A lecture by Nurgali Arystanov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, titled “Kazakhstan’s Multi-Vector Foreign Policy and Its Growing Relations with the Republic of Korea”, was held in Seoul. The event was organized with the support of the Korean Culture Association as part of a training program for future diplomats, DKNews.kz reports.
The lecture brought together more than 80 middle and high school students from across South Korea – young leaders with a strong interest in international relations, diplomacy, and global affairs.
Kazakhstan at a new stage of modernization
In his address, Ambassador Arystanov provided a detailed overview of the key messages from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recent interview with Turkistan newspaper, titled “Kazakhstan Has Entered a New Stage of Modernization.” He emphasized that 2026 has been defined by the Head of State as a pivotal year in Kazakhstan’s long-term development trajectory.
Special attention was given to sustainable economic growth, large-scale infrastructure modernization, and Kazakhstan’s ambition to strengthen its role as a regional logistics hub. The Ambassador also highlighted priorities in digitalization and artificial intelligence, noting that 2026 has been officially declared the Year of Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan.
Smart cities, green initiatives, and tourism
Ambassador Arystanov outlined the President’s initiatives aimed at introducing advanced technologies in agriculture, transport, infrastructure, and logistics. In this context, he presented projects related to smart cities, including Alatau City, as well as green initiatives and measures to boost tourism development.
According to the Ambassador, these modernization priorities closely align with the experience and strategic vision of the Republic of Korea, creating broad opportunities for bilateral cooperation in digital transformation, innovation, green energy, sustainable development, and urban planning.
He expressed confidence that the synergy between Kazakhstan and Korea could elevate bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level.
Shared values and interfaith dialogue
During the lecture, Ambassador Arystanov also underscored Kazakhstan’s consistent commitment to the principles of peace, interfaith dialogue, and mutual respect. In this context, he highlighted the importance of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, in which representatives of the Korean Jogye Order of Buddhism regularly take part.
Kazakhstan through the eyes of youth
As part of the program, participants watched a tourism promotion video about Kazakhstan, while informational magazines and travel guides were distributed. The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session.
Particular interest was drawn to the creative segment of the event. Students, divided into groups, had prepared and presented their own vision of Kazakhstan through thematic presentations on culture, history, foreign policy, and tourism potential. Each group presented its work directly to the Ambassador, turning the meeting into a lively and meaningful dialogue.
During the Q&A session, students demonstrated strong awareness across a wide range of topics. Discussions touched on national identity and state symbols, the role of ethnic and religious diversity in strengthening social harmony, and the contribution of ethnic Koreans to Kazakhstan’s development as a cultural and social bridge between the two countries.
Platform for future cooperation
The event became an important platform for deepening mutual understanding between Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea, strengthening an atmosphere of trust and friendship, and opening new opportunities for youth and educational exchanges between the two nations.
