South Korea and Kazakhstan have agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a “future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership,” while expanding cooperation in energy, critical minerals, technology and economic security, according to South Korean presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.
The upgrade builds on diplomatic relations established in 1992 and a strategic partnership formed in 2009.
The agreement was announced during a summit in Seoul between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, ahead of the first South Korea-Central Asia Summit.
Key developments:
- 13 agreements and memorandums of understanding signed covering crude oil, nuclear power, energy and technology.
- Nuclear cooperation expanded to include small modular reactors, research and development, safety standards and nuclear fuel supply chains.
- A new crude oil cooperation framework aims to strengthen Kazakhstan’s role in South Korea’s energy diversification strategy.
- Both countries agreed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, science and technology, renewable energy and new cities.
The partnership reflects Seoul’s wider efforts to deepen economic ties with Central Asia and secure access to strategic resources.
ℹ️ Reuters, Yonhap News Agency
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