Korea and Central Asian Leaders Gather for First Summit to Set Out Shared Vision

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung welcomed the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in Seoul for the inaugural Korea-Central Asia summit. The six countries adopted the Seoul Declaration, outlining a 30-year agenda covering critical minerals, energy, supply chains, trade, investment, artificial intelligence, security, and cultural exchanges. The agreement also establishes regular leaders’ meetings and new mechanisms for industrial cooperation. Kazakhstan offered to host the next summit in Astana in 2028, marking a stronger regional partnership for cooperation.