Elvira Kadyrova and Tariq Saeedi The conclusion of the historic, first-ever Korea-Central Asia Summit in Seoul marked a definitive structural shift in Eurasian diplomacy. While initial global coverage rightly focused on the immediate deliverables of the Seoul Declaration—including the institutionalization of biennial summits and the blueprint for South Korea’s "K-Silk … [Read more...]
Korea and Central Asia to Hold Summits Every Two Years: Seoul Declaration Adopted
The presidents of the Republic of Korea and the five Central Asian countries — Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan — adopted the Seoul Declaration, outlining long-term areas of cooperation and a new institutional framework for engagement between the sides. The document was adopted in Seoul on September 16 following the first Korea–Central Asia … [Read more...]
Trade, Critical Minerals and Infrastructure: Korea and Central Asian Countries Sign 19 MoUs at First Business Summit
Elvira Kadyrova South Korea and the five Central Asian countries have agreed to expand business cooperation in trade and investment, critical minerals, energy, infrastructure and logistics. The agreements were reached at the first Korea–Central Asia Business Summit, held in Seoul on 16 September 2026. According to the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, the … [Read more...]
Yonhap: Full text of op-ed by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun marking 1st S. Korea-Central Asia Summit
The following is the full text of an op-ed written by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun for Yonhap News Agency ahead of the first South Korea-Central Asia Summit. Moving Beyond the Silk Road, Toward the Future: New Horizons for the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation The First Korea-Central Asia Summit 2026 is to take place on September 16 in Seoul. It will be a historic occasion … [Read more...]
Resources of the Future: OSCE Experts Analyze Central Asia’s Critical Mineral Potential
Elvira Kadyrova Central Asia is emerging as a global focal point amid the worldwide transition toward clean energy. Abundant reserves of uranium, copper, lithium, and rare earth metals position the region as a strategic partner for the EU, the US, and other international stakeholders seeking to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on dominant market players. These … [Read more...]
Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements: Understanding the Resources Shaping the Future
nCa Report For much of the past decade, the global conversation on energy has focused on oil, natural gas and renewable power. More recently, another group of resources has moved into the spotlight: critical minerals and rare earth elements. These materials are now central to discussions on economic security, industrial policy, technological innovation and supply chain … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan, Korea Forge $9.6 Billion worth package of investment deals, Launch a new model of high-tech and innovative cooperation
Following a summit in Tashkent on June 14, 2024, President Yoon Suk Yeol of Korea and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan signed a series of agreements ushering in a "New Era of High-Tech and Innovative Cooperation" between the two nations. These agreements span vital sectors including critical minerals, rail transportation, agriculture, finance, and … [Read more...]
USA and Central Asia held the inaugural meeting of the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue
On 8 February 2024, the US Department of State hosted the inaugural meeting of the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue (CMD). According to press release, issued by the US Department of State, the meeting was chaired by Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez. The discussion was focused on goals and objectives of the CMD, which will seek … [Read more...]