Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol held talks in a narrow format aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation between the countries,El.kz reports with reference to Akorda.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to Yoon Suk-Yeol for coming to Kazakhstan, stressing that this visit is an important step towards strengthening the strategic partnership. He noted that relations between Kazakhstan and South Korea are based on traditional friendship and deep ties at all levels.
"The Republic of Korea is a reliable strategic partner for us. Relations between our countries have deep roots and close ties. The volume of bilateral trade has reached $6 billion, which is the result of joint efforts," Tokayev said.
The President of Kazakhstan also emphasized the significant contribution of the Korean diaspora to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between the two peoples. Currently, more than 700 joint ventures with the participation of Korean capital are operating in Kazakhstan.
Yoon Suk-Yeol, in turn, expressed satisfaction with his visit to Kazakhstan on the eve of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership between the countries.
He noted the contribution of Korean companies to the creation of jobs and the development of industry in Kazakhstan, as well as their participation in the modernization of the national infrastructure.
"We intend to expand cooperation in areas such as the extraction of critical raw materials, nuclear energy and renewable energy sources. Now is a good moment to expand the horizons of cooperation," Yoon Suk-yeol said.
The President of South Korea also announced the K-Silk Road cooperation initiative aimed at developing ties between Korea and Central Asian countries.
During the meeting, the leaders of the two countries confirmed their intention to bring Kazakh-Korean relations to a new level within the framework of an expanded strategic partnership.
An exchange of views also took place on the regional and global agenda. Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan and Korea, having similar positions on many international issues, can make a significant contribution to the resolution of geopolitical contradictions.