South Korea to hold first-ever summit with Central Asian nations

South Korea will host its first summit with five Central Asian countries later this year, marking a step forward in Seoul’s efforts to deepen diplomatic engagement with the region, the Foreign Ministry said on February 12.

The summit, scheduled for September 16–17, will bring together South Korea and Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, according to Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. The announcement came during a preparatory meeting for the event, Caliber.Az reports per Yonhap. 

Cho said the gathering would serve as an important opportunity for South Korea to broaden its diplomatic outreach by building on the framework of the “New Northern Policy,” an initiative launched under former President Moon Jae-in.

The New Northern Policy aimed to expand cooperation with Central Asian countries under a vision of peace and shared prosperity across Eurasia.

According to the ministry, the upcoming summit is expected to strengthen mutual cooperation and lay the foundation for expanded collaboration in areas such as supply chain diversification. It will also address issues concerning ethnic Korean communities living in Central Asia.

The planned meeting reflects South Korea’s growing interest in enhancing economic and strategic ties with resource-rich and geographically pivotal Central Asian states.

By Sabina Mammadli