Tokayev Calls for New Chapter in Kazakhstan–South Korea Ties, Signs $19 Billion in Deals

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan and South Korea signed commercial agreements worth $19 billion during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to Seoul on Sept. 15, with both sides seeking to expand cooperation in investment, industry, urban development and cultural and humanitarian ties, Akorda reported.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Sept. Photo credit: Akorda “Our goal is the comprehensive development of bilateral relations,” President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Speaking about the outcome of his visit, Tokayev highly assessed the current state and prospects of cooperation between the two countries.

“As for bilateral relations, during this visit, commercial agreements worth $19 billion were signed. We are satisfied with our work with Korean investors and are ready to continue working with them. There are good plans for the construction of hotels, an oil refinery and urban development.

Particular attention is paid to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties,” Tokayev said. Tokayev also highlighted the high level of coordination between Astana and Seoul on the international stage, noting that the two countries share common positions on global sustainable development and security. “Our states share common positions on issues of global sustainable development and security,” Tokayev said.

Lee reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation, pointing to the growing alignment of the two countries’ foreign policy priorities. “The Republic of Korea and Kazakhstan are broadening the scope of their external cooperation and pursuing pragmatic diplomacy focused on national interests and tangible results. Kazakhstan is an important partner for us in the area of economic security.

The country is not only rich in energy and natural resources, but also has significant potential in promising high-tech industries,” Lee said. He added that South Korea was ready to support the modernization of Kazakhstan’s industrial sector by leveraging its advanced industrial and digital technologies. “Amid an increasingly unpredictable international environment, our two countries should strengthen cooperation by bringing together our respective strengths and capabilities and…