The forum, organized jointly by IICA and the Forum Secretariat, was a tremendous success, drawing participants from various sectors and institutions. It provided a platform for robust discussions and yielded numerous valuable recommendations, which were subsequently captured in a detailed outcome report. These recommendations aim to further the cooperation between Central Asia and Korea and address critical issues in the regions, ranging from economic development to technological innovation and sustainable growth. The success of the event demonstrated the increasing importance of such forums in fostering dialogue and cooperation between Central Asia and Korea.
During the meeting, Vakhabov and Rhee Jong-kook also discussed their ongoing preparations for the second Korea-Central Asia Think Tank Forum, scheduled for 2025. Both parties expressed their shared commitment to ensuring that the upcoming forum, as well as the subsequent Central Asia-Korea Summit, are packed with actionable outcomes, providing meaningful deliverables that contribute to the long-term development and collaboration between the two regions.
The central aim of the second forum will be to continue building on the successes of the first, with a specific focus on advancing practical initiatives that can be implemented post-summit. The two leaders emphasized the importance of creating a clear agenda for the summit, one that is rich with substance and geared toward generating tangible results that will benefit both Central Asia and Korea.
The collaboration between IICA and the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum Secretariat aims not only to strengthen political and economic ties but also to promote cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and joint research initiatives, further enriching the relationship between the two regions.
Through this shared vision, IICA and the Forum Secretariat are laying the groundwork for a future filled with expanded collaboration, sustainable growth, and a stronger foundation for regional stability.