Seoul: National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac was set to depart Thursday for Kazakhstan where he will discuss regional security and cooperation on energy supply chains, the presidential office said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the security adviser's trip comes ahead of the first Korea-Central Asia Summit, which South Korea will host in September. This summit aims to bring together leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan for discussions on closer diplomatic and economic ties.

Wi is scheduled to meet with Kazakh presidential officials to examine preparations for the September summit and coordinate President Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev's visit to South Korea. The presidential office emphasized the importance of these discussions in setting the stage for the upcoming summit.

Wi's trip will also include talks on the regional security situation and cooperation on energy supply chains. These discussions are expected to further strengthen ties between South Korea and the Central Asian nations in these critical areas.