under track three.

  Ministers were also informed about the activities of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), which has already exceeded its initial target by training over 16,000 Ukrainian soldiers. The EU aims to train a total of 30,000 soldiers by the end of 2023.

  EU Foreign Ministers also held an informal exchange with the Georgian Foreign Minister, Ilia Darchiashvili, and confirmed that Georgia has made significant progress in many key reforms. They also highlighted that rule of law, human rights, media, civil society and independent state institutions are important elements for each country aspiring to join the EU.

  Concerning Moldova, the Foreign Affairs Council established a new civilian EU CSDP partnership mission (EUPM Moldova), reached a broad agreement on a new framework for sanctions against those who destabilise the country, and on allocating further €40 million coming from the European Peace Facility to support Moldova’s defence capabilities.

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  Press release