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Kazakh ambassador highlights strong relations with Korea

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By Kim Hyun-bin
  • Published KST
  • Updated KST

Kazakh Ambassador to Korea Nurgali Arystanov gives a welcome speech during the country's Republic Day ceremony at a hotel in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Seoul

Kazakh Ambassador to Korea Nurgali Arystanov celebrated his country's close ties with Korea and underscored the significance of the burgeoning relationship between the two nations, Wednesday, marking Kazakhstan's Republic Day.

The ambassador reflected on the progress Kazakhstan has made over the past 30 years. "Over the short span of 30 plus years, Kazakhstan has emerged as a mature state and responsible member of the international community, with an active foreign policy, dynamic economy and vibrant civil society," he said.

In emphasizing the importance of strategic partners, Arystanov said, "This kind of progress has been possible thanks to the crucial support of close friends and strategic partners. Among friendly countries, the Republic of Korea plays a major role, with which we enjoy the enhanced strategic partnership."

He continued to highlight the strength of the relationship: "Korea for us is the fourth-largest trade partner and sixth-largest foreign investor."

Arystanov underlined the significance of high-level dialogues between the two nations. "As a result of a regular dialogue between our presidents and foreign ministers, bilateral cooperation receives a fresh impetus," he said.

He also noted a recent meeting in New York, where the presidents of Kazakhstan and Korea agreed to "further promote friendship, enhance political cooperation and commercial partnership."

The ambassador concluded with a strong emphasis on the solid foundation of friendship between the two nations: "Let me highlight that our cooperation rests on the rock-solid foundation of genuine friendship between the Kazakh and Korean peoples," he said. "With the mutual desire to promote bilateral cooperation, I am sure that the horizons of our engagement will expand drastically in the years to come."