As part of his state visit to the Republic of Korea, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Sungkyunkwan University.

There, the high-ranking Turkmen guest was warmly welcomed by the president of this one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education in the Republic of Korea, Mr. Yoo Ji-beom.

The President of Turkmenistan and the head of Sungkyunkwan University then viewed an exhibition dedicated to Turkmenistan's achievements in science, education, and culture, as well as an exposition presenting national decorative and applied arts.

At present, all conditions have been created so that Turkmen youth can receive a quality education and continuously improve their qualifications. A high level of science and education, as well as healthcare, is a valuable asset of any state. The exhibition presented gave a vivid picture of Turkmenistan's enormous scientific and educational potential. Particular attention was drawn to the section dedicated to the decorative and applied art of our people, which presented, in all their diversity, the world-renowned handmade Turkmen carpets and exquisite silver jewelry.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Mr. Yoo Ji-beom then proceeded to the large conference hall of the university, where a ceremony was held to confer on the Head of the Turkmen State the title of «Honorary Doctor of Political Science».

At the beginning of the solemn ceremony, those gathered were informed of the accomplishments of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

It was noted that, thanks to the extensive political experience of the Head of State, large-scale work is being carried out to strengthen diplomatic relations and international cooperation, interstate relations are being raised to a new level, and productive cooperation is being carried out within the framework of the United Nations and other authoritative international structures.

The Republic of Korea highly values the accomplishments of the President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the development of Turkmenistan and the improvement of the population's standard of living, the strengthening of constructive international dialogue, and the enhancement of the country's prestige on the world stage.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov was unanimously elected the President of Turkmenistan thanks to his leadership qualities and his extensive experience of more than 20 years working in state institutions in such crucial fields as foreign policy, energy, industrial production, and the economy.

Today, under the leadership of Arkadagly Hero-Serdar, fundamental reforms are being carried out, including the transition to a digital system and the modernization of industry. In addition, the management system and information and communications infrastructure are being improved, and the diversification of the national economy is being pursued at an accelerated pace, ensuring its sustainable growth through the development of import-substituting and export-oriented production.

The President of Sungkyunkwan University Mr. Yoo Ji-beom then took the floor, and, warmly welcoming the President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and members of the governmental delegation, noted the significance of today's event.

It was emphasized that the conferral of the title «Honorary Doctor of Political Science» on the Head of the Turkmen State by Sungkyunkwan University is a clear testament to the friendly relations established between the two countries.

It was noted that, thanks to the rich political experience and wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan has strengthened its position among steadily developing states, and great work has been done to ensure a happy life for the Turkmen people and to raise the country's authority on the international stage. All of this is in keeping with the main principles of the institution of higher education, founded in 1398 and with a history of more than 600 years.

In this connection, Sungkyunkwan University decided to confer on the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov the degree of «Honorary Doctor of Political Science».

As stated in the document, taking into account his tremendous experience in foreign policy, in the field of lawmaking, local self-government, and in all spheres of the economy, his leadership in the state development of Turkmenistan, as well as his accomplishments in laying the foundation for sustainable national development through the transition to a digital economy and the diversification of the national economy, and his great contribution to the political stability and economic development of Central Asia through the pursuit of a neutral foreign policy and the strengthening of cooperation between the states of the region, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in accordance with the decision of the Graduate School Committee, has been awarded the title of «Honorary Doctor of Political Science" of Sungkyunkwan University.

This degree is awarded to individuals who have made a special contribution to the science and culture of the Republic of Korea and to the development of human culture as a whole. Since it was first awarded in 1957, it has been presented to only 101 people, including the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in 2015.

In conclusion, Mr. Yoo Ji-beom once again sincerely congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on being awarded the title of «Honorary Doctor of Political Science» and extended his best wishes.

The President of Turkmenistan was then solemnly presented with the diploma, after which a commemorative photograph was taken of the Head of the Turkmen State together with the President of the University and the Dean of the Graduate School.

The floor was then given to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Expressing sincere gratitude to the leadership and all staff of the prestigious Sungkyunkwan University for awarding him the high title of Honorary Doctor of Political Science, Arkadagly Hero-Serdar noted that it was a great honor for him to receive a diploma from one of the most renowned and oldest institutions of higher education in Korea, whose history spans more than six centuries.

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that he accepts this award as a sign of deep respect for Turkmenistan, recognition of the high level of development of our country, as well as of the friendly Turkmen-Korean relations, in which cooperation in the field of education plays an important role.

«In recent years, with the support of the governments of the two countries, positive results have been achieved in developing direct contacts between institutions of higher education. Sungkyunkwan University plays a special role in this, actively cooperating with the International University for the Humanities and Development and the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University», said Arkadagly Hero-Serdar, expressing confidence that the further development of the fruitful ties established would contribute to strengthening mutual understanding between the Turkmen and Korean peoples.

It was emphasized that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to new joint educational initiatives, including the exchange of students, teachers, and scholars, as well as to increasing the number of joint educational programs.

Noting the importance of developing a program for training specialists in the fields of artificial intelligence, engineering, energy, digital technologies, and industrial management, the Head of State expressed confidence that Sungkyunkwan University, with its high international prestige, would actively participate in the implementation of these initiatives.

Once again expressing sincere gratitude to the leadership of the institution of higher education for conferring on him the title of «Honorary Doctor of Political Science, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov extended his best wishes to the students, teachers and professors, as well as its staff.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Arkadagly Hero-Serdar bade farewell to everyone and departed from the venue.

The state visit of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Korea continues.