South Korea Calls Kazakhstan Its Largest Trade and Investment Partner in Central Asia
Images | Akorda
South Korean National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik has described Kazakhstan as South Korea’s largest trade and investment partner in Central Asia. He made the remarks during a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, according to the Akorda presidential press service.
Cho Jung-sik highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries in energy, digitalisation and artificial intelligence. He said Kazakhstan and South Korea have steadily expanded cooperation across various sectors in recent years.
"Following your visit to Korea, relations between our countries have been elevated to a future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership," the speaker said.
Tokayev, for his part, said that during talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung the previous day, the two leaders had agreed to elevate bilateral cooperation to a future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Kazakh president also discussed trade, economic and investment ties. More than 1,000 joint ventures involving Korean capital operate in Kazakhstan, while joint projects are being implemented across a number of sectors.
The two sides also focused on interparliamentary cooperation.
"Overall, interparliamentary dialogue has deepened considerably in recent years. Regular contacts have been maintained between the Parliament of Kazakhstan and the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. These ties will be actively continued by members of the Kurultai," Tokayev said.
The president also outlined political reforms in Kazakhstan, including the transition to a unicameral Kurultai, the establishment of the post of vice-president, the formation of the Security Council Office and the start of the work of the Halyk Kenesi.
The two sides discussed cultural and humanitarian ties and the development of tourism. Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan is home to around 120,000 ethnic Koreans, known as Koryo-saram.
"As you know, next year will mark 90 years since the beginning of the resettlement of the Korean people to Kazakhstan. We plan to commemorate this historic anniversary at a high level," the president said.
Cho Jung-sik also announced that Kazakhstan will host the fourth meeting of the speakers of parliament of the Republic of Korea and Central Asian countries in spring 2027. He said he planned to attend the forum.
At the end of the meeting, the two sides expressed their intention to continue strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and South Korea.
The Kazakh president is due to take part today in the first Central Asia-Republic of Korea summit.
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