Korea-Kazakh Summit Followed by Joint Statement... "Deepening Strategic Partnership"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in held a summit meeting with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, on the 17th and adopted a joint statement aimed at deepening and expanding the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Through the joint statement on the same day, the two countries stated, "Considering the mutual interest and will to expand reciprocal, future-oriented, and comprehensive cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Kazakhstan, as well as the trust and friendship between the peoples of both countries, we have decided to deepen and expand the bilateral strategic partnership."

At the summit, the two leaders exchanged views on ways to strengthen practical cooperation and on regional and international issues of common interest. The Korean side reaffirmed that Kazakhstan is a key partner in the New Northern Policy, and the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation to harmoniously integrate Korea's 'New Deal Policy' with Kazakhstan's national development plan to pursue mutual benefits and development.

President Moon also expressed special gratitude to President Tokayev and the people of Kazakhstan for the repatriation of General Hong Beom-do's remains during President Tokayev's visit to Korea. In this regard, the two countries agreed that the Korean side will provide appropriate support to preserve a monument related to General Hong in Kyzylorda city, and the Kazakhstan side proposed scholarship support to honor General Hong.

The Kazakhstan side reaffirmed its unwavering support for Korea's efforts to advance the Korean Peninsula peace process and emphasized the importance of dialogue, engagement, and cooperation between the South and the North.

In the economic sector, both sides evaluated that the 'Fresh Wind' economic cooperation program, concluded during President Moon's visit to Kazakhstan in 2019, is being actively promoted, and agreed to accelerate cooperation on energy sector projects such as nuclear power, ferroalloys, and oil and gas plants.

They also expressed interest in attracting Korean partners for joint projects in fields such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital infrastructure, big data, artificial intelligence, electronics, space technology, and cybersecurity.

Both sides evaluated cooperation on COVID-19 and agreed to work together for future cooperation including the pharmaceutical sector, and also agreed to expand joint cooperation on climate change response.

In addition, the two sides exchanged assessments on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and expressed their intention to continue close cooperation. Korea agreed to support Kazakhstan's membership in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Far East Group.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.