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| ▲ South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin (2nd from R) speaks with his counterparts from five Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan, during the 15th Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum in the southern port city of Busan on Oct. 25, 2022. (Yonhap) |
S Korea-Central Asia forum
S. Korea, 5 Central Asian nations discuss cooperation on 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations
By Yi Wonju
BUSAN, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- Top diplomats of South Korea and five Central Asian nations gathered at a regional forum in the southern port city of Busan on Tuesday to explore ways of boosting economic and security cooperation.
Seoul's Foreign Minister Park Jin stressed the Central Asian nations are important partners in diverse fields, including energy and infrastructure, as he attended the 15th Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum, a dialogue platform launched in 2007 to strengthen cooperation in economic, cultural and other areas.
"This year marks 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties with the five Central Asian nations in 1992, and our relations have developed rapidly based on a mutually beneficial economic structure and cultural similarities," Park said during his congratulatory speech.
He also requested support for South Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan.
"Busan is a city that symbolizes freedom, peace and prosperity and has rich experience in hosting various international events, including the APEC and ASEAN summits," he said. "We hope to see Central Asia's support and encouragement toward our efforts."
During the forum, diplomats and experts from the participating nations discussed how to step up cooperation in the energy, digital technology, economic security, tourism and health care sectors.
This year's forum was attended by senior officials from Central Asian countries, including the top diplomats of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
Later in the day, Park is set to hold separate talks with his counterparts from four Central Asian nations to discuss the geopolitical situation and practical ways to boost cooperation among them, according to the ministry.
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