BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. Uzbekistan and
South Korea have prepared a portfolio of prospective projects worth
about $12 billion and agreed on an $8 billion strategic partnership
program with Korea’s Export-Import Bank.


This was reflected in the statement by the press service of the
Uzbek president, following talks between President Shavkat
Mirziyoyev and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Seoul, held
in both a limited format and with the participation of delegation
members.


According to the information, in the course of the meeting,
Korean President described Mirziyoyev’s visit as an important event
in the history of bilateral relations, which have traditionally
been built on friendship and mutual respect.


Mirziyoyev, in turn, described South Korea as a reliable friend
and one of Uzbekistan’s most important economic partners.


"The leaders welcomed growth in bilateral trade and investment
and highlighted the presence of more than 700 joint ventures with
Korean capital operating in Uzbekistan. Major Korean companies
active in the Uzbek market include Samsung, LG, Lotte, Young One,
BOMI and KIA," the press service said.


Total Korean investment in Uzbekistan’s economy has exceeded $8
billion, with major projects including KIA vehicle production in
Jizzakh region, the National Children’s Medical Center and the
Ustyurt Gas Chemical Complex at the Surgil field.


The leaders identified five priority areas for further economic
cooperation: expanding trade, increasing investment, developing
cooperation in critical minerals, and strengthening transport and
infrastructure ties.


"The numerous Korean diaspora is an integral part of the
multinational family of Uzbekistan and serves as a "spiritual
bridge" between our countries and peoples," the press service
noted.


The sides also agreed to build a stronger innovation and
technology alliance combining South Korea’s advanced technologies
with Uzbekistan’s industrial and resource potential.


The proposed alliance will focus on information technology,
cybersecurity, advanced and digital technologies in medicine and
health care, and pharmaceutical production.







Cooperation with the Korea International Cooperation Agency
(KOICA), Korea Eximbank and the Economic Development Cooperation
Fund (EDCF) is already supporting dozens of projects in health
care, industry, ICT, agriculture, water management, energy,
infrastructure and education.


The leaders also emphasized the importance of stronger contacts
between parliaments, government agencies, regional administrations
and business communities.


Education and workforce development featured prominently in the
talks. Four branches of South Korean universities currently operate
in Uzbekistan, training specialists in education, IT, engineering,
digital technologies and other priority fields. Five vocational
training centers established with KOICA assistance also provide
Uzbek youth with professional skills.


The sides highlighted the role of the University Presidents
Forum in exchanging experience on workforce training and agreed to
continue strengthening educational cooperation.


They also welcomed the first-ever Interregional Forum held ahead
of the presidential talks and agreed to hold its next edition in
Samarkand.


Cultural and humanitarian ties were another focus. Mirziyoyev
emphasized the role of Uzbekistan’s Korean diaspora as a “spiritual
bridge” between the two countries.


The sides agreed to designate 2027 as the Year of Culture and
Mutual Exchanges, with a program of joint cultural and humanitarian
events.


The leaders also noted the convergence of their positions on
issues on the regional and international agenda and reaffirmed
their commitment to maintaining close political dialogue.