By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
Chungcheongnam-do (Chungnam) Governor Kim Tae-heum and Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Korea Aida Ismailova met at the provincial government office on July 22 to discuss cooperation between the two regions.
The main topics included strengthening economic exchanges with Central Asia, enhancing cooperation with international compatriots including Koreans in the Kyrgyz Republic, strengthening cooperation with foreign workers, and revitalizing international student exchanges.
![Chungcheongnam-do Governor Kim Tae-heum (right) and Kyrgyz Republic Ambassador to South Korea Aida Ismailova pose for a photo after discussing exchange and cooperation at the provincial capital on July 22./ Courtesy of Chungnam Province](http://www.djournal.kr/data/photos/20240730/art_1721634178287_8b2b1b.jpg)
“There are more than 1,000 Korean companies operating in the Kyrgyz Republic, and the two countries are strengthening cooperation in various fields such as agriculture and renewable energy,” Gov. Kim said, adding, ”I hope that you will join forces with Chungnam to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, agriculture, culture and tourism.”
“As a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Kyrgyz Republic is a key region that can serve as a bridgehead to Central Asia,” said Ambassador Aida Ismailova, adding, ”We hope to further expand cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Chungnam province in various fields, including economy, people, and culture.”
The Kyrgyz Republic is a country of 7.17 million people located in Central Asia. It established diplomatic relations with South Korea in 1992 and is home to 20,000 overseas Koreans.