INTERVIEW Korea-Kazakhstan summit to highlight political dialogue, commercial investment cooperation
Kazakh Ambassador to Korea Nurgali Arystanov speaks during an interview with The Korea Times, May 27. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
As anticipation builds for the upcoming summit between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, set to take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, June 12, Kazakh Ambassador to Korea Nurgali Arystanov provided comprehensive insights into the significance, agenda and potential outcomes of the high-profile talks during an interview with The Korea Times, May 27.
"Kazakhstan and Korea are enjoying a very friendly relationship with an enhanced strategic partnership at the highest level," Arystanov said. "We share this level of cooperation with only a few countries and Korea is one of our most important strategic partners."
The summit's agenda will focus on three main areas: political dialogue, economic and commercial investment cooperation and people-to-people ties.
The summit will provide a platform to enhance diplomatic relations and explore new avenues for cooperation on regional and global issues. The C5+K platform, which facilitates dialogue between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Korea, will be a key topic of discussion.
The summit will aim to identify new opportunities for commercial and investment partnerships. The discussion will also touch on expanding trade, with an emphasis on diversifying the range of Kazakh products in the Korean market.
"We will discuss the C5+K platform for Central Asia-Korea dialogue, major economic projects like Hyundai's car plant and cultural exchanges, including the increasing popularity of Korean street food and K-pop in Kazakhstan," Arystanov said.
Economic cooperation stands as a cornerstone of the Korean-Kazakh partnership. Trade turnover between the two countries reached an impressive $6 billion last year, marking a significant milestone.
"Korea is Kazakhstan's fourth-largest trade partner and the fifth-largest foreign investor," Arystanov said. “So big companies like Kia, Samsung, Hyundai, Shinhan Bank and many others have opened their facilities in Kazakhstan.”
The ambassador highlighted that Kazakhstan is set to see substantial growth in the presence of CU convenience stores, with an initial 10 stores planned for Almaty and over 500 stores expected to open nationwide in the coming years.
"This is a huge opportunity for us to introduce our consumers to Korean products, including K-pop merchandise," the ambassador said. "Through these CU stores, our people will be exposed to Korean products, culture, tastes and more. It’s going to be a wonderful give-and-take and a mutual cultural enrichment."
Arystanov noted that Korean culture in Kazakhstan, particularly among the youth is evident saying, "All our youngsters are very fond of Korea” and that K-pop and K-goods are at their peak popularity as well as Korean street food, which is becoming increasingly popular in Kazakhstan.
Astana, Kazakhstan / AP-Yonhap
On the topic of exports, Arystanov expressed optimism about expanding the range of Kazakh products available in Korea.
"We have been trying to export Kazakh grain, honey and chocolate. It's a long process, but we are working on it. Soon, you might even see Kazakh ice cream in Korean stores," he said.
In addition, the ambassador underscored the potential for increased Korean investments in Kazakhstan, particularly in high-tech and infrastructure projects.
"We are building the Middle Corridor connecting Europe with Asia, and we need investments in green projects, waste management and smart water resource management," he said. The Middle Corridor, a major infrastructure project, aims to create a seamless trade route between Europe and Asia, offering opportunities for Korean investors.
One of the most anticipated developments is the upcoming launch of direct flights connecting Astana and Seoul.
"From June 15, we are launching flights from Astana to Seoul, adding to the existing flights from Almaty," Arystanov said. This new route is expected to enhance connectivity between the two capitals, facilitating easier and more frequent exchanges of people, goods and services while visa-free travel between the two countries has already facilitated increased exchanges.
"Korean citizens can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days, and the number of Korean travelers to Kazakhstan more than doubled last year," he added.
Education and technology are pivotal areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Korea. Several agreements have already been put in place to enhance collaboration in these fields.
"Kazakhstan and Korea have made great strides in education and technology cooperation. We are establishing AI and IT schools in Kazakhstan and SeoulTech is exploring opportunities to open a branch in our country," he said.