Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Lee Jae Myung Hold Talks in Expanded Format

Seoul, Republic of Korea

The programme of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's state visit to the Republic of Korea continued with high-level talks involving members of the official delegations.

The Head of State expressed his gratitude to President Lee Jae Myung for the invitation to visit Korea and underscored the exceptional importance of his visit.

"As is well known, Korea enjoys high international standing. The whole world recognizes your country's outstanding achievements in the fields of economy, science and technology. The hard work and diligence of the Korean people serve as an example to all. We are witnessing the profound changes taking place in Korea and are following them with great interest. We regard these achievements as the result of your wise policies and the dedicated efforts of the Korean people. Our people regard General Hong Beom-do as a figure of particular historical significance. He can truly be called a true patriot and hero of the Korean people. One of the streets in Kyzylorda has been named after him, and a memorial complex has also been opened. Korea is a reliable strategic partner of Kazakhstan," the President said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the progressive dynamics of the development of bilateral cooperation.

"Last year, we had our first telephone conversation, during which we agreed to continue developing our strategic partnership based on mutual trust and friendship. Today, we have reached an agreement to elevate bilateral relations to a Future-Oriented Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," the Head of State stated.

The President then addressed prospects for intensifying trade and economic ties.

"Good results are being achieved across all areas of our relations. To date, Korea has invested more than $12 billion in Kazakhstan's economy. World-renowned Korean companies are successfully operating in the Kazakh market. We are creating all the necessary conditions for them and will continue to do so in the future," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

The Head of State also outlined key aspects of developing cultural and humanitarian ties.

"Last year, around 51,000 Korean citizens visited Kazakhstan. This has been facilitated to a significant extent by the rapid development of direct air connectivity between our two countries. We now have a major joint project - the construction of Alatau City. Today, we are signing an agreement to open a branch of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Alatau. I am confident that this step will give fresh impetus to deepening our cooperation in education and science," the President said.

He highly valued the level of cooperation between Astana and Seoul on the international stage.

"Our countries share common positions on global sustainable development and security," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized.

For his part, President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung once again thanked Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his active assistance in the return to Korea in 2021 of the remains of the country's national hero, General Hong Beom-do, stressing that the Korean people remember and deeply appreciate this noble gesture.

Lee Jae Myung also reaffirmed his commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation, noting the close alignment of the foreign policy priorities of the two countries.

"The Republic of Korea and Kazakhstan are expanding the scope of their external cooperation and pursuing pragmatic diplomacy focused on national interests and tangible results. Kazakhstan is an important partner for us in the field of economic security. The country is not only rich in energy and natural resources, but also has significant potential in promising high-tech industries. We are ready to contribute to the modernization of Kazakhstan's industry through our advanced industrial and digital technologies. Amid the unpredictability of the international environment, our countries should strengthen cooperation by combining our respective strengths and potential, while actively creating new opportunities for joint growth on a mutually beneficial basis," the President of the Republic of Korea said.