Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung and leaders from five Central Asian countries have agreed to intensify collaboration in critical minerals, energy, and other sectors to enhance regional partnerships. The agreement was reached during the inaugural Korea-Central Asia Summit in Seoul, attended by the presidents of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the summit focused on elevating the cooperation between the regions beyond individual projects and infrastructure to jointly nurture industrial capabilities and value chains. Lee proposed creating "mutually beneficial value chains" by integrating Central Asia's strengths in minerals, energy, and agriculture with South Korea's technology to generate jobs and expand supply chains.
Following the proposal, a memorandum of understanding was signed to deepen collaboration across industrial policies, manufacturing, infrastructure, critical minerals, energy, and digital transition. A consultative body comprising industrial ministers from these countries was also launched to implement the agreements.
Lee emphasized that Central Asian countries are ideal partners for South Korea as it seeks to diversify export markets and supply chains amidst changing global security and economic landscapes. The region's rich natural resources and growing markets present significant opportunities.
The Central Asian leaders praised the summit as a foundation for high-level discussions on cooperation and expressed a desire to strategically deepen ties with South Korea. They adopted the Seoul Declaration, outlining their agreements and visions for future collaboration, marking a "new landmark" for the next three decades of partnership.
An initiative for cooperation in artificial intelligence and science was also launched, alongside efforts to address North Korea's nuclear issues, restore inter-Korean dialogue, and replace the Korean armistice with a peace regime, with Lee seeking support from the Central Asian nations.
Lee highlighted the historical "Silk Road spirit" that once connected the East and West and urged for its revival to meet current economic and security challenges. He noted that South Korea and Central Asia's combined strengths offer limitless opportunities to jointly tackle respective challenges and pursue mutual prosperity.
The summit was described by Lee as a "new starting point" for future partnerships, with a proposal to reconvene in Kazakhstan in two years. The event is expected to be a turning point for South Korea, transforming its long-standing ties with Central Asia into a future-oriented partnership and expanding diplomatic outreach into Eurasia.
During a dinner banquet, Lee reiterated the commitment to strengthening cooperation and envisioned a "Silk Road of the future" that connects energy, technologies, companies, and markets, creating new opportunities for the youth in both regions. The banquet featured a fusion of Korean and Central Asian dishes, symbolizing the cultural exchange between the regions.