Deeper supply chain cooperation 'win-win' for S. Korea, Central Asia: FM Cho

▲ Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul (4th from L), along with top diplomats and vice foreign ministers of five Central Asian countries, attend the opening of the 17th South Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum at a hotel in Seoul on Nov. 4, 2024. (Yonhap)

FM-Central Asia

Deeper supply chain cooperation 'win-win' for S. Korea, Central Asia: FM Cho

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, Nov. 4 (Yonhap) -- Enhanced cooperation in the energy and critical minerals supply chains would be a "win-win" for South Korea and Central Asia, Seoul's top diplomat said Monday, expressing hope for a stronger partnership in these areas in the coming years.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made the remarks as South Korea is seeking to boost cooperation with the region at a time when vulnerable energy and mineral supply chains have emerged as a major concern amid Russia's war in Ukraine and the unrest in the Middle East.

"As the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East are worsening, supply chain challenges have been intensifying," Cho said at the South Korea-Central Asia forum in Seoul.

"In this complex geopolitical and geoeconomic environment, if South Korea, a tech powerhouse, and Central Asia, which is rich in resources, strengthen supply chain cooperation in energy and minerals, it would be a mutual win-win for both sides," Cho said.

Noting that South Korea has clinched partnership agreements on the critical minerals supply with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan during President Yoon Suk Yeol's three-nation swing to Central Asia in June, Cho said Seoul hopes to expand such deals with all five Central Asian partners.

"The five Central Asian nations are a key partner for South Korea in realizing its vision as a 'global pivotal state' contributing to freedom, peace and prosperity in the world," Cho said.

"From now on, we plan to make our 'K-Silk Road' initiative further take shape based on our close cooperation with the five Central Asian countries," he added.

The "K-Silk Road" initiative, announced in June, calls for creating a new cooperation model by linking South Korea's innovative capabilities with Central Asia's abundant resources and development potential.

Cho said he hopes Monday's forum will serve as a platform to further materialize main policy agendas for the leaders' summit between South Korea and Central Asia, scheduled for next year.

The forum was also expected to address cooperation efforts in climate change, the digital realm and tourism.

Top diplomats and vice foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan attended Monday's gathering.

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