Kazakhstan and South Korea plan to strengthen trade and economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian relations. This was announced during the state visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to South Korea. The official meeting began with a welcome reception at the Blue House. South Korean President Moon Jae-in met the leader of Kazakhstan.
The presidents thoroughly discussed the prospects for the further development of Kazakh-Korean strategic partnership. The potential in this direction is huge. It is especially necessary to systematize the work on attracting capital to the economy of Kazakhstan. President Tokayev expressed gratitude to the Korean party for the help in the fight against coronavirus and informed his South Korean counterpart about the Kazakh-made vaccine QazVac. The Head of State generated interest in studying the experience of South Korea in the development of high technologies and the healthcare sector. South Korean President, in his turn, noted that since the beginning of the pandemic, the meeting with Kazakh President has become his first at the highest level. A number of bilateral documents were signed with the participation of the presidents following the talks. Among them are memoranda of understanding in the field of water resources management and archiving.
“To date, more than US$6 billion of Korean investments were invested in Kazakhstan’s economy. I think that the work on attracting investments should be continued. I guess, you remember that two years ago I told you that we need to create a very large project in mutual relations. 550 companies are currently operating in Kazakhstan with the participation of Korean capital, among which there are such leading corporations as Samsung, Hyundai, Lotte, Posco and others. A solid institutional base was formed, an intergovernmental commission and a business council are underway,” Kazakh president said.
“The Korean people have a special love for the people of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is the center of the Eurasian continent for us. The history of bilateral relations between our peoples, dating back to the days of the Great Silk Road, found its continuation during the resettlement of ethnic Koreans to Kazakhstan. We remember with gratitude the generosity of the people of Kazakhstan, who welcomed Koreans who came from the Far East into their warm arms,” noted President Moon Jae-in.
Translation by Saniya Sakenova
Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova
