South Korean and US Presidents hold first phone call, seeking closer ties between the two countries SEOUL, June 07 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae-myug and U.S. President Donald Trump had their first phone call on Friday evening, pledging to continue strengthening the alliance between the two countries. According to the South Korean presidential office, Lee and Trump spoke for 20 minutes on Friday night. Trump congratulated Lee on his election victory, and both leaders agreed on the importance of the alliance as the core of diplomacy between the two countries. Trump and Lee promised to seek effective ways to resolve recent tariff issues. Trump invited Lee to visit the U.S. and Lee also suggested discussing important issues in a face-to-face meeting. Trump and Lee reportedly shared their experiences of difficulties encountered during the election campaigns and promised to have a golf meeting in the near future. “We will continue our endeavors to maintain and improve the relations between our two countries, and we also look forward to planning a summit,” said a presidential official. 2025-06-07 11:09:41

UN-backed first glaciers preservation forum held in Dushanbe SEOUL, June 5 (AJP) - A three-day international conference on glacier preservation concluded in Tajikistan’s capital on Saturday, drawing over 2,600 participants from 90 countries. The first high-level international conference on glacier preservation, held from Thursday to Saturday last week, brought together government officials, UN representatives, scientists, and civil society leaders to share strategies for protecting glaciers and water resources. The conference included plenary sessions, expert panel sessions, and exhibitions, including a glacier festival to raise public awareness. In his opening remarks, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon warned of the accelerating loss of glaciers due to global warming, calling it one of the most alarming climate challenges. “We must respond together, and we must respond now,” Rahmon said. Tajikistan, home to over 60 percent of Central Asia’s glaciers, plays a critical role in regional water supply and climate stability. Rahmon highlighted that glacier loss threatens ecosystems, water security, and livelihoods across the region. Rahmon proposed several initiatives, including establishing a regional glacier research center, launching joint monitoring expeditions, and developing a global strategy for glacier preservation. Rahmon also called for increased international funding and cooperation. “We are not only protecting glaciers, we are safeguarding the future of our planet,” Rahmon emphasized. Tajik Ambassador to Seoul Kirom Salohiddin also praised the successful conclusion of the forum, saying he hopes it will lead to stronger global action. “I believe this important conference will help raise awareness around the world and encourage us to act together,” Kirom said. “We need to gather more support and work closely with the international community to protect our glaciers.” The conference followed Tajikistan’s successful effort to have 2025 declared by the UN as the “International Year of Glacier Preservation.” The country also jointly proposed with France, the “Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences” from 2025 to 2034. 2025-06-05 18:43:41

Kazakhstan hosts event in Seoul to boost bilateral tourism SEOUL, June 5 (AJP) - An event promoting tourism to Kazakhstan was held at a hotel in central Seoul on Wednesday. Hosted by the state-run Kazakh Tourism National Company, the event brought together around 150 participants from the travel and aviation sectors including major tour agencies and airlines here. Kazakh officials from the Almaty Tourism Board, Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, and other leading resort and travel agencies also attended. Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Seoul Nurgali Arystanov highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation, stressing "Kazakhstan stands with the people of South Korea." "We look forward to working with the new government" to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, he said. Arystanov added, "Kazakhstan is located at a crossroads of East and West, a bridge where ideas, cultures, and solutions come together," quoting Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as saying. Arystanov also emphasized that visa-free travel and an increase in direct flights have significantly boosted tourism between the two countries. Currently, there are around 17 weekly direct flights connecting Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent with Seoul. Eastar Jet is also set to launch a new route connecting Almaty to South Korea's southern port city of Busan in July, with plans to expand service up to 40 flights per week. "This event is not just about showcasing Kazakhstan, it is about building the foundations for future partnerships and shared success. I especially hope for collaborations among tour operators that could offer tour packages for Kazakhstan so as to make travels exciting, easy and meaningful," he said. In 2024 alone, some 40,180 South Koreans visited Kazakhstan while over 53,000 Kazakh tourists traveled to Seoul. To meet growing tourism demand, Almaty officials further highlighted Kazakhstan's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, along with modern facilities equipped for international business events. Air Astana also showcased its global network, while SCAT Airlines announced a new direct route between Incheon and Shymkent. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan also set up a booth to offer travel information at the annual Seoul International Tourism Fair (SITF), which runs until this weekend at COEX in southern Seoul. 2025-06-05 17:31:59

National Assembly passes bills for independent probes into ex-president and former first lady SEOUL, June 5 (AJP) - A series of bills proposing independent prosecutors to investigate former disgraced President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee over several allegations were passed at the National Assembly on Thursday. The bills proposed by the ruling Democratic Party (DP) called for investigations into about a dozen charges related to Yoon's botched Dec. 3 martial law debacle last year, as well as other allegations involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee, who has been embroiled in several controversies including the acceptance of a luxury handbag and alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme. Out of 198 members present, 194 voted in favor of the bill to investigate Yoon, while three opposed it and one abstained. Another bill passed included an investigation into allegations of the Defense Ministry's inappropriate interference in the probe into the death of a Marine during a search mission in July 2023. The DP had pushed for the passage of these bills several times, but its attempts failed after they were vetoed and scrapped amid fierce opposition from the then-ruling People Power Party (PPP) under the previous administration. The passage of the bills came just a day after President Lee Jae-myung was sworn in on Wednesday, following his election the previous day. Most PPP lawmakers boycotted the vote in protest, criticizing the DP's unilateral push to pass the bills using its parliamentary supermajority. 2025-06-05 16:13:24

North Korea issues terse coverage of South Korean presidential election SEOUL, June 5 (AJP) - North Korea's state media on Thursday reported the result of this year's South Korean presidential election, which took place here earlier this week. The state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper devoted just two sentences to it, saying that Lee Jae-myung was elected as the next president in the South's June 3 election, "just two months after [former President Yoon Suk Yeol' was impeached" over his botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law last year. The report came quick on the heels of the election, although it did not carry any commentary on it. North Korea had not reacted at all to South Korea's political situation since its brief coverage of Yoon's ouster in early April, as the isolated country rarely covers news from the outside world including South Korea. 2025-06-05 10:27:48

South Korea inaugurates new president SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - South Korea's newly-elected President Lee Jae-myung was sworn in on Wednesday with a low-key inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly in Seoul. Lee's tenure as the country's 21st president already began when he was briefed about military readiness, following the National Election Committee's formal approval of his victory at the previous day's presidential election. He began the day by leaving his home in Gyeyang, Incheon, with First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, making a stop at the Seoul National Cemetery before heading to the National Assembly in Yeouido for the ceremony. As the June 3 snap election was held to replace former disgraced President Yoon Suk Yeol after the Constitutional Court of Korea's ruling in April to impeach him over his botched martial law debacle late last year, Lee had no time to spare for a full transition period. In his inauguration ceremony attended by around 300 lawmakers and other key leaders, Lee pledged to prioritize "national unity" and economic recovery as key agendas of his single five-year term. "No matter whom you voted for in the election, I will serve as a president for all, embracing and serving every citizen," Lee said. He also vowed to "revitalize the economy and revive democratic priciples and values." But he faces a tough road ahead amid the worst political and economic crises in the wake of Yoon's Dec. 3 declaration of martial law and the global trade war sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff policies. Starting his first day in office at Yongsan, Lee nominated Kim Min-seok, an activist-turned-politician who led his election campaign, as prime minister, and appointed Kang Hoon-sik, a three-term DP lawmaker, as presidential chief of staff. Wi Sung-lac, the former envoy to Russia, was nominated as national security adviser, while Lee Jong-seok, the former minister of unification, was appointed to lead the National Intelligence Service. Further appointments to key posts are expected in the coming days. Later in the day, Lee is expected to talk with foreign dignitaries and other leaders including Trump. Meanwhile, Lee intends to temporarily use the presidential office in Yongsan while Cheong Wa Dae undergoes renovation, as the historic compound was somewhat damaged and littered during its public opening over the past three years. During his campaign, Lee said he would eventually move the office to the administrative city of Sejong in South Chungcheong Province, which he considers more suitable since it is home to many government agencies and state-run institutions. To mark Constitution Day on July 17, Lee also plans to hold an additional ceremony next month to reaffirm his commitment to upholding the Constitution. 2025-06-04 11:29:59

Astana International Forum wraps up with call for stronger global cooperation SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - A two-day international forum aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation and tackling global challenges wrapped up in Kazakhstan’s capital on Friday. The Astana International Forum (AIF), held from Thursday to Friday, brought together more than 1,000 participants from over 70 countries, including heads of state, business executives, renowned academics, and representatives. Throughout the event, over 40 panel discussions, side events, and special sessions were held. More than 100 speakers addressed a wide range of pressing global issues, including diplomacy, international security, climate action, technological innovation, and economic resilience. In addition to in-depth discussions on navigating geopolitical shifts and promoting sustainable development, the forum also spotlighted the role of emerging technologies and the need for cross-sector collaboration. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who attended the forum on Friday, emphasized the need for courageous leadership in today’s divided world. "Relations between nations are now shaped by new and often unprecedented powers," she said. "It’s up to us to decide how to respond." In addition to the main sessions, various exhibition booths drew attention from visitors. One of the most visited was the United Nations booth, which marked the organization’s 80th anniversary and showcased its work in Kazakhstan. “We wanted to show the human stories behind the numbers,” said Elnara Bainazarova, Communications and Advocacy Officer at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kazakhstan. She added that 27 UN agencies are currently active in the country. Another key highlight was the Alatau New City project, led by members of the ethnic Korean community in Kazakhstan. Moon Park, a partner in management consulting at KPMG and an advisor to the project, explained that the initiative draws inspiration from South Korea’s industrial development. “We’re helping design a roadmap based on Korea’s experience to avoid trial and error,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of infrastructure and international partnerships. “We’re in discussions with Korea Airports Corporation as Kazakhstan works toward becoming a future aviation hub,” he noted. “They also need experience in global transactions, and we’re supporting that learning process.” Participants also shared meaningful insights and positive experiences from the forum. Jacek Kosciukiewicz, a regional sales manager for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at Cambi—a global environmental technology company—praised the high quality of the discussions. Referring to a session led by former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, he said, “Her vision for multilateralism gives me hope. Without forums like this, the world could go in the wrong direction.” He also acknowledged Kazakhstan’s growing diplomatic presence. “The country is on its way to becoming a key voice for Central Asia on the global stage,” he said. Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, stands as one of Central Asia’s strongest economies. Astana, the country’s modern capital, reflects this ambition with its futuristic skyline and growing role as a diplomatic hub. The city continues to attract global attention for its strategic location and rapid development, driven by continuous efforts such as forums like the AIF. South Korea, which established a strategic partnership with Kazakhstan in 2009, remains one of its closest and most important partners. As of 2024, South Korea is one of Kazakhstan’s top trading partners and the third-largest investor. 2025-06-01 19:28:41

Former UN chief calls for global solidarity at forum in Astana SEOUL, May 30 (AJP) - Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday urged international cooperation and regional unity at the Astana International Forum (AIF), which is underway in Kazakhstan. Ban, who now serves as chair of the Green Growth Global Institute and chair of the Boao Forum for Asia, highlighted the importance of global dialogue at the two-day forum in the Kazakh capital. "As the former UN Secretary-General who helped realize the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, I would like to emphasize my strong support, particularly for its contributions to green growth, climate resilience, and sustainable development," Ban said. He praised the forum's theme, "Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future," describing it as a reflection of "the kind of leadership we need today - one that is collaborative, forward-looking, and rooted in shared responsibility." Ban particularly welcomed Kazakhstan and its Central Asian neighbors' adoption of such vision, stressing that severe challenges like climate change, environmental degradation, and economic transitions cannot be tackled by any single nation. "No matter how powerful, no matter how resourceful one may be, these threats transcend geographical boundaries, political ideologies, and any artificial lines humans may draw. These serious challenges require a unified regional response," Ban emphasized. Addressing global conflicts, Ban pointed out a troubling deterioration caused by insufficient leadership commitment to human rights. "I look around the world today and fear we're in a worse situation." Drawing from his experience at the UN, he emphasized the critical need for unity. "When we are united, we can overcome all challenges. Connecting minds is unity and solidarity. There is not a single country in this world, however powerful, that can do it alone." Ban called for a partnership involving government leaders, businesses, and civil society, stressing that global challenges require collective efforts. Later in the day, Ban attended a session focused on regional connectivity and development, co-hosted by the AIF and the Boao Forum for Asia. The session discussed infrastructure gaps, digital transformation, trade facilitation, and clean energy development as strategies for economic integration in Central Asia. Expressing concerns about current global economic tensions, he described the escalating trade war initiated by the U.S. as one "unprecedented in scale and severity since the Great Depression," affecting global trade and stability. "The majority of countries and leaders are still firmly behind multilateralism, free trade, globalization, and an open world economy. That's a good sign, but that's not enough," Ban said, emphasizing the need for Asian countries to strengthen their connectivity and consolidate regional supply chains. "This is exactly what Asia can bring," he added. Ban also underlined the AIF's role, concluding, "I'm very pleased to see so many brilliant people gathered here in Astana today to build consensus, trust, confidence, and our shared future. I look forward to benefiting from your vision and wisdom, and I wish this dialogue great success." 2025-05-30 16:25:39

Int'l forum to tackle global challenges kicks off in Astana SEOUL, May 29 (AJP) - A two-day international forum putting the spotlight on multilateral cooperation to tackle various global challenges and other issues is being held in Kazakhstan this week. The Astana International Forum (AIF) kicked off on Thursday in the Kazakh capital, bringing together over 1,000 participants including heads of state, business executives, renowned academics, and representatives from more than 70 countries. During the forum, over 100 ministerial officials along with high-ranking diplomats will share their insights through special lectures and discussions as part of the forum until Friday, covering key topics including foreign policy, international security, and climate change. In his opening remarks, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the importance of dialogue and cooperation between countries amid growing global polarization, which is fueling conflicts and tensions worldwide. "At a time of increasing global uncertainties, what matters most is how we respond," Tokayev said, stressing the AIF's important role as a platform founded on mutual respect. Tokayev further explained that his country has played a role in fostering global cooperation. "We are entering a new era of global cooperation, where trust among people, knowledge sharing, and civic collaboration will shape international relations," he said. "Kazakhstan is ready to serve as a connector of ideas, a builder of consensus, and a trusted partner across regions and cultures." Rwandan President Paul Kagame praised the AIF as an essential platform for global cooperation. "The forum has become a vital platform not only for dialogue but also for practical cooperation in a fragmented world," Kagame said, thanking Kazakhstan for initiating the forum. North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova also shared similar views, stressing the need for collective action. "Major crises we face today stem from fundamental changes in global governance," she pointed out. Raising concerns about the current rift in global cooperation, she emphasized that no country can address a wide range of global challenges alone. "Small and medium-sized nations, free from hegemonic ambitions, would provide moral guidance and innovative leadership to revitalize multilateralism. We can achieve this by building bridges between countries," she said. Formerly known as the Astana Economic Forum, which primarily focused on economic issues from 2008 to 2019, the annual gathering has evolved into a platform for discussing critical global issues, underscoring Kazakhstan's role as a strategic hub linking Central Asia, East Asia, and Europe. 2025-05-29 18:08:09

Tajikistan celebrates Youth Day and UN-recognized World Football Day in Seoul SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - The Embassy of Tajikistan in Seoul hosted a football tournament in central Seoul last Friday to mark Tajikistan Youth Day and World Football Day, bringing together students, local residents, and embassy staff for the friendly competition. Tajikistan's Ambassador to Seoul Salohiddin Kirom congratulated participants and highlighted Tajikistan's strong focus on youth programs. He stressed the leadership of President Emomali Rahmon in helping young people gain "knowledge and skills." Kirom also praised a recent proposal by Rustam Emomali, Chairman of the National Assembly, Mayor of Dushanbe, and President of the Football Federation of Tajikistan, to establish "World Football Day." The proposal was adopted by the United Nations earlier this year, reflecting Tajikistan's growing role in global sports diplomacy. 2025-05-27 17:15:44