Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Korea, Kazakhstan discuss transport, logistics cooperation
Kazakh Ambassador to Korea Nurgali Arystanov, left, shakes hands with Rep. Maeng Seong-gyu of the Democratic Party of Korea in Seoul, Jan. 14. Courtesy of Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul
By Kim Hyun-bin
Nurgali Arystanov, Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Korea, met Tuesday with Rep. Maeng Seong-gyu, a member of the National Assembly and chair of its Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in transport and logistics.
During the meeting in Seoul, the two sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in infrastructure development and logistics networks, areas described as a strategic priority of Kazakhstan’s national development policy under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
They also underscored the importance of cooperation on the Alatau Smart City project, highlighting a memorandum of understanding signed in December 2025 between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Construction, the state fund Alatau City Authority and the Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation.
Arystanov invited Maeng to visit Kazakhstan to attend upcoming international events in Astana, according to officials familiar with the meeting.
Both sides noted positive momentum in bilateral exchanges, including growing tourism and people-to-people ties, supported by the expansion of direct flights between the two countries. Airlines operating these routes include Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, Asiana Airlines and Eastar Jet.
Korea and Kazakhstan have sought to deepen cooperation across infrastructure, transport and industrial development as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic ties between Central Asia and Northeast Asia.