South Korea and Tajikistan agree to establish a comprehensive partnership, with both sides seeking to expand cooperation in critical minerals, railways, digital technology and economic development ahead of the inaugural Korea-Central Asia Summit.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon agree to establish a comprehensive partnership, opening a new phase of bilateral cooperation across critical minerals, railways, digital technology and economic development. The agreement is reached during Rahmon’s visit to Seoul on September 16, ahead of the inaugural South Korea-Central Asia Summit.
The bilateral summit at Cheong Wa Dae marks an effort to broaden cooperation between the two countries, which establish diplomatic relations in 1992. Lee highlights Tajikistan’s mineral resources and economic growth potential, while expressing South Korea’s readiness to contribute to the country’s economic development through expanded bilateral cooperation.
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Critical minerals emerge as a key area of potential collaboration. Tajikistan’s mineral resources are increasingly relevant to South Korea’s efforts to strengthen supply-chain cooperation and secure access to strategic materials. Lee also identifies railways and digital technology as sectors where the two countries can expand mutually beneficial engagement.
The partnership also forms part of South Korea’s broader engagement with Central Asia. The inaugural Korea-Central Asia Summit is scheduled to bring together the leaders of South Korea, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. The gathering provides a multilateral platform for discussions on economic cooperation and emerging strategic sectors across the region.
Rahmon says strengthening cooperation with South Korea remains a policy priority for Tajikistan and points to the longstanding friendship between the two countries. He also stresses the need to establish legal and institutional foundations that match the upgraded level of bilateral relations.
The Tajik president describes the latest dialogue as an opportunity to strengthen political trust and expand diplomatic engagement. For South Korea, the partnership with Tajikistan adds another dimension to its Central Asian strategy, particularly in areas linked to resources, infrastructure and digital transformation.
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The agreement signals a broader shift in bilateral ties from traditional diplomatic cooperation toward economic and technology-focused engagement, with both governments seeking stronger institutional mechanisms to support future collaboration.