During his recent visit to Central Asia, President Yoon Suk Yeol unveiled the “K-Silk Road” initiative, which included visits to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This strategic move aims to bolster Korea’s influence and presence in the region. 

The K-Silk Road initiative seeks to merge Korea’s technological prowess with the abundant resources of Central Asia. Beyond fostering economic ties, a key focus of the initiative is the exploration and development of critical minerals in the region. To further these goals, plans are underway for an upcoming Korea-Central Asia Summit, which will be pivotal in advancing these strategic partnerships.

President Yoon’s first stop of his Central Asia tour was Turkmenistan, where he met with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Given Turkmenistan’s status as a major global natural gas producer, the country holds significant strategic value for Korea. During the visit, Hyundai Engineering secured agreements to establish a fourth desulfurization facility at the Galkynysh gas field and to collaborate on developing a polymer plant in the Kiyanli region. Similarly, Daewoo Engineering signed a cooperation agreement to work on related projects, underscoring Korea’s commitment to expanding its energy and industrial footprint in Turkmenistan.

In addition to energy, Korea seeks to take part in smart city initiatives in this country and plans to provide technical support to Turkmenistan’s Arkadag city project. The parties met at the Korea-Turkmenistan Business Forum and discussed the construction of smart cities and technologization of existing cities. Sejong and Busan were cited as examples in this regard.

During his visit to Kazakhstan, President Yoon met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, where discussions centered on energy and critical minerals. The two leaders reached an agreement for joint exploration and development of lithium mines, involving the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources and SK Ecoplant. They also agreed to cooperate on the extraction and development of other critical minerals, including lithium, chromium, manganese and uranium. Furthermore, Doosan Enerbility signed an agreement with Samruk Energy to collaborate on the renovation and modernization of power plants and thermal facilities in Kazakhstan, strengthening bilateral ties in the energy sector.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan stands out as Korea’s most significant partner in Central Asia, playing a pivotal role not just in the economic and energy sectors but also in historical and cultural exchanges. The deep-rooted connections between the two countries are bolstered by an ethnic Korean community of approximately 200,000 people in Uzbekistan and a shared history that dates back to the Goguryeo period of the 6th and 7th centuries. These historical ties have paved the way for a robust and multifaceted relationship. The arrival of the first Korean language teachers in 1992 marked a significant milestone in cultural diplomacy, further strengthening the bond between the two nations and fostering closer ties through educational and cultural exchanges.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev pays special attention to Korea and says he is ready to contribute to Korea’s regional policies. While the current trade volume is $3 billion, the potential is said by both countries to be $15 billion. Companies such as Hyundai, SK, Samsung, LG, Lotte and Daewoo, which are already operating in the country, have been cited as models by Uzbek officials.

Korea’s new regional policy has been approached from various perspectives. In his analysis for Uzbekistan’s Daryo Media Agency, political analyst Eldaniz Gusseinov highlights Korea’s ambitious political initiatives in the region. Gusseinov points out that Korea is embracing a broader Eurasian strategy, rebranding its long-standing Central Asian policies with new content while maintaining their essence. He underscores the importance of Korea nurturing its relationship with Russia within this framework and advocates for strengthening these ties through multilateral platforms.

Asrorbek Satarov, another political analyst, advocates for a balanced strategy in Central Asia’s engagement with Korea. He notes that the region’s significance has surged in the wake of the war in Ukraine, positioning it as a hub for cheap labor. Satarov cautions that Uzbekistan should avoid becoming merely a source of labor for Korean enterprises, suggesting the need for a more equitable and strategic partnership.

Furthermore, Kazakhstan’s media outlets express dissatisfaction with expectations from Korea. A news article in Ulys Media reports that efforts to enhance the working conditions for Kazakh citizens in Korea have not yet commenced. The article questions the delay in signing the anticipated agreement, which was expected during President Yoon’s visit, and seeks clarity on when Korea will respond positively to this matter.

With this new concept, the “K-Silk Road” focuses on official development assistance, energy resources, cultural links and government-private networking. In the coming period, we may witness an intensified engagement in Central Asia with the inclusion of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, but the concerns and expectations of the regional countries should be the main priority for Korea.

Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu – The Korea Times

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2024/06/137_377427.html