The long-anticipated summit between South Korea and Central Asian nations, originally scheduled for 2025, has been postponed to 2026 due to recent political developments in South Korea. The decision was confirmed by First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo during a meeting of the National Assembly’s international affairs committee, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
Park stated that the postponement followed a comprehensive review of both internal and external considerations.
“After considering all relevant circumstances, including the positions of the Central Asian countries and our own internal schedule, it became difficult to propose a viable date within this year,” he told lawmakers.
Park was also presenting the ministry’s second supplementary budget, adjusted to 4.23 trillion won (approximately $3.11 billion), slightly lower than the previously revised figure.
The delay comes amid political turbulence in South Korea following serious allegations against former President Yoon Suk-yeol.
According to Reuters, Yoon faced widespread backlash earlier this year after being accused of attempting to declare martial law and consolidate presidential powers during a period of domestic unrest. The controversy triggered mass protests and increased scrutiny of the executive branch, ultimately prompting the rescheduling of several diplomatic events, including the summit with Central Asian leaders. Despite the delay, bilateral cooperation continues.
Earlier this week, The Times of Central Asia reported that South Korean firms reached an agreement with Kyrgyzstan to support the development of electric public transportation infrastructure. The deal, facilitated by the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and Trade, includes plans to build a network of charging stations for electric buses in Bishkek. The project involves collaboration with the Korea Environmental Transport Association and several private companies and aims to promote cleaner public transport and improved environmental standards in the Kyrgyz capital.
