Lee calls for renewed spirit of 'Silk Road' to bind East with West at Central Asia Summit

President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the importance of fostering stronger ties between South Korea and Central Asian nations during the inaugural South Korea-Central Asia Summit opening speech. The South Korean president highlighted the enduring spirit of the Silk Road that once connected the East and West, emphasizing its relevance in today's era of interconnected global affairs, including economy, energy, markets, technology, and security.

Lee called for cooperation to diversify global supply chains, leveraging Central Asia's abundant reserves of critical minerals and energy resources alongside South Korea's expertise in exploration and processing. He stressed the need to build upon the foundation of cooperation established over the past three decades, with the goal of preparing for another three decades of collaboration.

South Korea and the five Central Asian countries have already forged extensive cooperation and trust in trade, investment, infrastructure, education, and culture. By combining their respective strengths, Lee asserted, they could jointly tackle their respective challenges and accelerate mutual prosperity.