By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Korea, together with the Institute of Central Asian Studies of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) and Seoul Cyber University, held a roundtable dedicated to the celebration of the Republic Day. The event was held under the theme "Kazakhstan and South Korea: Enhanced Strategic Partnership and Multifaceted Ties."
Key figures from South Korea's academic and diplomatic circles participated in the roundtable. Participants included heads of the Secretariat of the Central Asia – Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum, the Governors' Association of Korea (GAROK), representatives from the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIIEP) and Sungkyunkwan University, students from HUFS' Kazakh Studies Department, and South Korean journalists.
In his speech, Ambassador Nurgali Arystanov emphasized the importance of celebrating Republic Day as the beginning of Kazakhstan’s independence and the achievement of sovereignty. He highlighted that in 34 years of independence, Kazakhstan has become a dynamically developing country, achieving significant success in the economy, diplomacy, and social spheres.
It was noted that under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan is successfully pursuing a balanced and constructive foreign policy based on national interests.
The Kazakh diplomat paid special attention to the enhanced strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and South Korea, which reached a new level in 2024 due to visits by high-ranking officials, including South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-shik. These visits strengthened bilateral ties in key areas such as energy, technology, education, and investment. Additionally, important agreements in student exchange and scientific research were noted, achieved during the 2024 visits of Kazakhstan's Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek to South Korea.
Particular attention at the event was given to the growth of trade and investment relations between the countries. The Ambassador noted that South Korea is among the top five largest investors in Kazakhstan and emphasized the importance of expanding trade relations. In 2023, the trade volume between Kazakhstan and South Korea exceeded 6 billion dollars, establishing South Korea as Kazakhstan's 4th largest trade partner.
Ambassador Ha Taeyouk, Chief of the Office of Local Diplomacy of the Governors' Association of Korea, pointed out that cooperation between Kazakhstan and Korea continues to dynamically develop within the framework of the Central Asia – Republic of Korea (C5+K) Cooperation Forum, covering new dimensions.
He emphasized the importance of the recently held C5+K Speakers of Parliaments Forum and C5+K Think Tank Forum and mentioned the upcoming C5+K Summit next year as a key event that will define the future vector of multifaceted cooperation. Special attention was also given to the C5+K Local Executive Bodies Forum, scheduled on November, 2024, which he said would open new opportunities for deepening regional governance cooperation.
In addition, the roundtable participants warmly congratulated the people of Kazakhstan on Republic Day, noting the impressive achievements the country has made in such a short period of time. They expressed confidence that Kazakhstan will continue to prosper and improve the well-being of its people in the coming years.
The roundtable participants agreed that further strengthening of bilateral ties, especially in strategically important areas, will contribute to the stable development and continued progress of both countries.
