Aliya Mustafina, Director of the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Han Seong-won, Director-General of the Presidential Archives of the Republic of Korea, signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The document is the result of negotiations that began at the 3rd Congress of Archivists in Astana.

The Memorandum opens up opportunities for archivists and researchers from both countries to exchange experience, undertake joint research projects and publications, participate in professional events, and provide training for specialists.

Of particular interest to both sides is work with records related to the activities of heads of state and the formation of personal archives. Such materials are of particular historical value, as they provide an opportunity to study state decision-making processes, political history, and the role of individuals at key stages in a country’s development. The results of this work are expected to be presented through professional publications and exhibition projects on topics agreed upon by the two sides.

Active development of contacts between the two archives began during preparations for the III Congress of Archivists, which was held in Astana from 8 to 12 June 2026.

At the invitation of the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of the Presidential Archives of the Republic of Korea took part in the Congress. Kim Young-hee, Deputy Director of the Administrative Planning Department, and Imjeong Ko, Archivist of the Archival Services Department, participated in the event’s programme. In particular, Imjeong Ko spoke at the plenary session “Digital Archive: A Paradigm Shift”, presenting on the current state and challenges of acquiring records of presidential personal archives.

It was during the Congress that the Korean side expressed its interest in establishing direct cooperation with the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and initiated the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding. Subsequent negotiations helped define the main areas of future cooperation and move from professional dialogue towards institutional partnership.

It is worth noting that on 14 September, as part of the official visit of the Head of State to the Republic of Korea, the delegation of the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan also signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the National Archives of Korea. This year marks the 10th anniversary of cooperation between Kazakhstani and Korean archives. Over this period, cooperation has covered a wide range of areas, from professional training and exchange of experience to participation in international events and the development of research ties. The signing of a new document with the Presidential Archives of the Republic of Korea further expands this cooperation and establishes another important area of Kazakhstan-Korea archival partnership.