South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol embarked on a week-long trip to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on Monday, aiming to expand cooperation in critical minerals and other key sectors. Accompanied by first lady Kim Keon-hee and a 60-company business delegation, Yoon will hold summits with the presidents of each nation and attend memorandum of understanding signing ceremonies and business forums.

Yoon seeks to create new opportunities for South Korean companies in the energy, minerals, infrastructure, climate change response and technology sectors during the trip. Yoon plans to launch the “K-Silk Road” initiative, linking South Korea’s innovation with Central Asia’s resources and development potential. The government also intends to establish a summit involving the leaders of South Korea and all five Central Asian countries, with the inaugural meeting planned for next year.