14.06.2024

Following the negotiations at the highest level held at the Kuksaroy residence the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol made statements to the representatives of the media.

The Leaders commended the fruitful results of the meetings, which were held in an open and friendly atmosphere, in a spirit of constructive and trusting dialogue.

The Head of our state noted that Korea, one of the most dynamic developing countries of the world, is a time-tested, special strategic partner of Uzbekistan.

It was emphasized that the real visit of the Korean Leader takes place in the year of the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 5th anniversary of the special strategic partnership between our states.

- Although Korea and Uzbekistan are a long way apart, our peoples have similar customs and values, mentalities and worldviews. As close friends, we sincerely rejoice and are proud of the great success achieved by the noble and generous Korean people, - said the Head of our State. 

The Republic of Korea is one of Uzbekistan’s major trade, investment and technology partners.

The total Korean investment in our country has exceeded US $7,5 billion. In recent years, trade has doubled to US $2,5 billion.

There are 726 enterprises with Korean capital. Joint projects are being implemented in industry, energy, automotive, chemical, mining, textile, food, IT and other important fields.

As the Leader of Uzbekistan noted, during the talks with the Korean counterpart, priorities for further deepening mutually beneficial cooperation were defined, new plans and benchmarks were identified.

Special attention was paid to the systemic nature of all mechanisms of interaction, the importance of increasing trade turnover, ensuring a balance of mutual trade.

In this context, the results of the meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation and the first meeting of the Strategic Dialogue of foreign policy agencies were stressed.

The Head of Uzbekistan noted with satisfaction that, together with the President of Korea, a representative delegation of business circles of that country arrived in our country.

Confidence was expressed that today’s business forum with the participation of more than 80 leading Korean companies and the prepared package of new projects worth US $9,6 billion will give a powerful impetus to trade and economic cooperation.

It was declared that it is necessary to form a new high-tech agenda of the Uzbek-Korean special strategic partnership for the coming years.

To this end, the Leaders agreed to prepare a Strategic Programme for the establishment of a regional high-tech hub in Uzbekistan.

The partnership in the field of critical mineral resources, semiconductors, chemistry, mechanical engineering, “smart” agriculture, infrastructure and urban development, “green” energy were defined as the “anchor” directions of the strategy.

The President of our state focused on some priority areas of partnership with Korean companies.

There are agreements on the production of ultrafine copper foil, ‘green” hydrogen, ammonia, agrochemical, semiconductor and electrotechnical products.

Uzbekistan is interested in expanding the model line and increasing the production of cars. Specific arrangements were made to transfer Korea’s “green” and ‘smart” agricultural technologies.

On the basis of public-private partnership, Korean companies will participate in the modernization of transport infrastructure.

The Heads of State stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between the regions of the two countries.

Special attention was paid to strengthening cooperation with traditional partners of Uzbekistan - Eximbank, EDCF and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The signing with EDCF of agreements totaling US $2 billion on financing of new socially significant projects in our country was noted with satisfaction.

Another striking example of a fruitful partnership with Korean development institutions was the launch of a modern multidisciplinary children’s clinic. The agreement was reached to accelerate new projects for the construction of a unique medical cluster with a joint university, an adult hospital and an oncological clinic.

The parties also agreed to increase cooperation in the fields of vocational education and labor migration, environment and climate change.

During the talks, the Leaders confirmed the convergence of positions on regional and international issues.

The Head of our State supported the proposal to hold the first "Central Asia-Korea" summit in Seoul next year and expressed support for President Yoon Seok Yeol’s firm steps to ensure peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

In the cultural and humanitarian dimension, the parties decided to declare 2025 the "Year of Exchanges between Uzbekistan and Korea", in the framework of which cultural weeks, youth, educational, linguistic and sports forums, art and craft exhibitions and tourist events will be held on a reciprocal basis.

In general, the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Korea agreed to launch a new model of partnership in modern conditions.

- "A new time of high-tech and innovative cooperation" begins in our relations.

I am convinced that the Joint Statement signed today on further deepening and comprehensive expansion of the special strategic partnership and about 20 other documents will contribute to these good aspirations, - said the Head of our State.

A comprehensive “road map” will be adopted to ensure the full and timely implementation of all agreements reached.

In addition, in order to support and accelerate joint plans, the Head of our State proposed to introduce a multi-level mechanism for monitoring and promoting projects.