Seoul – In a televised address on Friday, President Lee Jae‑Myung confirmed that South Korea will host the inaugural South Korea‑Central Asia summit next week. The gathering will bring together the heads of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for a leader‑level multilateral dialogue.
Summit agenda focuses on economic and strategic ties
President Lee said the summit is designed to cement a new framework for cooperation that aligns with the New Northern Policy, a strategic initiative launched under former President Moon Jae‑in to expand economic, energy and infrastructure links with Eurasian partners. The agenda will cover trade, investment, energy, critical minerals and supply‑chain resilience.
Schedule of meetings
The Blue House announced that the five Central Asian leaders will arrive in Seoul on Wednesday afternoon for the joint summit. President Lee will hold separate bilateral talks with each leader from September 14 through September 16, allowing for focused discussions on country‑specific opportunities.
Why the New Northern Policy matters
South Korea’s New Northern Policy seeks to diversify the nation’s economic partnerships beyond traditional allies, tapping the resource‑rich economies of Central Asia. By fostering deeper ties in critical minerals such as lithium, rare earths and copper, the policy aims to secure supply chains essential for South Korea’s high‑tech and green‑energy sectors.
Regional reactions
Officials from the participating Central Asian states have expressed enthusiasm for the summit, emphasizing the potential for increased trade volumes and joint infrastructure projects. While the source did not quote individual leaders, the collective sentiment reflects a shared interest in expanding economic cooperation with a leading Asian economy.
Implications for South Korean businesses
South Korean companies stand to benefit from expanded market access and investment opportunities in Central Asia. Sectors such as automotive parts, electronics, construction and renewable‑energy technology are expected to see heightened demand as the two regions deepen collaboration.
Looking ahead
President Lee’s administration hopes the summit will lay the groundwork for a lasting multilateral partnership that strengthens both regional stability and economic growth. The outcomes of the bilateral meetings will be closely watched for concrete agreements on trade deals, joint ventures and infrastructure financing.
As the first leader‑level engagement of its kind, the summit marks a significant step in South Korea’s effort to position itself as a bridge between East Asia and the resource‑rich nations of Central Asia.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
