Kazakh Parliament Speaker Pushes Central A-Korea Ties in AI

Kazakhstan’s parliamentary delegation, led by Parliament Chairman Yerlan Koshanov, attended the third Meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of Central Asian states and the Republic of Korea in Tashkent.

The forum, held annually since 2023, provides a platform for inter-parliamentary dialogue and regional cooperation, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Speaking at the plenary session on “Cooperation for Human Dignity, Social Justice, and Environmental Protection,” Koshanov emphasized the alignment of these principles with Kazakhstan’s reforms and President Tokayev’s national agenda.

Koshanov highlighted Central Asia’s historical tradition of humanism and openness, noting the region’s role as a refuge for displaced communities, including Koreans deported nearly 80 years ago. He stressed social justice as a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s state policy, promoting equal opportunities and citizen welfare.

On environmental issues, Koshanov raised concerns over the shrinking Caspian Sea, the drying Aral Sea, and water shortages, urging inter-parliamentary cooperation and joint research. He also pointed to opportunities linked to the construction of nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which will boost clean energy and green technologies.

Koshanov further encouraged support for Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish a UN Center for Digital Solutions for Sustainable Development and highlighted regional trade, rare earth metals, agriculture, transport, and logistics as areas for enhanced cooperation with Korea.

The forum included panels on economic cooperation, digital transformation, and sustainable development, as well as a meeting of parliamentary think tanks. The event concluded with the adoption of a Joint Declaration.

Koshanov also held bilateral discussions with parliamentary leaders from Korea and Uzbekistan and took part in a cultural program visiting Tashkent’s Center of Islamic Civilization.

The fourth meeting of the Central Asia-Korea parliamentary forum is scheduled to be held in Kazakhstan in 2026.