President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, as part of his official visit to South Korea, engaged in talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol today in Seoul. The meeting, held in an expanded format, focused on deepening bilateral cooperation between the two nations across a range of sectors.
President Yoon warmly welcomed President Japarov, reflecting on the longstanding friendship between Kyrgyzstan and South Korea, which has flourished since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. He noted that Korean businesses have been increasingly active in Kyrgyzstan's market, and exchanges between citizens from both countries have grown significantly in recent years.
"The launch of direct air service between our capitals last year highlights our growing ties. Our government recognizes the strategic importance of Central Asia as a bridge between Europe and Asia, which is why we introduced the Korea-Central Asia cooperation initiative, 'K-Silk Road,' earlier this year," said Yoon Suk Yeol.
He emphasized South Korea’s intention to strengthen its relationship with Kyrgyzstan, a key partner in the region, through this initiative.
Both leaders agreed to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership, marking a significant milestone 32 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations. President Yoon expressed optimism that the talks would further enhance the strategic partnership in various fields, including the economy, environment, energy, and supply chains.
In response, President Japarov thanked President Yoon for the warm reception and reiterated that Kyrgyzstan views South Korea as a priority partner in the Asia-Pacific region. He highlighted the absence of major disagreements between the two countries as a strong foundation for expanding cooperation both bilaterally and in multilateral forums.
"Kyrgyzstan is committed to deepening political dialogue, including at the government and parliamentary levels," he said.
A major focus of the discussions was the K-Silk Road initiative, with President Japarov expressing full support for the program and its potential to boost regional cooperation. He also proposed holding a summit between the two leaders next year to further advance political and economic ties.
"We must join efforts to overcome global challenges and prioritize urgent tasks. Our cooperation can play a crucial role in addressing these issues," Japarov emphasized.
Education and environmental sustainability were also key points of focus. President Japarov highlighted the growing interest among Kyrgyz youth in learning the Korean language and culture and expressed his enthusiasm for further educational exchanges. He also called for strengthened cooperation in the areas of ecology and sustainable development, particularly in renewable energy projects. Furthermore, he invited South Korea to participate in the upcoming global mountain summit "Bishkek+25" in 2027, underscoring the importance of joint efforts to combat climate change.
As a result of the talks, several bilateral agreements were signed, aiming to enhance cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and South Korea. The signed documents include:
- A Joint Statement on the establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership
- A Framework Agreement on Climate Change cooperation
- An amendment to the agreement on avoiding double taxation
- A Framework Agreement on Economic Development Cooperation for 2025-2029
- A series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in various sectors, including education, digital development, trade, energy, forestry, and post-harvest agriculture, among others.
These agreements signify a commitment to expanding joint efforts in areas of mutual interest, from sustainable development to economic growth and innovation.
President Japarov concluded the talks by extending an invitation to President Yoon to visit Kyrgyzstan in the near future.
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