Kazakhstan-Korea summit signals shift to regional cooperation, expert says

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Kazakhstan and South Korea elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's state visit to Seoul. The two sides signed commercial agreements worth about $19 billion and held the first Central Asia–Korea summit. Tokayev proposed regional AI talent program and trans-Asian transport routes.
Key Facts
- Kazakhstan and South Korea officially elevated relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership oriented toward the future.
- Commercial agreements worth approximately $19 billion were signed in Seoul during the visit.
- President Tokayev proposed launching a regional AI Talent program to train artificial intelligence specialists.
- The first Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit was held during Tokayev's three-day visit.
Elevated Partnership
Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Kazakhstan Institute for Public Development Azamat Baigaliyev said the summit confirms a qualitative rise in political cooperation at both bilateral and regional levels. He noted that Kazakhstan and South Korea officially raised relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership oriented toward the future. Baigaliyev stressed that cooperation between the two countries rests on many years of productive experience and a mutually beneficial platform.
Regional Cooperation Agenda
During the summit, Tokayev proposed developing through transport routes between Asia and Europe and expanding industrial and technological cooperation. He also proposed launching a regional AI Talent program to train specialists in artificial intelligence. The new level of interaction allows the two countries to coordinate long-term priorities in industry, transport, energy, technology, and education.