Yoon arrives in Kazakhstan for state visit

By Kim Eun-jung

ASTANA, June 11 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived in Astana on Tuesday for a three-day state visit aimed at bolstering economic ties and cooperation in supply chains for critical minerals with Kazakhstan.

Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee flew in from Turkmenistan on the second leg of his Central Asia trip.

Later in the day, Yoon will meet with ethnic Koreans and overseas residents in Kazakhstan and attend a dinner with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

On Wednesday, the two leaders will hold a summit, sign a memorandum of understanding to deepen their strategic partnership and issue a joint press statement.

In an interview published in Kazakh newspapers, Yoon said the talks will focus on ways to bolster cooperation in the economy, technology, environment, agriculture and other areas.

Cooperation on the supply chain of critical minerals is expected to top the agenda as Kazakhstan is a major oil producer and holds large reserves of key minerals, such as uranium and chromium.

Yoon will depart for Uzbekistan on Thursday, the final leg of his three-nation Central Asia trip aimed at enhancing engagement and economic ties with the resource-rich nations.

ejkim@yna.co.kr
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