Seoul: The First Korea-Central Asia Summit 2026 is poised to be a landmark event in Seoul, where leaders from South Korea and the five Central Asian countries-Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan-will convene on September 16 to discuss future cooperation. The summit's theme, "Walking Together Toward the Future: A Partnership for Trust and Prosperity," underscores a new phase in the relationship that has been built on trust and cooperation since diplomatic ties were established in 1992.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea has been proactive in fostering regional cooperation with Central Asia, having launched the 'Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum' in 2007. This forum laid the groundwork for partnership and was elevated to a ministerial level in 2019, expanding collaboration in areas such as the economy, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges. The upcoming summit aims to further elevate this relationship, leveraging 30 years of mutual trust and collaboration as a foundation for future growth.
The trade volume between South Korea and Central Asia surpassed $10 billion last year, signaling a shift from customer-focused trade items to those involving supply chains and high technology. This evolution highlights the potential for South Korea and Central Asian countries to become optimal partners by combining their respective strengths in manufacturing, technology, resources, and growing markets. The summit will address critical areas such as strategic resources, supply chains, and AI, with the aim of establishing stable supply chains and a new industrial ecosystem.
In addition to economic cooperation, the summit will also focus on future-oriented fields like AI and climate change response. South Korea aims to respect each Central Asian country's development strategy, fostering win-win endeavors in digital technology and eco-friendly businesses. This approach is expected to generate new opportunities for shared growth.
The rapport between South Korea and Central Asia is significant for the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. Central Asian countries have contributed to Eurasian regional stability and have supported the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. South Korea is committed to continuing this cooperative approach, recognizing that peace and stability are foundational for the co-prosperity of Eurasia.
Cultural ties also play a crucial role in the relationship, with approximately 310,000 Koryo-saram serving as a bridge between South Korea and Central Asia. Efforts to preserve historical heritage and the establishment of a 'Koryo-saram History Museum' in Uzbekistan mark the 90th anniversary of Koryo-saram settlement. Growing interest in Korean culture among Central Asians further strengthens these ties, as does the presence of business leaders, overseas Korean citizens, and Central Asian students and workforce in South Korea.
The summit represents a continuation of the historical Silk Road, where South Korea and Central Asia are paving a new path through technology, people, and culture. This modern-day connection aims to nurture opportunities and prosperity for the future, based on mutual respect and reciprocity.