President Yoon to Host Korea-Central Asia Summit on September 16

President Yoon Suk Yeol will meet with leaders from five Central Asian countries on September 16 in Seoul to discuss diversifying supply chains for critical minerals and energy, as well as expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, and infrastructure. This will be the first multilateral summit hosted by the South Korean government with Central Asian nations.

Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong announced in a written briefing on September 11 that the '1st Korea-Central Asia Summit' will take place in the afternoon of September 16 in Seoul.

President Yoon will preside over the summit under the theme of 'Partnership for Strengthening Cooperation and Innovation for Prosperity.' The leaders of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan will attend the summit.

The government plans to elevate the cooperation framework established at the ministerial level since the launch of the 'Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum' in 2007 to a summit level. A 'Seoul Declaration' will be adopted to outline a long-term vision for cooperation encompassing supply chains, future industries, and human exchanges.

Following the summit, President Yoon and the leaders of the five Central Asian countries will participate in a 'Korea-Central Asia Business Summit.' Over 500 government and business representatives will engage in discussions to build networks among economic actors and explore practical cooperation in various sectors. An official dinner will be held that evening for the leaders and distinguished guests.

In advance of the summit, President Yoon will hold a series of bilateral meetings with the leaders of the five Central Asian countries starting on September 14. On the afternoon of September 14, he will meet with the President of Uzbekistan, followed by meetings with the Presidents of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan on the morning and afternoon of September 15, respectively. The leaders of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will also visit South Korea, with meetings scheduled for the morning of September 16.

The core of economic cooperation will focus on diversifying supply chains by combining Central Asia's abundant critical mineral and energy resources with South Korea's exploration and processing technologies. The government aims to enhance cooperation in customs, regulations, and intellectual property rights while identifying tailored projects in infrastructure and plant sectors to expand opportunities for South Korean companies in the region.

Additionally, efforts will be made to secure support from Central Asian countries on the Korean Peninsula issue and strengthen collaboration against transnational crimes such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime. Recent cooperation with Kazakhstan led to the arrest of 19 members of a voice phishing organization worth approximately 5.8 billion won, demonstrating the government's intention to link diplomatic achievements to national safety.

The scope of cooperation will also expand beyond traditional resources and infrastructure to include advanced and eco-friendly sectors such as AI, digital technology, scientific research, climate change response, water resource management, and disaster response.

As the 90th anniversary of the settlement of Koreans in Central Asia approaches next year, the government plans to highlight their historical contributions. It will also expand Korean language and cultural education and youth exchange programs with Central Asian countries, aiming to develop Koreans as key assets for future cooperative relations between the two regions.

Spokesperson Kang stated, “Through this summit, we aim to elevate cooperation with Central Asia to a new level and translate it into tangible outcomes for our New Northern Policy and diplomatic diversification.”