Astana, Kazakhstan, April 22
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
The Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan Ashikbaev met with the First Vice Minister of the Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Cho Tae-yong within the framework of the "Central Asia - Republic of Korea" Forum in Seoul.
The parties discussed the current state of relations and prospects of Kazakh-South Korean cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats, including the issues of preparation of the Korean President Park Geun-hye`s planned visit to Kazakhstan during the meeting.
They also exchanged views on topical issues of international and regional agenda. The parties touched upon the subject of combating nuclear terrorism and nuclear disarmament , as well as the nonproliferation regime. Ashikbaev expressing thanks to South Korea for the intention of supporting Kazakhstan's candidacy for non-permanent members of the UN Security Council in turn expressed support for the initiative of South Korea the creation of the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization and invited his Korean counterpart to take part in the specialized exhibition EXPO -2017 in Astana.
Furthermore, the issues of Kazakh-South Korean trade -economic and investment -technological cooperation have been discussed. The trade turnover between the two countries hits $1 billion. Cho Tae-yong was also informed about the main provisions of the "Kazakhstan-2050" Strategy.
"Central Asia - Republic of Korea" Forum was launched in 2007 on the initiative of South Korea. The regional platform is designed to discuss the most urgent issues of cooperation of Central Asian countries and South Korea, including joint projects and countries participating in the forum.
Translated by S.I.
Edited by C.N.