Uzbekistan, a key and strategic partner of the Republic of Korea in Central Asia, holds immense potential for both nations. This was underscored by the members of the Korean delegation who arrived in the country, expressing their optimism for the future of this partnership.
Both countries are making significant strides in various sectors. Notably, the Republic of Korea stands as one of Uzbekistan’s key trade and investment partners. The trade turnover in the previous year alone reached a substantial $2.5 billion, with Korean investments surpassing an impressive $7.5 billion.
At the same time, the policy of openness implemented in Uzbekistan, the improvement of the investment environment, and the rule of law have opened a new page in relations with this country.
Following the highly successful talks, the heads of state have set a clear path for the future. They have instructed the delegates to adopt action plans with specific deadlines and implementation mechanisms for each area, ensuring a structured and effective approach. A Joint Statement on further deepening and comprehensive expansion of a separate strategic partnership was signed, marking a significant milestone in our relationship.
The successful adoption of a substantial package of bilateral documents paves the way for even more dynamic collaboration in the future.
Representatives of the Korean delegation shared their opinions on the agreements reached and plans for the future.
Choi Sang-mok, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Minister of Economy and Finance:
– Now is a significant period for taking relations between Uzbekistan and Korea to a new level. Therefore, I believe that the state visit of our President to your country will significantly improve cooperation.
These negotiations have laid a solid foundation for not just strengthening economic ties, but also for achieving high results in education and culture. Such visits are not just about the present, but also about paving the way for a future of enhanced unity and new opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration.
Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea:
– Relations between Korea and Uzbekistan are of unique and strategic importance. I believe that after the visit of President Yoon Suk Yeol, bilateral relations will rise to a new level. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I can say that in recent years, external relations between our countries have strengthened even more.
The Leader of our state fully supports President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiatives. Our friendship is at a high level at present. We welcome any noble aspiration that serves the interests of our people.
Ahn Duk-geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea:
– We signed four cooperation agreements in the areas of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization, as well as economy and mineral resources. Uzbekistan is a vital partner for us in Central Asia.
Your country has a high potential for ecosystem development and industrial growth. The summit is an excellent opportunity to develop industrial cooperation.
The reforms and initiatives promoted by your President are extremely important. I am confident that these are the most correct decisions for the economic development of Uzbekistan. These initiatives will be an important step towards your country’s economic growth.
Kim Seung-ho, Minister of Personnel Management of the Republic of Korea:
– Another memorandum signed between the parties will undoubtedly become a legal basis for strengthening relations and establishing broader cooperation in human resource management. Currently, our countries have well-established interactions in human resource management. There is no doubt that after the meeting, these relations will rise to a new level.
It should also be noted that the work carried out in this direction is fully supported by each other, but there are also aspects that the parties need to adopt from each other. We came to Uzbekistan with great hopes and are confident that all agreements will be mutually beneficial.
Yoon Hee-sung, President of the Export-Import Bank of Korea:
– An agreement was signed between Uzbekistan and Hyundai Rotem on the purchase and supply of high-speed electric trains. We also agreed to supply scientific, information, and communication equipment for secondary schools and the automotive industry.
We hope that all the signed documents will strengthen relations between the two countries. These agreements aim to intensify trade between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea.
The loans allocated for these purposes are sent to banks in your country specifically to import Korean products. At the same time, the purchase of cars and spare parts is envisaged. I am confident that thanks to this cooperation, trade between the regions will be simplified, and all necessary products will be delivered to Uzbekistan promptly.
Interviewed by Bekhruz Khudoyberdiyev, UzA