Cooperation Forum “Central Asia – Republic of Korea”

Dushanbe, November 30, 2021 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Marat Syzdykov participated in the 14th meeting of the Central Asia-Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum with the participation of the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of cooperation in the field of forestry, healthcare, digital technologies and energy.

The participants outlined the contours of cooperation between the Central Asian states and South Korea in the field of forestry and joint response to climate change, and also expressed interest in expanding multilateral cooperation, including through the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO).

In the sphere of energy, the heads of delegations expressed interest in further development of cooperation in the process of transition to alternative sources, modernization of energy capacities and exchange of experience in this area.

In the sphere of healthcare, the heads of delegations confirmed the importance of continuing cooperation in the post-pandemic period. They agreed on the need to expand professional development programs for medical workers, and expressed interest in cooperation on the development of the industry of traditional medicines, the production and distribution of vaccines in order to jointly respond to COVID-19.

In the sphere of digital technologies, the parties discussed the possibilities for the participating countries to take joint measures in the field of digital transformation of the economy to overcome the economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Within the framework of the forum, a meeting of the Secretariat Council was held and the Secretariat's Work Plan for the coming year was approved.

Overall, the intensification of multifaceted cooperation between the Central Asian states and the Republic of Korea on the basis of mutual respect and benefit meets the common interests of the region and is an important factor of sustainable development.

Following the results of the Forum, a Joint Statement was adopted by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Central Asian states and the Republic of Korea.