The meeting focused on cooperation between the Central Asian states and the Republic of Korea, as well as opportunities to expand expert and research engagement ahead of the first Central Asia – Korea Summit, which will be held in Seoul on September 16–17.

Particular attention was paid to cooperation in artificial intelligence, critical minerals and rare-earth metals, technological partnership, and training of skilled professionals.

Starting the meeting, Javlon Vakhabov welcomed the strong level of relations between the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea, noting the steady expansion of the practical cooperation agenda.

According to him, the upcoming summit will help define further priorities for cooperation and give additional momentum to joint initiatives.

For his part, Hanbeom Jeong noted the Republic of Korea’s long-term interest in strengthening cooperation with Central Asian countries, as well as the growing attention of the Korean expert and policy community to the region.

Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in developing cooperation between IICA and KAIS, including through joint research and events.

Founded in 1956, the Korean Association of International Studies (KAIS) is one of the Republic of Korea’s leading professional associations in the field of international relations.