South Korea and Kazakhstan Discuss Expanding Energy and AI Cooperation

Wi Sung-lak, the Chief of South Korea's National Security Office, met on May 29 with Roman Sklyar, the Chief of Staff to the President of Kazakhstan, and Gizat Nurdauletov, Secretary of the National Security Council, to discuss energy and supply chain cooperation between South Korea and Kazakhstan.

According to the Blue House, Wi reviewed the current status of cooperation in energy and supply chains with the Kazakh officials.

He emphasized that Kazakhstan, the world's 12th largest oil producer, is a key partner for diversifying South Korea's energy supply sources amid ongoing instability in energy prices due to the situation in the Middle East.

Wi also checked on the progress of oil imports from Kazakhstan, which was discussed during the visit of South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik to Kazakhstan in April, and urged Kazakhstan to provide support for smooth oil imports.

In addition to oil and gas, Wi proposed expanding practical cooperation in advanced technology fields such as critical minerals, nuclear power, and artificial intelligence (AI), and suggested enhancing high-level communication between the two countries.

In response, Sklyar pledged to work towards Kazakhstan's contribution to South Korea's energy diversification. Nurdauletov expressed hope for expanded cooperation in defense sectors, including defense industry, military information, and personnel exchanges, and committed to maintaining close communication with South Korea.

Wi also called for support for South Korean companies operating in Kazakhstan. Sklyar, who previously served as Deputy Prime Minister overseeing economic cooperation with South Korea, promised to ensure a favorable investment environment.

Looking ahead, he expressed hope that the upcoming 'Korea-Central Asia Summit' in September, during which Kazakhstan's President Tokayev is expected to visit South Korea, would further develop bilateral relations. He emphasized the potential for the summit to elevate cooperation between the two regions.

The Blue House reported that both sides agreed to closely cooperate, including activating communication channels between the presidential offices, to ensure the successful hosting of the summit.