[Presidential Briefing] President Lee Holds First Phone Call with President Tokayev of Kazakhstan (July 23, 2025)
[Presidential Briefing] President Lee Holds First Phone Call with President Tokayev of Kazakhstan (July 23, 2025)
📞 A New Diplomatic Chapter Between Korea and Kazakhstan
On July 23, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung held his first phone conversation with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan. The dialogue marked a significant step toward enhancing strategic cooperation and deepening the relationship between the two nations.
President Lee expressed his appreciation for President Tokayev’s congratulatory letter sent upon the launch of the new Korean administration. He emphasized the strong friendship and strategic partnership that have developed since the two countries signed their bilateral agreement in 2009.
🤝 Honoring History: Repatriation of General Hong Beom-do
President Lee also expressed deep gratitude to President Tokayev for his active support in repatriating the remains of General Hong Beom-do under challenging circumstances. This act stands as a powerful symbol of historical solidarity and mutual respect between Korea and Kazakhstan.
In response, President Tokayev reaffirmed his willingness to strengthen both bilateral relations and broader cooperation between Korea and Central Asia. He also conveyed condolences for the recent casualties in South Korea caused by heavy rains and flooding.
💼 Expanding Economic Cooperation in Key Sectors
The two leaders acknowledged the achievements of past cooperation in trade and investment. They agreed to expand partnerships in strategic industries such as infrastructure development and critical minerals.
President Lee highlighted the importance of a mutually beneficial economic relationship and requested continued support from President Tokayev to facilitate South Korean companies’ entry into the Kazakh market. This aligns with Korea’s goal of diversifying economic ties and securing critical resources abroad.
📌 Geopolitical and Diplomatic Significance
This phone call reflects President Lee’s broader diplomatic approach centered on “balanced diplomacy.” By reaching out to Central Asian nations, Korea seeks to broaden its diplomatic spectrum beyond traditional power centers like the U.S. and China.
Kazakhstan is a vital geopolitical hub where the interests of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Russian influence, and U.S. strategic attention intersect. Strengthening ties with Kazakhstan enables Korea to solidify its position in Eurasia, both economically and diplomatically.
The repatriation of General Hong’s remains also underscores Korea’s evolving approach to “memory diplomacy,” where historical justice and national pride are linked with modern international cooperation.
📄 Full Text of the Spokesperson's Briefing
On July 23, President Lee Jae-myung held his first phone call with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan.
President Lee thanked President Tokayev for his letter of congratulations and expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan, which has maintained a strategic partnership with Korea since 2009. He especially appreciated Kazakhstan's active support in repatriating the remains of General Hong Beom-do.
President Tokayev, in return, expressed willingness to enhance bilateral and regional cooperation and conveyed his condolences regarding the recent casualties caused by heavy rains in Korea.
The two leaders recognized the achievements in trade and investment cooperation and agreed to broaden collaboration in areas like infrastructure and critical minerals.
President Lee also called for greater support from President Tokayev to facilitate Korean companies entering the Kazakh market.
July 23, 2025
Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung
📌 Additional Resources
This article is based on the official briefing published by the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea.
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