By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Embassies of five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) in the Republic of Korea and the Secretariat of the Central Asia–Korea Cooperation Forum jointly organized a special event to herald the tourism potential of Central Asia at Korea Foundation Seminar Room in Seoul on April 23.

At the forum, Dr. Kim Ju yeon, the author of the book titled “Central Asia, the Curtain Rises: 12 Stories Unearthed from the Steppes” also held a book presentation session.

Ambassadors of the Central Asian countries, including Nurgali Arystanov of Kazakhstan, Kirom Salohiddin Amriddinzoda of Tajikistan, Alisher Abdusalomov of Uzbekistan and Begench Durdyyev of Turkmenistan, introduced tourism resources, flights and tourism promotion policies of their countries to attract more Korean tourists.

Delivering a speech, Ambassador Nurgali Arystanov of Kazakhstan said, “Today we are gathered here to learn more about touristic destinations of Central Asia. And we are also going to listen to the author's perspectives on why she decided to write the book on Central Asia.”

He also said, “I would like to encourage all of you to read this book and share it with your friends and colleagues. I would like to invite you not only to Kazakhstan but to all Central Asian countries boasting of attractive tourism resources.”