On September 15, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in Seoul as part of a state visit. The two sides discussed trade and investment development, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, science and technology, infrastructure, and industrial cooperation.
Following the talks, it was decided to upgrade relations between the two countries to a "future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership."
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged 13 documents, including memoranda on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the oil industry, science and technology, urban infrastructure, and advanced air mobility. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in critical minerals and strengthening supply chains.
Meanwhile, Kazakh and South Korean businesses signed approximately 80 commercial agreements worth approximately $19 billion.
For Astana, cooperation with Seoul is taking on a broader technological dimension: not only is it about resource exports, but also about attracting Korean technology, investment capital, and expertise for industrial development.
For South Korea, Kazakhstan is of interest as a partner in ensuring energy and mineral resource security and as a platform for expanding high-tech production.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 16, 2026