QAZAQ GREEN. Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea intend to expand cooperation in the energy sector, including renewable energy sources, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and the development of value chains in critical and rare earth metals. This became known during the state visit of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Seoul.
According to the press service of Akorda, following talks between Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae-myung, the two sides agreed to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive, future-oriented strategic partnership. During the negotiations, representatives of the two countries also exchanged a number of documents in the energy and environmental spheres.
In particular, the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment of the Republic of Korea signed a memorandum of understanding. Another document provides for cooperation between Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency and its Korean counterpart in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Energy became one of the key areas highlighted by the President of Kazakhstan during his meeting with Korean business circles. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the interest of Korean companies in Kazakhstan’s energy sector and stated the potential for expanding cooperation in gas processing, petrochemicals, energy infrastructure, and renewable energy.
Separately, the President noted opportunities for cooperation in the field of critical minerals. According to him, Kazakhstan’s significant reserves of strategic resources create conditions for cooperation with Korea in advanced industrial sectors. Kazakhstan proposes to develop a “resources — technology — industry” model, envisaging the creation of full-fledged value chains.
One area of this work could be the establishment of a Technology Cooperation Center for Rare and Rare Earth Metals in Almaty. The President noted that joint work by scientists should facilitate the transition from studying the resource base to implementing industrial projects.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had previously also pointed to the connection between the development of the green economy and demand for critical materials, noting that the expansion of battery production and other low-carbon infrastructure would increase the need for rare and rare earth metals. In particular, the President spoke of the need to expand geological exploration and introduce advanced technologies in this field.
During a meeting with Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, the President invited the Korean company to implement joint projects in Kazakhstan, including using the country as a technological platform for entering Central Asian markets.
Energy cooperation was also discussed in talks with the leadership of Hyundai Motor Group. Among the promising areas named was electric mobility — the production of electric vehicles and components, as well as the development of charging infrastructure.
Another area of the green agenda was cooperation in digital forest restoration and combating climate change. The corresponding memorandum was included in the package of documents exchanged between representatives of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea during the visit.
In addition, in Seoul, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with former UN Secretary-General and Chairman of the Global Green Growth Institute Ban Ki-moon. The parties discussed the transition to a green growth model and further cooperation within the framework of the global climate agenda.
Thus, the energy agenda of Kazakh-Korean cooperation spans several areas — the development of renewable and other low-carbon energy, the nuclear industry, electric transport, climate projects, as well as the production and processing of critical and rare earth metals.
