On June 13, KAIS International School convened the Conference on the Eurasian Initiative of the Republic of Korea, which showed an unprecedented level of discussion on Eurasian projects that, among other things, could engage North Korea. However, proponents of this policy line demonstrate a lack of understanding of the North Korean factor.

Russian experts were both amazed and pleased when South Korean President Park Geun-hye stressed her “Eurasian Initiative” in October 2013, calling for linking energy and logistics infrastructure across the continent. The wording resonates with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ideas about Russia’s Eurasian role (he recently initiated the signing of an agreement on a Eurasian economic union in Astana) – which is very meaningful following the deterioration of Russia’s relations with the West due to the Ukrainian crisis.