Central Asia and South Korea move into a new phase of strategic cooperation
The proposal for the Central Asia – South Korea Summit was initially suggested in June 2024.
In April 2026, nearly two years later, a high-level preparatory meeting took place in Seoul, involving deputy foreign ministers from Central Asian countries. The participants agreed on the agenda for the upcoming Central Asia – South Korea Summit (C5+South Korea), which will be attended by their leaders.
In the era of globalization, mutually beneficial cooperation plays a crucial role in sustainable development and regional stability. The upcoming C5+South Korea Summit is seen as an excellent opportunity to elevate the relationship between the two regions to a new and higher level.
Before the summit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea arranged a press tour to introduce journalists from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan to the event.
Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Chung Eui-hae, welcomed representatives from major media outlets across five countries. The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The Korean diplomat welcomed the participants and especially highlighted the strategic significance of Central Asia.
“The region’s abundant natural resources, substantial transport and transit potential, and a dynamic market are of great interest to the Republic of Korea”, she noted. “In turn, the Republic of Korea, as a world leader in high technology, innovation, industry, and the digital economy, is a reliable partner for the Central Asian states. At the upcoming summit, we intend to focus particularly on expanding trade and economic cooperation, attracting investment, developing industrial cooperation, improving transport and logistics corridors, and strengthening cooperation in energy, digitalization, artificial intelligence, education, healthcare, and environmental protection”.
During the meeting, the journalists got comprehensive answers to their questions about the summit’s preparation and organization.
The media representatives were particularly impressed by their visit to the National Folk Museum of Korea. The museum’s exhibits effectively showcase Korea’s rich history, cultural traditions, and national values. The journalists also found many similarities in the traditional lifestyles, family customs, and viewpoints of Central Asian peoples and Koreans.
An informal meeting with Jin Nam, Director-General for Northeast and Central Asian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, proved equally informative. Participants discussed preparations for the upcoming September summit and potential opportunities for further collaboration.
The diplomat states that the summit will create extensive opportunities for Central Asian nations to expand and strengthen mutually advantageous collaboration.
“The summit will make it possible to attract modern technologies and innovations, modernize industrial enterprises, increase exports, create new jobs, expand the training and professional development of young specialists, and implement joint projects in green energy and the digital economy”, Jin Nam emphasized.
During the conversation, it was also noted that relations between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea have steadily developed since the early years of the country’s independence. Cooperation has been particularly successful in the automotive industry, electrical engineering, information and communication technologies, and education, with several major joint projects underway.
As part of the program, journalists visited South Korea’s Global Knowledge Exchange and Development Center, which showcases the country’s economic growth history through interactive exhibits.
While exploring the center’s exhibitions, media representatives could follow the Korean people’s journey over the last century. The displays highlight the country’s resilience, hard work, unity, and resolve, which helped it overcome many challenges and attain significant economic progress.
In today’s complex geopolitical environment, collaboration among Central Asian nations within the C5+1 framework is becoming more significant.
Experts believe that forming a partnership with the Republic of Korea will help boost Central Asia’s global reputation, enhance transport and communication infrastructure, broaden industrial collaboration, and increase the production of high-value-added products.
Collaboration in education, science, and innovation remains crucial, fostering an environment that supports human capital growth, enhances the academic mobility of students and scholars, and accelerates digital transformation efforts.
The Central Asia – South Korea Summit, aimed at advancing major socio-economic initiatives, will mark a key milestone in deepening the strategic partnership between Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea. The anticipated agreements are expected to boost investment inflows, facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies, enhance industrial collaboration, and promote sustainable economic development.
Sherali Otaboyev, UzA
Seoul, Republic of Korea
