S. Korean president begins visit to Kazakhstan

S. Korean president begins visit to Kazakhstan
By Byun Duk-kun
ASTANA, May 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak began his
three-day state visit to Kazakhstan Tuesday with a private dinner meeting with
his Kazakh counterpart to discuss ways to increase cooperation between their
countries and fight the global financial crisis.
Lee arrived here earlier in the day from Uzbekistan, the first leg of his
two-nation Central Asian trip.
The private meeting between Lee and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev came at
the latter's request, according to South Korean officials accompanying their
president.
Lee's visit here largely aims to improve ties with the Central Asian nation and
also win support for Seoul's energy security.
"The Kazakhs said they wish to hear Korea's own experience in overcoming economic
crises in addition to discussing ways to increase their energy cooperation," Lee
Sang-hui, a spokesman for the South Korean presidential office, told reporters.
Lee and Nazarbayev were scheduled to enjoy a sauna together at the latter's
invitation, South Korean officials said.
The two will hold an official summit Wednesday, following a welcome reception for
Lee at the Ak Orda presidential palace, they said.
The agenda for the summit will likely include energy and economic cooperation
between the two countries, as well as Seoul's assistance to Kazakhstan.
Seoul is seeking to significantly improve its relations with other Asian nations
through a diplomatic campaign called the "New Asia Initiative," in which the
South Korean government aims to actively promote the diplomatic and economic
interests of Asia in the international community.
"President Lee's trip will help establish a strong friendship based on trust
between leaders of key friendly nations in the Central Asian region, as well as a
foundation for mutually beneficial relations by strengthening cooperation in
energy and natural resource development, construction, infrastructure and IT
industries," an official said.
Lee will also hold talks with Korean residents during his three-day stay in
Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, before heading home Thursday.
bdk@yna.co.kr