By Kim Hyun-bin
The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul, in collaboration with the Institute of Central Asian Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) and Seoul Cyber University, held a round table discussion to mark Kazakhstan’s Republic Day. The event, themed “Kazakhstan and South Korea: Enhanced Strategic Partnership and Multifaceted Ties,” brought together prominent figures from Korea’s academic and diplomatic circles.
Officials from the Secretariat of the Central Asia-Korea Cooperation Forum, the Governors’ Association of Korea, the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy and Sungkyunkwan University attended the event. Students of HUFS Kazakh studies department and members of the Korean press were also present at the round table.
In his opening address, Ambassador Nurgali Arystanov underscored the significance of Republic Day, highlighting it as the beginning of Kazakhstan’s sovereignty and independence. He reflected on the country’s achievements in the 34 years since gaining independence, noting its rapid economic, diplomatic and social progress.
The ambassador emphasized Kazakhstan’s balanced foreign policy under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which prioritizes national interests. He also highlighted the growth of Korea-Kazakhstan relations, particularly in 2024, which saw visits from Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik. These visits strengthened bilateral ties in key sectors such as energy, technology, education and investment, and led to significant agreements on student exchanges and scientific collaboration.
Trade and investment relations were another focal point of the event. Arystanov noted that Korea is one of Kazakhstan’s top five investors and emphasized the importance of deepening economic ties. In 2023, trade between the two nations surpassed $6 billion, making Korea the fourth-largest trade partner of Kazakhstan.
Ha Tae-youk, chief of the Office of Local Diplomacy at the Governors’ Association of Korea, praised the progress of Korea-Kazakhstan relations within the framework of the Central Asia-Korea (C5+K) Cooperation Forum. He highlighted recent developments such as the C5+K Speakers of Parliaments Forum and the Think Tank Forum, while citing the upcoming C5+K Summit in 2025 as a pivotal event for future cooperation.
Ha also said that the forthcoming C5+K Local Executive Bodies Forum next month will be an opportunity to deepen regional governance partnerships.
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