The partnership has entered a new phase.
Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea have agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Future-Oriented Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, placing economic security, technology, investment and Alatau City at the center of their cooperation, DKNews.kz reports.
The agreement was reached during expanded talks between Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Lee Jae Myung in Seoul on September 15. The new status reflects a broader shift in bilateral ties: Korea has already invested more than $12 billion in Kazakhstan, while Seoul now openly describes the country as an important partner in economic security.
Tokayev and Lee agree on a new level of partnership
During the talks, Tokayev emphasized that relations between Astana and Seoul have been developing steadily on the basis of mutual trust.
«Last year, we had our first telephone conversation, during which we agreed to continue developing our strategic partnership based on mutual trust and friendship. Today, we have reached an agreement to elevate bilateral relations to a Future-Oriented Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,» the Head of State stated.
The change in status is significant because it broadens cooperation beyond traditional trade and investment. The two countries are increasingly connecting natural resources, industrial production, advanced technology, infrastructure and human capital within a single economic agenda.
Korean investment in Kazakhstan exceeds $12 billion
Economic cooperation remains one of the strongest pillars of the relationship.
According to Tokayev, cumulative Korean investment in Kazakhstan has surpassed $12 billion, while major Korean corporations continue to expand their presence in the country.
«Good results are being achieved across all areas of our relations. To date, Korea has invested more than $12 billion in Kazakhstan’s economy. World-renowned Korean companies are successfully operating in the Kazakh market. We are creating all the necessary conditions for them and will continue to do so in the future,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
The investment relationship is also becoming more industrial. Kazakhstan is seeking deeper localization, technology transfer and production that can eventually serve markets beyond the country itself.
This approach is already visible in the automotive sector, where Hyundai and Kia have established manufacturing operations and new projects are being developed to produce components locally.
Korea calls Kazakhstan an economic security partner
One of the strongest signals from the talks came from Lee Jae Myung.
The Korean President described Kazakhstan as an important partner in economic security, linking the country’s energy and natural resources with its growing potential in high-tech industries.
«The Republic of Korea and Kazakhstan are expanding the scope of their external cooperation and pursuing pragmatic diplomacy focused on national interests and tangible results. Kazakhstan is an important partner for us in the field of economic security. The country is not only rich in energy and natural resources, but also has significant potential in promising high-tech industries. We are ready to contribute to the modernization of Kazakhstan’s industry through our advanced industrial and digital technologies. Amid the unpredictability of the international environment, our countries should strengthen cooperation by combining our respective strengths and potential, while actively creating new opportunities for joint growth on a mutually beneficial basis,» the President of the Republic of Korea said.
The wording points to a wider role for Kazakhstan in Korea’s supply chains. For Seoul, cooperation can provide access to resources and new production opportunities. For Astana, Korean technology and industrial expertise can support the move toward higher-value manufacturing.
KAIST to open a branch in Alatau City
Alatau City is emerging as one of the most tangible elements of the new partnership.
Tokayev announced that an agreement is being signed to establish a branch of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, or KAIST, in the new city.
«Last year, around 51,000 Korean citizens visited Kazakhstan. This has been facilitated to a significant extent by the rapid development of direct air connectivity between our two countries. We now have a major joint project – the construction of Alatau City. Today, we are signing an agreement to open a branch of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Alatau. I am confident that this step will give fresh impetus to deepening our cooperation in education and science,» the President said.
The project adds an education and research component to Korea’s growing involvement in Alatau City.
Korean partners are already being engaged in urban planning, infrastructure, energy, hospitality and investment projects connected with the city. The addition of KAIST indicates that Kazakhstan also wants Alatau to develop its own technological and research ecosystem rather than function solely as a real estate and infrastructure project.
Alatau City becomes a focal point for Korean investment
Alatau City has featured repeatedly throughout Tokayev’s state visit.
Kazakhstan and Korea’s KIND corporation are working on the development of the Alatau Smart City master plan, residential districts and the attraction of Korean companies.
Other Korean businesses are considering projects in energy, hotels, infrastructure and urban development.
This makes Alatau City a practical test for the broader economic model Kazakhstan is proposing to Korea: combine Korean capital and technology with local infrastructure, human resources and access to the wider Central Asian market.
Direct flights are strengthening people-to-people ties
The economic agenda is developing alongside closer cultural and humanitarian contacts.
Tokayev said approximately 51,000 Korean citizens visited Kazakhstan last year, noting that expanding direct air links had contributed significantly to the increase.
The two presidents also highlighted the historical connection surrounding General Hong Beom-do.
«As is well known, Korea enjoys high international standing. The whole world recognizes your country’s outstanding achievements in the fields of economy, science and technology. The hard work and diligence of the Korean people serve as an example to all. We are witnessing the profound changes taking place in Korea and are following them with great interest. We regard these achievements as the result of your wise policies and the dedicated efforts of the Korean people. Our people regard General Hong Beom-do as a figure of particular historical significance. He can truly be called a true patriot and hero of the Korean people. One of the streets in Kyzylorda has been named after him, and a memorial complex has also been opened. Korea is a reliable strategic partner of Kazakhstan,» Tokayev said.
Lee Jae Myung, in turn, thanked Tokayev for Kazakhstan’s assistance in returning the remains of General Hong Beom-do to Korea in 2021, stressing that the Korean people continue to remember and appreciate the gesture.
Resources and technology form the core of the new partnership
The most important shift is visible in how the two presidents define each country’s role.
Kazakhstan is no longer presenting itself to Korean investors solely as a resource-rich market. It is offering a combination of natural resources, energy, manufacturing capacity, infrastructure and access to Central Asia.
Korea, meanwhile, is being positioned not simply as a source of investment, but as a provider of industrial and digital technologies capable of supporting Kazakhstan’s modernization.
This model is already taking shape across automotive manufacturing, critical minerals, energy, artificial intelligence, logistics and urban development.
The new Future-Oriented Comprehensive Strategic Partnership gives that economic strategy a higher political framework. Its effectiveness will ultimately depend on how many of the investment and technology agreements reached in Seoul move from signed documents to operating factories, infrastructure and research projects in Kazakhstan.
Earlier, we reported that Kazakhstan and Korea had taken their strategic partnership to a new level, with $19 billion in commercial agreements and Alatau City emerging as a major focus of cooperation. The new Future-Oriented Comprehensive Strategic Partnership now gives that expanding economic agenda a broader political framework, extending cooperation from investment and urban development to technology, education and economic security.
