By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
The following article was contributed by Kim Dae-sik, Former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Kazakhstan, to the Diplomacy Journal for publication through the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul. –Ed.
On November 6, 2025, the C5+1 Summit between the United States and the five Central Asian nations will be held in Washington, D.C. The gathering will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the C5+1 framework and explore new avenues for cooperation. Currently, there are six major countries or regions that maintain similar C5+1 mechanisms with the Central Asian states — the United States, Japan, the European Union, China, India, and the Republic of Korea. This reflects their recognition of Central Asia’s strategic importance — not only as a key geopolitical crossroads but also as a region rich in vital resources that sustain modern economies. The Republic of Korea, for its part, is also preparing to host its first-ever C5+1 Summit next year.
Since gaining independence, the Central Asian nations have focused on nation-building based on social stability, and in recent years, they have shifted toward modernization and preparation for the future through reforms and openness. These initial goals appear to have been largely achieved, as evidenced by the growing number of C5+1 partnerships established with various global powers. In this context, the second U.S.–Central Asia Summit to be held in Washington carries great significance for the region.
The world today is changing at an unprecedented pace. While the early 1990s marked a period of dramatic transformation for the newly independent Central Asian states, the current era represents a civilizational shift confronting all of humanity. Some even speak of a transition from “Homo sapiens” to “AI sapiens.” Reflecting these global changes, the Republic of Korea hosted the APEC Summit last week under the theme “Bridge. Business. Beyond.”
Kazakhstan, for its part, is accelerating institutional reforms for economic diversification and digital governance. The country is implementing timely policies to enhance its trade and investment environment, strengthen transport connectivity, ensure energy security, advance digital transformation, and promote high-tech industries such as artificial intelligence and robotics — all to respond effectively to global shifts and prepare for a new era.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, with his extensive domestic and international experience and keen understanding of global trends, is a leader well-equipped with the vision and wisdom to translate these changes into tangible national benefits.
Just as the Republic of Korea, through its recent APEC engagements, achieved significant progress in fostering cooperation with key partners such as the United States, China, and Japan, it is hoped that the upcoming U.S.–Central Asia Summit will likewise produce meaningful outcomes — enabling the Central Asian nations to achieve new levels of cooperation, growth, and progress amid a rapidly changing international order.
