The first summit between the Republic of Korea and Central Asian states is set for Sept. 16–17, 2026, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Thursday.

Leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will attend, Yonhap reported.

Cho said the meeting will expand South Korea’s diplomatic reach and strengthen ties with Central Asian countries.

He added the summit will deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation and lay the groundwork for collaboration in supply chain diversification and support for Korean ethnic communities in the region.