By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik received Ambassador Nurgali Arystanov of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Korea at the office of the Speaker in Seoul on Aug. 12.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992 and strategic partnership in 2009, Korea and Kazakhstan have been developing mutually beneficial friendship and cooperation in various fields, including politics, economy, and culture.

"This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the 'Strategic Partnership' between the two countries," said Woo, adding, "I look forward to the two countries taking center stage and making efforts to promote not only bilateral relations, but also Korea-Central Asia relations."

"Among the five Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan is Korea's largest trading partner and largest investment destination," he said, "and we ask for special attention and support for our companies to enter Kazakhstan and become active in various sectors, including automotive, energy and infrastructure."

Speaking about the repatriation of the remains of General Hong Bum-do, which took place as part of President Tokayev's visit to South Korea in 2021, Woo said, "It was an important opportunity to reaffirm the special ties between our two countries and promote friendship between our two peoples." 

"As a follow-up to the repatriation of General Hong Bum-do's remains, I am pleased that the project to establish an IT department at Kyzylorda University, which I led, is progressing smoothly," he said.

"I would like to thank you for your multidisciplinary efforts to promote friendly relations between our two countries," said Ambassador Arystanov, "I would also like to draw your attention to the simplification of the electronic travel authorization system for entry into Korea and Kazakhstan's designation as a sending country for the employment permit system."

Ambassador Arystanov also recalled the recent repatriation of the remains of General Hong Bum-do, and asked for support for the development of the IT department at Kyzylorda University.

"I would like to officially invite Speaker Woo to Kazakhstan on the occasion of the 2nd Korea-Central Asia Parliamentary Speakers' Conference, which will be held in Turkmenistan this year," he added.