Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held summit talks with his Uzbek counterpart, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, expressing hope for a deeper strategic partnership between the two nations aimed at mutual prosperity. The discussions took place ahead of the inaugural South Korea-Central Asia Summit, which will bring together leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan to explore avenues for cooperation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Mirziyoyev was the first leader from the region to engage in bilateral talks with Lee prior to the multilateral summit. President Lee emphasized the robust cooperative ties established since 1992 between South Korea and Uzbekistan, highlighting the latter as the only Central Asian nation with which Seoul has a special strategic partnership. He underscored Uzbekistan as a "precious friend and a key partner" to South Korea.
Lee expressed a desire for the two countries to further develop their special strategic partnership based on their deep friendship and trust. He identified various fields, including traffic, infrastructure, healthcare, critical mineral supply chains, artificial intelligence, and the defense industry, as potential areas for expanded cooperation. Lee noted the important roles both countries could play in addressing global security uncertainties, stating that bilateral cooperation would contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
President Mirziyoyev expressed Uzbekistan's special affection for South Korea, emphasizing the shared sentiments and traditions between their peoples. He noted the common challenges and priorities, particularly public well-being, which bind the two nations together. Mirziyoyev also affirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to supporting Seoul's efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.
Highlighting the enduring nature of their ties, Mirziyoyev remarked on the thriving bilateral partnership in economic and international arenas. He expressed hope that his visit to South Korea would inject new momentum into their special strategic partnership, reinforcing the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.