The success of this approach and attitude can be attributed to Seoul’s ability to manage domestic and foreign challenges and strengthen its multilateral approach, which could enhance Seoul’s role in Central Asia.

However, over the past three decades, Seoul has gradually paid more attention to Central Asia. By utilizing tools such as the Korean minority, cooperation with the United States, and the establishment of the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Institution in July 2017, Seoul has increased its regional meetings and influence in the region.

On a bilateral level, the South Korean government established strategic cooperation with Uzbekistan in 2006, which later led to the signing of an agreement to upgrade relations to a “special strategic partnership.” Relations with Kazakhstan have also become strategic.

A Significant part of the importance of Central Asia in Seoul’s foreign policy is security and geopolitical motives. The South Korea-Central Asia joint meetings serve as the most important platform for the development of relations between Korea and the region.

In June 2024, Seoul announced its first strategy for Central Asia, the “K-Silk Road Initiative.” In November 2024, five Central Asian countries were declared key partners.

In October 2024, the second meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea was held in Ashgabat. Indeed, interparliamentary dialogue has become more important in implementing agreements, strengthening the legal basis of cooperation, and the role of interparliamentary friendship groups.

Although the planned meeting between South Korea and the Central Asian countries, which was supposed to be held in 2025, was postponed to 2026 due to recent political developments in Seoul, domestic and foreign considerations, the positions of the Central Asian countries, budget cuts, etc. However, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, in telephone talks with the presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in July 2025,........

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