President Lee: Uzbekistan Is a 'Precious Friend' Leading Leap Toward Shared Prosperity and Peace

▲ President Lee Jae-myung speaks during an expanded summit with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held at the Blue House on the 14th.

President Lee Jae-myung held a summit at the Blue House with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is visiting South Korea on a state visit on the occasion of the South Korea-Central Asia Summit.

During the meeting, President Lee emphasized, "Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1992, our two countries have built a very solid cooperative relationship," adding, "As our only Special Strategic Partner in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is an invaluable friend and core partner to the Republic of Korea."

He continued, "Based on the deep friendship and trust accumulated between our two nations, I hope we can take a leap forward together toward shared prosperity and peace."

Specifically, he explained, "From transportation infrastructure, healthcare, and climate crisis response to critical mineral supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI), digital sectors, and the defense industry, we will be able to broaden the horizons of mutually beneficial cooperation and drive engines for future growth together."

President Lee noted, "In particular, Uzbekistan is a very special country to our people, where some 200,000 ethnic Koreans have carved out their livelihoods," and added, "The people of Korea will always remain grateful to the people of Uzbekistan who warmly embraced our compatriots during difficult times."

He further stressed, "At a time when uncertainties in the international landscape are growing, the role of our two nations, which share friendship and trust, has become even more important," adding, "Our bilateral cooperation will also serve as a great source of strength for peace and stability on the Eurasian continent and the Korean Peninsula."

He also added, "I thank Uzbekistan for its steadfast support for peace on the Korean Peninsula. I look forward to continuing to build the path toward sustainable peace together in the future."

President Mirziyoyev responded, "South Korea is a brilliant community that has achieved an economic miracle in a short period," and stated, "Uzbekistan holds a special affection for South Korea."

Looking back, he noted, "A 10th-century mural depicting the ruler of Samarkand welcoming an envoy from Goguryeo supports the fact that the history of our two countries is rooted in the Silk Road era," adding, "Even after the establishment of diplomatic relations, South Korea has remained a true friend and reliable partner."

Evaluating President Lee as "a leader equipped with extensive experience and a pragmatic vision," he stated, "We are closely following President Lee's policy direction to develop South Korea into a hub leading the trend of the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

President Mirziyoyev explained, "More than 700 South Korean companies are operating in Uzbekistan in joint ventures, and South Korea's investment scale continues to expand," adding, "South Korea's experience and technology are being widely shared across all industries, including e-government, education, IT, agriculture, and healthcare."

Finally, he said, "Uzbekistan will continue to steadfastly support the South Korean government's efforts to consolidate peace and security on the Korean Peninsula," and concluded, "Our two countries have maintained friendly relations unshaken by political fluctuations. I hope this visit will breathe new vitality into our relationship."

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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