“Warmly embrace our fellow Koreans… Cooperation between the two countries is a great strength for Eurasia and the Korean Peninsula.”
Mirziyoyev: “Korea has achieved a brilliant economic miracle… We support peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula”
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Lim Hyeong-seop = On the 14th, President Lee Jae-myung held a summit meeting at the Blue House with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who was visiting Korea on the occasion of the Korea-Central Asia Summit.
At the meeting, President Lee emphasized, "Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, the two countries have built a very solid cooperative relationship. As the only special strategic partnership in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is an invaluable friend and key partner of the Republic of Korea."
He continued, “I hope that we can take a leap together toward common prosperity and peace based on the deep friendship and trust built between our two countries.”
Specifically, he explained, "From transportation infrastructure, health care, and climate crisis response to key mineral supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI), digital, and the defense industry, we will be able to expand the horizon of mutually beneficial cooperation and together lead the driving force for future growth."
President Lee said, "Uzbekistan in particular is a very special country to our people, where up to 200,000 Korean compatriots have built a home for themselves," and added, "Our people always remain grateful to the people of Uzbekistan who warmly embraced our compatriots during difficult times."
He emphasized, "Nowadays, as the uncertainty of the international situation increases, the role of the two countries sharing friendship and trust has become more important. Cooperation between the two countries will also be a great help in peace and stability in Eurasia and the Korean Peninsula."
He added, "We are grateful for the unwavering support Uzbekistan has shown for peace on the Korean Peninsula. We look forward to working together to create a path to sustainable peace in the future."
President Mirziyoyev responded by saying, “Korea is a shining community that has achieved an economic miracle in a short period of time,” and added, “Uzbekistan has a special affection for Korea.”
He said, “The 10th-century mural showing the monarch of Samarkand welcoming an envoy from Goguryeo supports the fact that the history of both countries is rooted in the Silk Road era,” and added, “Even after the establishment of diplomatic ties, Korea became a true friend and trustworthy partner.”
He also evaluated President Lee as "a leader with experience and practical insight" and said, "We are watching President Lee's policy stance to develop Korea into a hub leading the trend of the Fourth Industrial Revolution."
President Mirziyoyev explained, "More than 700 Korean companies have entered Uzbekistan in the form of joint ventures, and the scale of Korea's investment continues to expand." He added, "Korea's experience and technology are being widely shared across industries such as e-government, education, IT, agriculture, and health care."
Lastly, he said, "Uzbekistan will continue to support the Korean government's efforts to solidify peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. The two countries have maintained friendly relations without wavering despite political ups and downs. We hope that this visit will inject new vitality into the relationship."
