President Moon holds summit with Kazakh President... "Thank you for cooperation in repatriation of General Hong Beom-do's remains"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in held a summit with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, who is the first foreign head of state to make a state visit to South Korea since the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed his gratitude for President Tokayev's cooperation in repatriating the remains of General Hong Beom-do. President Tokayev requested the introduction of South Korea's advanced technology.

On the morning of the 17th, ahead of the summit at the Blue House, President Moon stated in his opening remarks, "The Korean people are very grateful to you, Mr. President, and to Kazakhstan for cooperating in the repatriation of General Hong’s remains, and we will remember this for a long time."

President Moon said, "Since its independence, Kazakhstan has been growing the fastest in Central Asia through active external openness and cooperation," and evaluated, "I am confident that under your excellent leadership, Kazakhstan will become one of the world’s top 30 advanced countries by 2050 as planned."

He continued, "The Korean people have great affection for Kazakhstan," emphasizing the friendship between the two countries by saying, "The Korean people are very grateful for the inclusive spirit of the Kazakh people who warmly embraced the Koryo-saram compatriots who migrated from the Far East over 80 years ago."

President Moon said, "Kazakhstan is South Korea’s largest trading partner and investment destination in Central Asia," and suggested expanding economic cooperation by stating, "As an important partner of the New Northern Policy promoted by our government, the relationship between our two countries has great potential for further development. I hope this visit will be an opportunity to move forward on the path of shared prosperity."

President Tokayev responded, "Thank you for warmly welcoming us," and evaluated, "The summit between our countries two years ago really became a driving force for good development in our bilateral relations."

Regarding the repatriation of General Hong’s remains, he said, "General Hong is a great historical figure who played a very important role and loved his country deeply," adding, "Today’s delivery of General Hong’s memorial will be a very symbolic event in further advancing the relationship between our two countries."

President Tokayev emphasized, "This visit took place on the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence, and the diplomatic relations between our two countries are approaching their 30th anniversary," and said, "Since establishing diplomatic ties, our bilateral relations have improved and developed very well."

He also proposed, "Currently, South Korean capital has invested over 6 billion dollars in the Kazakh economy," and said, "I think we should establish a symbolic project between our two countries."

President Tokayev expressed gratitude for cooperation in overcoming COVID-19 and requested, "We have great interest in South Korea’s advanced technology and hope to introduce it."

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