With the intention of intensifying cooperation between Seoul and Central Asia, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol will make a state visit to three Central Asian countries from 10-15 June.
As reported by Kim Tae-hyo First Deputy Director of the National Security Office of the Presidential Administration, President Yoon Suk-Yeol accompanied by his wife Kim Gong Hee, will visit Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan and engage in talks with the countries’ leaders as well as participate in business forums.
Kim Tae-hyo emphasized that South Korea aims to intensify diplomacy and cooperation with Central Asia through wide-ranging efforts. These include a regular summit of the Korea-Central Asia K-Silk Road Initiative, the first of which will be hosted by Seoul next year.
“Through this initiative, we intend to promote the joint, free, and peaceful development and prosperity of Korea and the Central Asian region,” stated Kim Tae-hyo
The main areas of cooperation under the Initiative include the development of four key sectors : natural resources, official development assistance, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and enhanced official and private contacts.
Areas for cooperation will be identified and prioritized in each of the five Central Asian countries :Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Cooperation in Kazakhstan will focus on energy and infrastructure; in Kyrgyzstan, water resources and tourism, and in Turkmenistan, constructing energy plants.
Seoul makes no secret of its high interest in the region’s rich natural resources, including uranium, lithium and tungsten.
