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2026 Ongoing

First Korea–Central Asia Summit and Bilateral Diplomacy with Five Central Asian Countries

7 events · 7 sources · Updated 23 days ago

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Issue timeline

2026
CORE EVENT

South Korea and Kazakhstan Upgrade Relations to a Future-Oriented Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Seventeen years after establishing a strategic partnership in 2009, South Korea and Kazakhstan upgraded bilateral relations to a “Future-Oriented Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” The agenda included cooperation in crude oil, a rare metals technology cooperation center, nuclear energy, AI, science and technology, and the Alatau new city project. A total of 13 memoranda of understanding were signed on the occasion of the summit.

South Korea and Tajikistan Establish Comprehensive Partnership 34 Years After Diplomatic Relations Began

South Korea and Tajikistan established a “Comprehensive Partnership” for the first time since establishing diplomatic relations. The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in railways and transportation, critical minerals, AI and digital technologies, customs, intellectual property, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering. A total of 17 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed in connection with the summit.

South Korea–Kyrgyzstan Summit: Bishkek KOTRA Office and Korea Desk to Be Established

The two countries agreed to pursue the establishment of a KOTRA trade office in Bishkek and a Korea Desk within Kyrgyzstan's National Investment Agency. They also agreed to expand cooperation in mutual recognition of halal certification, urban development and infrastructure, smart grids, and critical minerals. A total of 18 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed in connection with the summit.

First Korea–Central Asia Business Summit: 19 MOUs and $14 Million in On-Site Contracts

A business summit was held with around 520 participants from companies and institutions in South Korea and Central Asia. A total of 19 business memoranda of understanding were signed in areas including critical minerals, smart cities, and plant projects, while linked business consultations resulted in approximately 14 million U.S. dollars in on-site export contracts.

CORE EVENT

First Korea–Central Asia Summit Held, Seoul Declaration Adopted

The leaders of South Korea and the five Central Asian countries held their first multilateral summit and adopted the Seoul Declaration. They agreed to institutionalize the Korea–Central Asia Summit as a biennial meeting and to hold the second summit in Kazakhstan in 2028. They also agreed to expand cooperation through a new ministerial consultative body for industry and in areas including critical minerals, energy supply chains, AI, and science and technology.

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