Forum of Analytical Centers of Central Asia and S Korea kicks off in Tashkent
The International Institute for Central Asia (IICA) held the First Expert Forum on “The Era of Change: A Vision for Future Cooperation between Central Asia and the Republic of Korea”, UzA reports.
The event was organized by IICA and the Secretariat of the Cooperation Forum “Republic of Korea – Central Asia”. It was attended by about 100 representatives of ministries and agencies, diplomatic missions, and leading analytical and research centers.
IICA Director J. Vakhabov emphasized that Central Asia and the Republic of Korea have achieved significant success in deepening political, diplomatic, economic, social, and cultural ties since establishing diplomatic relations. Both sides are making efforts to develop them further.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan I. Khaydarov emphasized that in the context of growing turbulence in the international arena and unpredictability in the global economy, the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea need to take joint measures to maintain transport and logistics chains, ensure energy and food security, increase investment cooperation, technological exchange, combat climate change and other challenges.
“Our relations have become closer than ever after a series of state visits by President Yoon Suk Yeol to the region”, Ambassador Won Do-yeon notes. “There are many areas in which we can expand our cooperation, and we have a lot of work to do. Today, Central Asia is a region with new growth potential for the future of humanity in terms of geopolitics and economic demography. It attracts the attention of many people around the world”.
During the forum, diplomats and experts from five Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea put forward practical proposals for organizing multilateral cooperation in priority areas such as economics, energy and minerals, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and ICT.
The participants’ attention was also drawn to the negative impact of climate change on the sustainable development of the region. Interest in further cooperation with Seoul in environmental innovation and technology in the Aral Sea region was emphasized.
In addition, issues related to strengthening ties between expert and analytical communities and promoting the expansion of contacts and exchange of experience between representatives of government agencies, business communities, and public organizations were discussed.
Following the Forum, the organizers agreed to prepare and adopt the recommendations of the First Forum of Analytical Centers, based on which initiatives and proposals will be developed for the upcoming Summit of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea in 2025.
