South Korea Secures 35 Agreements with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to Enhance Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Halal Markets

South Korea signed a total of 35 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday, covering a broad spectrum of cooperation areas such as energy, investment, security, and cultural exchange. These developments took place during the first-ever Korea-Central Asia Summit hosted in Seoul.

President Lee Jae Myung met with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon at Cheong Wa Dae, where the two leaders formalized 17 agreements. These agreements aim to expand exports in textiles, chemicals, and machinery, while establishing a foundation for collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital industries.

The partnership also extends to infrastructure sectors including railways, transportation, and logistics, alongside intellectual property rights, energy, and industrial safety. Both countries expressed intent to explore cooperation on critical minerals and the green transition, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development.

Security cooperation was bolstered through agreements enhancing customs and police collaboration to combat transnational crime. Additionally, the two nations agreed to deepen exchanges in personnel administration, anti-corruption initiatives, and educational programs.

President Lee remarked, "Korea and Tajikistan have steadily developed cooperation since 1992, and I find it deeply meaningful that this visit has allowed our two countries to establish a comprehensive partnership. I hope the two countries will expand mutually beneficial cooperation in railways, critical minerals, digital technology and other areas going forward."

President Rahmon emphasized the importance of the relationship, stating, "Strengthening cooperative ties with Korea is one of the key priorities for Tajikistan's foreign policy. Next year, Korea and Tajikistan will mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations. I believe establishing a legal and institutional foundation to elevate our cooperation to a new level of partnership is an essential step."

Later the same day, President Lee met Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov at Cheong Wa Dae, where 18 agreements were signed, including a revised MOU on trade and investment cooperation.

These accords cover critical minerals, halal markets, infrastructure development, livestock technology, energy, and intellectual property. The agreements are designed to stimulate mutual trade and investment, as well as foster public-private partnership projects.

Cultural and sports cooperation was also agreed upon, alongside enhanced customs and police collaboration to address transnational crime and disaster management.

Reflecting on past diplomatic interactions, President Lee recalled, "Japarov made his first visit to Korea on Dec. 3, 2024. That day, then-President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law after a summit with Japarov, prompting him to cancel his remaining schedule and return home. Given the unexpected disruption during your last visit, I have been looking forward to meeting you here in Korea. Korea and Kyrgyzstan are steadfast partners that have developed cooperation in many fields."

President Japarov responded, "There are no major differences in political views between our two countries, and we hold similar positions on international and regional affairs. I believe we will be able to build substantive cooperation in new areas going forward."

He further expressed hope that President Lee would visit Kyrgyzstan next year to commemorate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations, describing such a visit as "a meaningful milestone in bilateral relations."

The agreements signed during the Korea-Central Asia Summit underscore a strategic effort by Seoul to deepen ties with Central Asian nations through multifaceted cooperation in critical minerals, digital innovation, security, and cultural exchange, setting a robust framework for future collaboration.