BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 15. South Korea is
ready to support the modernization of Kazakhstan's industry through
advanced industrial and digital technologies, South Korean
President Lee Jae Myung said during talks with Kazakh President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Seoul.


This was announced in a statement by the press service of the
Kazakh president.


“South Korea and Kazakhstan are expanding the scope of foreign
cooperation and pursuing pragmatic diplomacy focused on national
interests and concrete results. 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
support the modernization of Kazakhstan's industry through our
advanced industrial and digital technologies,” Lee said.


He added that amid an unpredictable international environment,
the two countries should strengthen cooperation by combining their
respective strengths and potential and actively creating new
opportunities for mutually beneficial growth.


Lee also reaffirmed his commitment to further deepening
bilateral cooperation and noted the similarity of the two
countries' foreign policy priorities.


The South Korean president once again thanked Tokayev for his
active assistance in returning to South Korea in 2021 the remains
of General Hong Beom-do, regarded as a national hero in Korea, and
emphasized that the Korean people remember and highly value the
gesture.


Tokayev, in turn, noted South Korea's achievements in the
economy, science and technology and described the country as a
reliable strategic partner for Kazakhstan.


“Korea is a reliable strategic partner of Kazakhstan,” Tokayev
said, noting that a street in Kyzylorda was named after General
Hong Beom-do and a memorial complex had been opened there.


Tokayev also said the two countries had agreed to raise
bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic
partnership focused on the future.







“Last year, we held our first telephone conversation, during
which we agreed to continue developing a strategic partnership
based on mutual trust and friendship. Today, we have reached an
agreement to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a
comprehensive strategic partnership oriented toward the future,” he
said.


The Kazakh president noted that South Korea had invested more
than $12 billion in Kazakhstan and that major Korean companies were
successfully operating in the Kazakh market.


“We are creating all the conditions for them and will continue
to do so in the future,” Tokayev said.


He also highlighted the development of cultural and humanitarian
ties, noting that around 51,000 South Korean citizens visited
Kazakhstan last year.


Tokayev said the two countries had launched a major joint
project to build Alatau City and were 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 new impetus to
deepening our cooperation in education and science,” he said.


The Kazakh president also noted the alignment of Astana and
Seoul on the international arena, saying the two countries share
common positions on global sustainable development and
security.