From BRICS to Seoul: Tokayev steps up Kazakhstan’s Asian diplomacy

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will visit India and South Korea next week as part of a diplomatic tour focused on strengthening Kazakhstan’s ties with major Asian powers.

Tokayev will make a working visit to India on September 12–13 to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, Tengri reports, citing the Kazakh presidential press service.

In New Delhi, Tokayev is due to address a plenary session in the “outreach”/“BRICS+” format dedicated to strengthening resilience, innovation, cooperation and stability. His programme will also include talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and meetings with several heads of state and government.

Tokayev will then travel to South Korea for a state visit from September 14 to 16 at the invitation of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

High-level talks between Tokayev and Lee are scheduled to take place in Seoul on September 15. The two presidents are expected to discuss prospects for strengthening the expanded strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and South Korea.

The Kazakh president will also hold meetings with the heads of leading South Korean companies.

On September 16, Tokayev will participate in the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit.

By Tamilla Hasanova