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Korea-Turkmenistan relations upgraded to a Strategic Partnership
diplomacy for protecting people
UNJournal 이성준 | Special Feature Editor Andy Hyun The Republic of Korea and the Republic of Turkmenistan are elevating their bilateral relationship to a new level, centered on consular cooperation, and are leaping from ‘diplomacy protecting people’ to a ‘strategic partnership.’ A complex diplomatic structure is taking shape, extending beyond the simple protection of overseas citizens to cooperation in energy, logistics and geopolitics. On April 8, Lim Sang-woo, the Government Representative for the Protection of Overseas Citizens and Consular Affairs, held the 1st Korea-Turkmenistan Consular Consultation with Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Seoul. Background of this consultation lies the close cooperation between the two countries, achieved amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. In particular, Turkmenistan played a substantial role in the evacuation of South Korean nationals residing in Iran by providing a humanitarian corridor utilizing its borders. The Republic of Korea government expressed deep gratitude for the fact that approximately 30 citizens were able to safely evacuate via Turkmenistan on two occasions, in June of last year and March of this year. This instance is regarded as a symbolic scene of "trust diplomacy" that operates practically in crisis situations, going beyond mere cooperation. "Launch of Consular Council… Protection of Overseas Citizens Enters 'Institutionalization Phase'" This Consular Council holds great significance as the first official channel to regularize consular cooperation between the two countries. Both sides engaged in extensive discussions on overall consular issues, including cooperation in the evacuation of South Korean nationals in Iran, the protection of their respective citizens in Turkmenistan, and the improvement of immigration procedures and the enhancement of convenience. Notably, as concrete cooperation measures, such as the designation of border checkpoints in the event of similar future situations, were discussed, the assessment is that the protection system for overseas citizens between the two countries has moved beyond the level of simple cooperation and entered an "institutionalized safety net." This demonstrates that diplomacy is no longer confined to mere declarations but is evolving into a practical function that actually protects lives. "The Core of the Energy and Central Asia Strategy... Turkmenistan's Geopolitical Value" Turkmenistan is an energy powerhouse possessing the world's fourth-largest natural gas reserves and is considered a key partner in Korea's energy security and Central Asia strategy. The two countries have maintained cooperation in various fields, including gas development, plant construction, and infrastructure collaboration. This strengthening of consular cooperation is expected to serve as "security-based diplomacy" that underpins this economic collaboration. In particular, Central Asia is emerging as a strategic hub connecting China, Russia, and the Middle East, and cooperation with Turkmenistan is regarded as a core axis for expanding the "Eurasian Diplomatic Axis," going beyond mere bilateral relations. “From Consular Diplomacy to Strategic Diplomacy”: A Qualitative Leap in Relations Experts analyze that, through this consultative meeting, the relationship between the two countries is evolving from existing working-level cooperation to a stage of strategic cooperation. This signifies that a multi-layered cooperation structure is being formed, extending from humanitarian cooperation--specifically the protection of overseas citizens--to energy, logistics, and geopolitical cooperation. This implies that Korean diplomacy is expanding beyond mere economic cooperation into a "comprehensive diplomatic system" that includes crisis response and the establishment of safety nets. “Diplomacy that protects people,” the foundation for future cooperation built on trust: Both sides deeply agreed on the importance of protecting citizens and enhancing their well-being through consular cooperation, and shared the view that this consultative meeting would serve as an important starting point for expanding bilateral cooperation in the future. This case deserves to be recorded as an exemplary model of "people-centered diplomacy" that operates in practice amidst a crisis, going beyond mere diplomatic events or declarations. Diplomacy connected by trust expands into strategy. The relationship between Korea and Turkmenistan is now building even more solid trust upon the practical foundation of "consular cooperation." Furthermore, that trust is expanding beyond simple protection to energy cooperation, Central Asia strategy, and a new axis of Eurasian diplomacy. Cooperation strengthened amidst crisis. At its core, there was ultimately ‘diplomacy that protects people.’
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The Two Countries Share a Long History of Friendship and Cooperation
Marking 35 Years of Diplomatic Relations, Korea and Mongolia Deepen Strategic Partnership Across All Sectors
UNJournal 이성준 | Special Feature Editor Andy Hyun The Republic of Korea and the Republic of Mongolia are two very special countries to each other. Ambassador Sukhe Sukhbold of Mongolia in Seoul emphasized: “Korea and Mongolia share a special relationship that has maintained a long history of exchanges extending far beyond the 35-year period of official diplomatic relations.” Speaking at a reception he hosted at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel on November 21 last year in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Mongolia, Ambassador Sukhbold said: “Cooperation has steadily expanded across all sectors, including politics, economy, trade, investment, culture, education, and health.” (See further details of the reception toward the end of this report.) According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea and other Korean diplomatic sources, Mongolia is a strategic and geopolitical hub connecting Northeast Asia, Central Asia, and Europe. Based on its abundant mineral resources, Mongolia is a country with great potential for future growth and is Korea's key regional cooperation partner. Korea and Mongolia are very close neighbors historically, culturally and geographically, sharing the values of democracy and a market economy. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, the two countries have continuously developed friendly and cooperative relations, and in 2021, bilateral relations were elevated to a "Strategic Partnership." Based on this foundation, Korea and Mongolia are currently striving to further strengthen their cooperative relationship across a wide range of fields, including politics, economy, trade, culture, tourism, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Korea is a major trading partner of Mongolia. The volume of trade between the two countries, which was merely US$2.71 million at the time of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, has increased approximately 200-fold to US$540 million as of 2025. People-to-people exchanges, a major driving force supporting the development of bilateral relations between Korea and Mongolia, are also continuously increasing. In particular, following the implementation of the temporary visa-free entry policy for Koreans on June 1, 2022, the number of Korean nationals visiting Mongolia has increased significantly, with the number of mutual visitors between the two countries reaching an all-time high of approximately 280,000 in 2025. Korea is expected to continue to try to deepen and develop cooperation in various fields, building upon the achievements made by both nations to date. Contributing to the promotion of relations, cooperation and friendship between Korea and Mongolia are various events and functions hosted by the Embassy of Mongolia in Seoul. And it would not be amiss to introduce one held in Seoul in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between two countries. An official reception commemorating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Mongolia was held grandly on November 21 last year at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, providing a meaningful occasion to look ahead to the present and future of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Hosted by the Embassy of Mongolia in Seoul and attended by over 300 diplomatic representatives and business leaders, the reception was attended by approximately 300 distinguished persons, including Senior Advisor Kourelbataar Nyadaba to the President of Mongolia, Spokesperson Lee Jae-woong for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from various countries of the world. There also were representatives from major companies and institutions in Korea, who joined the celebration of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. In his commemorative address, Ambassador Sukhe Sukhbold of Mongolia in Seoul emphasized, “Korea and Mongolia share a special relationship that has maintained a long history of exchanges extending far beyond the 35-year period of official diplomatic relations,” Then added the ambassador: “Cooperation has steadily expanded across all sectors, including politics, economy, trade, investment, culture, education, and health.” In particular, Ambassador Sukhbold explained the depth of cooperation by presenting figures on the qualitative and quantitative growth of exchanges between the two countries. “Trade between the two nations, which stood at around $2.7 million in the early 1990s, has grown to approximately $670 million today, and more than 17,000 Mongolian students are currently studying in Korea,” he stated. He also noted that “Korean language education is being provided in 44 elementary and secondary schools and about 10 universities within Mongolia.” He further added, “While travel between the two countries was not easy in the past, people-to-people exchanges have become active to the extent that approximately 100 flights operate per week, and the number of visitors traveling between the two nations is also increasing to hundreds of thousands annually.” In his congratulatory remarks, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Lee Jae-woong highlighted the historical significance of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Mongolia and presented directions for future cooperation. He assessed, “The establishment of diplomatic ties between Korea and Mongolia in 1990 was a crucial starting point for the Republic of Korea’s Northern Diplomacy at the time,” adding, “This year, marking the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations, will serve as a turning point for cooperation toward the next 35 years.” In particular, emphasizing the current administration’s commitment to inheriting and developing the New Northern Policy, he stated, “Cooperation between the two countries goes beyond mere diplomatic relations and is a special asset based on linguistic and cultural common ground.” Spokesperson Lee also mentioned recent achievements in high-level exchanges. “Active exchanges are continuing, including a telephone conversation between the leaders of both countries last September in a friendly atmosphere and the Prime Minister meeting with Mongolia’s First Deputy Prime Minister,” he said. “Based on this trend, it is time to produce tangible results in cooperation.” In addition, he presented future cooperation tasks, including negotiations for the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), supply chain stability, climate change response, expansion of Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, and the revitalization of people-to-people exchanges, stating, “We will cooperate even more closely to ensure that bilateral cooperation leads to tangible benefits for the lives of our citizens.” This reception is regarded as more than just a commemorative event; it is seen as a venue where South Korea and Mongolia reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding the horizons of cooperation toward the next 35 years. Particular attention is being paid to whether a new model for New Northern cooperation can be established on a multi-layered foundation of cooperation encompassing economy, culture, and education. It is expected that the two countries will continue to solidify their strategic cooperative relationship based on mutual trust and continuously expand their roles as partners contributing to peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the Eurasian region.
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Astana Peace Declaration 2025, A New Stage of Global Spiritual Diplomacy
- Astana Peace Declaration 2025: A New Milestone in Interreligious Diplomacy - Korea’s Participation and Expanding Global Cooperation
UNJournal Kayla Lee | Adopted at the conclusion of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions (September 17–18, 2025), the Astana Peace Declaration 2025 has emerged as a landmark document in contemporary interreligious diplomacy. It outlines concrete directions for international cooperation in peacebuilding, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. The Congress brought together over 100 delegations from around 60 countries, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s role as a global platform for dialogue among civilizations. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the growing challenges of geopolitical tensions, hybrid conflicts, and ideological divisions, emphasizing the vital role of spiritual leaders as moral guides in the international community. The Declaration underscores the importance of protecting religious sanctities and cultural heritage, strengthening cooperation with the United Nations, and promoting initiatives such as the “Movement for Peace.” It also expands the scope of interfaith dialogue to include global security, technological transformation, and sustainable development, positioning religion as a strategic force for trust-building and conflict prevention. The Republic of Korea actively contributed to the Congress through the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Representing the Order, Venerable Jeong Beom emphasized the importance of Seon meditation as a pathway to inner peace and a foundation for global harmony, while Venerable Mun Jeong participated in discussions on youth engagement in peaceful coexistence. Key outcomes of the Declaration include strengthening UN cooperation, preventing the misuse of religion for extremism, expanding youth and women’s participation, and promoting education to counter radicalization. It also clearly states that terrorism must not be associated with any religion or culture. Notably, the Declaration introduces new global agendas, including ethical governance of artificial intelligence and climate responsibility as a moral imperative. The proposal to establish an Interreligious Commission on AI Ethics reflects a commitment to human-centered technological development. Looking ahead, the Declaration opens new avenues for Kazakhstan–Korea cooperation in cultural exchange, academic collaboration, AI ethics research, and climate action. Within frameworks such as C5+K, it reinforces the humanitarian dimension of strategic partnerships. Ultimately, the Astana Peace Declaration 2025 affirms that religion in the 21st century can serve not as a source of division, but as a powerful force for unity—shaping a new global model grounded in respect, trust, and shared responsibility.
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