Kazakhstan marks Constitution Day, looks to deepen ties with Korea

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Korea Nurgali Arystanov, center, speaks during a roundtable commemorating Constitution Day of Kazakhstan at the country's embassy in Yongsan District, central Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Embassy of Kazakhstan in Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

On the occasion of Kazakhstan's Constitution Day, the Kazakh Embassy in Korea organized a roundtable discussion, Tuesday, pledging to strengthen ties with Korea on the basis of shared democratic values.

Celebrated on Aug. 30, Constitution Day commemorates the adoption of the Kazakhstani Constitution in 1995 and stands as one of the most important holidays in the country.

According to the embassy, this year's Constitution Day holds particular importance, following a nationwide referendum in June 2022 that enacted extensive changes to Kazakhstan's constitution.

A group of experts on Kazakhstan, including former Korean ambassadors to the Central Asian country, professors specializing in Central Asia and representatives from the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum Secretariat and the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, attended the roundtable held at the embassy in Yongsan District, central Seoul.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Korea Nurgali Arystanov explained how his country's recent constitutional amendments in Kazakhstan showed a deepening commitment to democratic values, which aligns with Korea's democratic principles and creates a foundation for stronger bilateral relations.

Ambassador Arystanov, who recently began his job in Korea, said the changes, initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, have led to the comprehensive modernization of the government and society.

"A key focus of President Tokayev's reforms has been to reduce presidential powers and expand the influence of parliament and citizens' participation in the country's decision-making processes. What is the formula? Strong president, influential parliament and an accountable government," Arystanov said.

The amendments have reduced presidential powers and expanded the influence of parliament and citizens in decision-making processes. Procedures for registering political parties have been simplified and the threshold for entering the lower house of parliament has been lowered, facilitating greater democratic participation.

"The ongoing reforms in various sectors reflect a deep commitment to building an inclusive and transparent political system, rooted in democratic values, freedom, prosperity and the well-being of its citizens. The reforms aim to actively engage the populace in political life, thereby ensuring stability and economic development … Also, all these reforms make a solid foundation for further economic cooperation with the main strategic partners of Kazakhstan," he said, as he spoke about the country's relations with Korea.

The Ambassador also highlighted the strengthening of economic and cultural ties with Korea, noting that Korea has risen to become Kazakhstan's fifth-largest investor and fourth-largest trade partner. Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin recently visited the Central Asian country in June as well.

"In 2022, the Republic of Korea was the sixth largest investor to Kazakhstan, $1.5 billion was attracted in 2022, and this year, the Republic of Korea was promoted to fifth place with $485.1 million in the first quarter of 2023," he explained.

Korea and Kazakhstan have successfully collaborated on various projects, emphasizing the dynamics of bilateral ties. For instance, Korean companies such as SK Engineering & Construction played a key role in completing The Big Almaty Ring Road (BAKAD) in June 2023. In the energy sector, Doosan Enerbility has been a main contractor for a $1 billion gas turbine power plant in the Turkistan region of Kazakhstan.

Looking ahead, several new projects are in the pipeline, including the construction of a KIA Car Assembly Plant in the Kostanay region and a partnership with Samsung Electronics.

Arystanov also underscored the role of ethnic Koreans in Kazakhstan as a bridge between the two countries.

"They collectively endured hardships and sufferings when they were forcefully deported to Kazakhstan. However, thanks to their hard work and dedication, they have prospered and flourished. Today, they are high-ranking officials, successful CEOs, famous artists and celebrities. They play the role of a bridge connecting Kazakhstan and Korea," he said.