Held under the theme of “Charting a New Course : The Northern Sea Route and the Future of Korea-Russia Cooperation,” the seminar brought together experts from both countries to discuss the reconfiguration of the international order and changing geopolitical environment following the launch of the Trump administration’s second term, as well as the strategic emergence of the Arctic Sea Route. The event sought to identify a shared future vision and explore new cooperative agendas between Korea and Russia.

The opening remarks were delivered by President Siwook Lee of KIEP, who emphasized that as Korea and Russia mark the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, the two countries should capitalize on their mutual potential and strengths to advance toward a more stable and sustainable partnership. President Lee proposed building a foundation for substantive cooperation not only in the maritime, logistics, and energy sectors centered around the emerging Arctic Sea Route, but also in the areas of supply chain stability, energy transition, and digital innovation.

In his congratulatory remarks, former Minister of Unification In-young Lee stressed the importance of wisdom and collaboration between Korea and Russia amid the rapid restructuring of the global order and growing uncertainty surrounding supply chains and energy security. He expressed his hope that this Strategic Dialogue would serve as a meaningful platform to restore trust, bridge differences, and open a new chapter for peace on the Korean Peninsula and shared prosperity across Eurasia.

The Dialogue featured a total of three open and closed roundtable sessions, focusing on topics such as:

· Russia’s Arctic Sea Route development strategy and Korea-Russia cooperation

· Comprehensive assessment and policy tasks for bilateral cooperation

· Policy recommendations for joint prosperity and future collaboration

Experts from both countries, including Dr. Ivan Danilin and Dr. Sergey Kislitsyn, Deputy Directors of IMEMO, actively engaged in presentations and in-depth discussions.

The seminar is hoped to serve as a valuable opportunity to explore new possibilities for bilateral relations at the non-governmental level and to open new horizons for Korea-Russia cooperation based on mutual understanding, trust, and a shared vision for the future.

- Title: KIEP Korea-Russia Strategic Dialogue 2025

- Topic: Charting a New Course : The Northern Sea Route and the Future of Korea-Russia Cooperation

- Date & Time: Wednesday–Thursday, October 22–23, 2025, 09:00–18:00

- Venue: L7 Haeundae by Lotte, Busan

- Host: Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP)

- Contact: Boogyun Kang, Senior Researcher, Russia and Eurasia Team (bgkang@kiep.go.kr)