The official welcoming ceremony for President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who arrived in Seoul on a state visit, was held at the residence of the President of the Republic of Korea. The leaders of the two countries introduced the members of their respective delegations to each other.
The Head of State signed the Guest Book. The Presidents then held talks in narrow and expanded formats. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his sincere gratitude to Lee Jae Myung for the invitation and noted that the Republic of Korea is a strategic partner of Kazakhstan. The two peoples have long been bound by ties of friendship and mutual understanding. There are no disagreements between the two countries. The Heads of State agreed to elevate Kazakhstan-Korea relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
«Last year, we had our first telephone conversation, during which we agreed to continue developing our strategic partnership based on mutual trust and friendship. Today, we have reached an agreement to elevate bilateral relations to a Future-Oriented Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,» President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted.
Korea has already invested more than $12 billion in Kazakhstan’s economy, and Korean businesses are ready to invest in projects in Kazakhstan. During Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit alone, agreements worth $19 billion were signed. The Head of State emphasized that favorable conditions are being created for investors in Kazakhstan. In addition, President Tokayev highly valued the level of cooperation between Astana and Seoul on the international stage, noting that the two countries share common positions on global sustainable development and security. The President also outlined key aspects of developing cultural and humanitarian ties.
«Last year, around 51,000 Korean citizens visited Kazakhstan. This has been facilitated to a significant extent by the rapid development of direct air connectivity between our two countries. We now have a major joint project – the construction of Alatau City. Today, we are signing an agreement to open a branch of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Alatau. I am confident that this step will give fresh impetus to deepening our cooperation in education and science,» President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev added.
In turn, the President of the Republic of Korea reaffirmed his commitment to further deepening cooperation, noting the close alignment of the two countries’ foreign policy priorities.
«Kazakhstan is an important partner for us in the field of economic security. The country is not only rich in energy and natural resources, but also has significant potential in promising high-tech industries. We are ready to contribute to the modernization of Kazakhstan’s industry through our advanced industrial and digital technologies. Amid the unpredictability of the international environment, our countries should strengthen cooperation by combining our respective strengths and potential, while actively creating new opportunities for joint growth on a mutually beneficial basis,» President Lee Jae Myung said.
Following the talks, members of the official delegations exchanged 12 intergovernmental and interagency documents in the presence of the two heads of state. The documents aim to promote cooperation in the oil sector, science and technology, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, intellectual property, air mobility, and culture.
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