By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

A roundtable dedicated to the discussion of the State of the Nation Address by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took place at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in South Korea on Sept. 11.

The event was attended by leaders and experts from the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIIEP), the Center for Central Asian Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), representatives of the Secretariat of the Central Asia – Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum, the Governors Association of Korea (GAROK), as well as representatives from academic circles and South Korean media.

Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Korea, Nurgali Arystanov, provided the participants with a detailed overview of the key aspects of the President’s Address. These included topics such as the referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant, improvements to the business environment and investment climate, industrial and infrastructure development, digital transformation and the introduction of artificial intelligence, environmental protection and climate change, human capital development as well as Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy. The Kazakh diplomat emphasized that these areas open new opportunities for further strengthening Kazakh-Korea relations and called on Korean companies to collaborate in these fields.

It was particularly noted that the visit of the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, to Kazakhstan in June 2024 gave a powerful impetus to the further deepening of bilateral ties and the exchange of views on their development. It was also highlighted that people-to-people ties are strengthening, thanks to the increase in direct flights between Kazakhstan and Korea. Currently, 15 flights a week operate between Astana-Seoul and Almaty-Seoul.

The roundtable participants agreed that Kazakhstan and Korea were close strategic partners, and cooperation between the two countries showed significant progress. The Republic of Korea ranks 4th among Kazakhstan's trading partners, with a trade turnover of $6 billion, and 5th largest investor, having infused $1.2 billion in the Kazakh economy in 2023.

Former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Baik Joohyeon, highly praised the address and noted that the Kazakh President’s speech reflects a vision of the country’s long-term development, supported by concrete measures and projects that contribute to expanding international cooperation, including with Korea.

The following is the full-text of the speech by H.E. Nurgali Arystanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Korea at the roundtable on Kazakhstan's Foreign Policy and Economic Development, in light of the recent State of the Nation Address by H.E. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Thank you for accepting our invitation to this roundtable on a significant recent event in Kazakhstan’s political landscape - the State of the Nation Address by H.E. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Today, we will explore the major points from the address and discuss how they relate to our relations with the Republic of Korea: 
In every country, the State of the Nation Address is a crucial political event. It reviews past accomplishments, assesses the geopolitical landscape, and outlines the long-term vision for the future. President Tokayev’s message was especially important at this juncture. I will now outline the seven key points from the address that are particularly relevant to Korea: 

1.    Nuclear power plant construction; 
2.    Business environment and investment climate; 
3.    Industrial and infrastructure development;
4.    Digital transformation and artificial intelligence; 
5.    Environment protection and climate change; 
6.    Human capital; 
7.    Foreign policy.  

First, the President announced a nationwide referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant, scheduled for October 6, 2024. This referendum embodies the “listening state” concept, involving the people in key decision-making processes and fostering a new socio-political culture. We know that currently about 200 nuclear power plants operate in 30 developed and developing countries. 

If the people of Kazakhstan decide in favor of building the plant, it will open doors for international cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy.

Second, President Tokayev emphasized the need for continued economic and tax reforms to address imbalances between monetary and fiscal policies. He proposed a new banking law to stimulate economic activity and advance the fintech sector. Additionally, a transparent tax system and digitalization of tax processes are critical in combating bureaucracy and mitigating corruption risks while fostering economic growth. The goal is to increase the share of medium-sized businesses in the economy from 7% to 15% by 2029 and grow the middle class. 

This creates a business-friendly environment and improves the investment climate, inviting Korean SMEs and major corporations to invest and grow alongside us.  Already, we have seen many Korean companies and brands are present in Kazakhstan such as the CU convenience stores (opened recently in 2024), Lotte, KIA, Hyundai, Samsung, LG, POSCO and many more. The Embassy will continue to engage directly with companies and collaborate with organizations like KITA (Korea International Trade Association – co-chair of Kazakhstan-Korea Business Council alongside Samruk-Kazyna), FKI (Federation of Korean Industries), KCCI (Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industries), K-Biz (Association of Korean SMEs), and KOIMA (Korea Importers Association). 

As we build a business friendly environment, I wanted to highlight that President Tokayev appreciated the work of the Parliament, which passed 102 laws  in the last year promoting social justice. The President also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to law and order, public safety and creating a comfortable living environment. We will continue to improve rule of law, as we build a Just Kazakhstan.

For instance, we will continue to improve the mechanism of payments from the dividends of mineral resources income to the account of an every child in Kazakhstan.   

Third, Kazakhstan will continue focusing on industrial and infrastructure development. The President called for the expansion of the petrochemical industry and gas supply, as well as significant investments in transportation and energy infrastructure, including highways, railways stations, air hubs and sea ports. Kazakhstan’s strategic location in Eurasia offers a competitive advantage, and we welcome Korean logistical and engineering companies to participate in these ongoing projects. Special attention will be given to tourism infrastructure development. 

A prime example of successful cooperation is SK Ecoplant's participation in the Almaty Ring Road (BAKAD) project. We will continue to use PPP (public-private partnership) projects. 

We already see examples, such as Doosan Enerbility's on 1,000 MW combined cycle power plant in the Turkistan region for $1 bln., and the increased connectivity between Kazakhstan and Korea, with 15 weekly flights between Almaty, Astana, and Seoul following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s historic visit to Kazakhstan in June. This is positively impacting tourism exchanges between two countries. Last year, Koreans visiting Kazakhstan more than doubled, while Kazakhs visiting Korea for medical purposes increased by 62%.  

Also we are engaged with Korean companies to launch additional cargo flights between Almaty – Seoul  and Almaty – Busan.  

Fourth, digitalization and AI continue to be key priorities. President Tokayev urged the Government to integrate artificial intelligence into Kazakhstan's e-government platform and establish a National AI Centre in Astana next year. The completion of the fiber-optic line across the Caspian Sea in 2025 is also a major initiative. 

Korea is already playing a role in this area, with SeoulTech establishing an AI School at Korkyt Ata University to train future specialists. High tech projects on production of household appliances (smart TVs and washing machines, later refrigerators) involving Samsung Electronics will continue to push forward our joint advance in this direction. As we continue to go alongside the digital transformation, there will be more opportunities for e-commerce between our nations.  

Another major project the President mentioned is the development of Alatau City, which will be built as a smart city, which will attract innovation and talents. I believe it will be another area where we could cooperate with Korea in a big way.  

Fifth, environmental protection is a growing focus. President Tokayev called for a nationwide reforestation movement to maintain ecological balance. Given Korea’s remarkable success in forestry, we are excited about future collaboration in this area. During President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit, an MoU on forestry cooperation was signed, which includes forest restoration and combating wildfires. Kazakhstan is a member of both AFOCO (Asian Forest Cooperation Organization) and GGGI (Global Green Growth Institute), offering further opportunities for cooperation on green projects.

President Tokayev also highlighted the need for the better water management, as we have seen the unprecedented spring flood this year. We need to upgrade our water infrastructure and utilize water saving technologies, especially in the agriculture sector. We know that Korea possess advanced technologies in this area, so we continue to push forward the practical cooperation in this vital sphere, including smart farming.  

Sixth, workforce development and human capital are essential. The President emphasized the importance of internationalizing higher education and enhancing vocational training. We have  already attracted 23 well-known foreign universities to the country. Recently, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek visited Korea and signed an MoU with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Ju-Ho. We look forward to more tailored student exchange programs that will strengthen vocational training between our two nations. 

Also, the President talked about the need for improving medical services. We believe this offers other great avenues for our cooperation.  

Finally, the seventh, Kazakhstan remains committed to a peaceful and balanced foreign policy, continuing its multi-vector approach to best serve the national interest. We advocate for the resolution of armed conflicts through diplomatic means and demonstrate our commitment to broad multilateral cooperation in strict accordance with the UN Charter. 

Under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship, important events have been held in Astana, including CICA (Conference on Interaction and CBMs in Asia), CIS, SCO, Organization of Turkic States. We are grateful to our allies and partners for their support and help crafting the right tools for our cooperation. For instance, recently CICA Secretary General Amb. Kairat Sarybay visited Seoul and was received by the MOFA leadership, met with the Presidents of KNDA (Korea National Diplomatic Academy) and KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency). His discussions highlighted the successful cooperation within the CICA. 

As such we are creating a favorable external environment conducive for building our common home, a home for many ethnicities such as Kazakhs, Russians, Germans, Ukrainians, Turks, Uzbeks, Tatars and Koreans. Here, I would like to reiterate that the ethnic Koreans are part and parcel of the contemporary Kazakh society and our social fabric, contributing to constructing better future, building common home.   

Relevance to South Korea and Future Collaboration

In conclusion, the principles and objectives outlined in President Tokayev’s address hold significant relevance for our bilateral relations with South Korea. His emphasis on public administration reform, economic growth, and infrastructure development aligns closely with South Korea’s experiences and expertise. This address is the continuation of President Tokayev’s previous messages. He has been consistent in overall vision for building Fair, Clean and Safe Kazakhstan.   

South Korea’s advanced technology and innovative practices can serve as valuable reference points for Kazakhstan. The State of the Nation Address, coupled with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s successful visit to Astana, creates new opportunities for cooperation in industrial development, infrastructure upgrades, and energy sector modernization.

Kazakhstan and South Korea have enjoyed a robust and multifaceted relationship, based on mutual respect and cooperation. South Korea is Kazakhstan’s 4th largest trade partner (1.China, 2. Italy, 3. Russia; $6 billion) and 5th largest investor (1.Netherlands, 2. Russia, 3. Switzerland, 4. China; $9.9 billion overall, $1.2 billion in 2023). We welcome Korea’s K-Silk Road Strategy, which focuses on Central Asia through key areas such as R - Resources, O - ODA, A - Accompany, and D - Drive. Next year, Seoul will host the inaugural C5+K Summit, and we look forward to this becoming a regular platform for deepening cooperation.

This year, there will be the 2nd C5+K Parliamentary Speakers Conference in Turkmenistan as well as C5+K ministerial meeting in Seoul. These mechanisms are effective in bringing together our leaders and providing a platform for them to discuss the relevant agenda items and pave the way for the future cooperation.   

As diplomats, we are committed to building bridges and fostering people-to-people ties to ensure that the benefits of our international cooperation reach a wider section of our populations. Given the genuine friendship between our nations, it is rewarding to see expansion of ties thanks to the political dialogue and business engagements.  

I take this opportunity to thank everyone here for your efforts to promote our cooperation.  Thank you for your attention. I look forward to hearing from the esteemed scholars, experts, and media professionals participating in today’s discussions. Together, we will continue to strengthen the prosperous and mutually beneficial relationship between Kazakhstan and South Korea. Since we are holding the roundtable, we would be grateful for your questions or views you could share.