The Presidents of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea reaffirmed their readiness to elevate the special strategic partnership to a new level

As part of his visit to Seoul, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae-myung—first in a restricted format and subsequently with the participation of official delegations, the press service of the head of our state reports.

Substantive discussions were held regarding the further development and deepening of the special strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and South Korea.

Warmly welcoming the Head of State, the President of the Republic of Korea described the visit as a significant milestone in the history of Uzbek-Korean relations, which have traditionally been built on principles of friendship and mutual respect.

In turn, the leader of Uzbekistan emphasized that, over the years, the Republic of Korea has become a reliable friend and one of the country’s most important economic partners.

In this context, the growth in trade turnover and investment figures was noted with satisfaction. More than 700 joint ventures involving Korean capital currently operate in Uzbekistan.

Dozens of projects are being implemented in cooperation with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank), and the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) across sectors such as healthcare, industry, ICT, agriculture and water management, energy, infrastructure, and education.

During the talks, the parties highlighted the need to intensify contacts between the two countries at the level of parliaments, ministries and agencies, regional administrations, and business communities.

The Head of State outlined five priority areas for further expanding economic cooperation with the Republic of Korea.

These include deepening trade ties, increasing investment, and developing cooperation in the fields of critical minerals, transport, and infrastructure.

As a result of the visit, the investment portfolio has reached a new scale: promising projects totaling approximately $12 billion have been prepared. A strategic partnership program with the Export-Import Bank of Korea has also been adopted. The parties paid special attention to forging a robust innovation and technology alliance based on advanced Korean technologies and the resource and industrial potential of the “New Uzbekistan.”

It was proposed that the alliance focus on areas such as information technology, cybersecurity, and high-tech and digital solutions in medicine, healthcare, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Readiness was expressed to develop military-technical cooperation, including expanding inter-agency contacts, organizing joint activities, and training military specialists.

High praise was given to the Interregional Forum—the first of its kind in the history of the partnership—held just prior to the visit. An agreement was reached to hold the next forum in Samarkand.

During the talks, the leaders of both countries placed special emphasis on deepening cooperation in education and workforce training.

It was noted with satisfaction that four branches of South Korean universities are operating in Uzbekistan, training highly qualified personnel in fields such as education, IT, engineering, digital technologies, and other areas vital to the modern economy.

Furthermore, five vocational training centers established with the assistance of KOICA are successfully operating in Uzbekistan, offering young people a wide range of opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills and realize their potential.

The important role of the Forum of University Rectors from both countries in sharing practical experience regarding workforce training was highlighted.

The parties noted the particular importance of cultural exchange in developing bilateral relations, as it fosters mutual understanding and strengthens the bonds of friendship between the peoples.

The Head of State emphasized that “the large Korean diaspora is an integral part of Uzbekistan’s multi-ethnic family and serves as a ‘spiritual bridge’ between our countries and peoples.” To further develop these special humanitarian ties, an agreement was reached to designate 2027 as the “Year of Culture and Mutual Exchanges,” featuring joint cultural and humanitarian events.

During the talks, the closeness of positions on the discussed issues of the regional and international agenda was also reaffirmed.