By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

(New Year Message)
Dear readers of the Diplomacy Journal,

I would like to extend warmest congratulations to all the readers of Diplomacy Journal on the New Year 2025 and express my sincere gratitude for your crucial support and assistance in strengthening multifaceted relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea.

The past year has been very eventful and fruitful for the enhanced strategic partnership between the two countries and has reached new heights through three key diplomatic events. 

First, the state visit of President Yoon Suk-yeol to Kazakhstan in June marked a significant milestone in partnership, laying the groundwork for expanded cooperation in many sectors. 

Second, in October, Speaker of the National Assembly of Korea, Mr. Woo Won-shik, made his first overseas visit to Kazakhstan since taking office, further strengthening bilateral ties.

Third, in November, our relations were further strengthened through the official visit of Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu to the Republic of Korea. During his bilateral meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, they signed a Cooperation Action Plan for 2025-2027, which encompasses high-level visits and new collaborative initiatives in priority areas.

Moreover, the visits of the Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, the Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev, and the Minister of Energy Almasadam Satkaliyev to Korea have also given a significant boost to the development of bilateral relations across all areas of cooperation.

Speaking of multilateral cooperation, it is worth noting that the 17th C5+K Ministerial Forum was held in Seoul in November 2024, resulting in the adoption of a Joint Statement as its outcome document. 

Also, the "K-SILK ROAD" strategy adopted in June represents a forward-looking vision for collaboration and is designed to facilitate deeper partnerships between South Korea and Central Asia. We are sure that its implementation will bring our peoples even closer. 

In addition, trade between our two countries has great potential to expand. A number of South Korean companies successfully operate in Kazakhstan, such as Samsung, Shinhan Bank, BNK Bank, Lotte, SK, KNOC, POSCO, Doosan, Hyundai and Kia. In general, over 700 companies operate with the participation of the Korean capital.

In 2024, the first CU convenience store was opened in Almaty, and today, there are 10 CU stores in Kazakhstan.

People-to-people ties have been greatly facilitated. We are witnessing the expansion of air links between Kazakhstan and South Korea. As of today, there are 15 weekly flights, including a new route between Astana and Seoul, launched in June. The flight duration between Almaty and Seoul is approximately 6 hours. Additionally, 6 cargo flights operate weekly between the two countries, boosting logistical efficiency. This expansion facilitates the growth of tourism and business exchanges.

 I hope that the New Year 2025 will further strengthen bonds of friendship between the two nations. I am convinced that the Kazakh-Korean cooperation will further expand for the benefit of our peoples. 

On this festive occasion, I wish the readers good health, personal happiness as well as further progress in  the new 2025 year.

Happy New Year!