Mirziyoyev: Uzbekistan and Korea Open a New Chapter in Strategic Partnership
World
Ahead of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to the Republic of Korea, leading South Korean publications published an article by the Uzbek leader titled “Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea: A Future-Oriented Partnership in an Era of Change.” The article outlines the historical foundations of bilateral ties, achievements to date and key priorities for their next stage of development.
The article describes Uzbek-Korean relations as a special strategic partnership built on a high level of trust, shared values and strong people-to-people ties. It also highlights South Korea’s transformation into a prosperous high-tech economy within one generation, noting that Seoul’s experience in modernization and innovation is particularly relevant to the development of New Uzbekistan.
Economic cooperation has expanded significantly in recent years. Bilateral trade has grown fivefold, Korean investment has exceeded $8 billion, and more than 700 joint enterprises and projects are operating in Uzbekistan. The portfolio of programmes with KOICA, the Korea Eximbank and EDCF exceeds $3.5 billion. Recent analytical materials also confirm the scale of Korean economic engagement, citing around 700 Korean-capital enterprises and more than $8 billion in accumulated investment.
The next stage of the partnership is expected to focus on advanced sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, electric vehicles, biopharmaceuticals, smart agriculture and smart cities.
“We can open a new page in our partnership — moving from successful cooperation in individual sectors to the formation of common production systems, technology platforms and new markets,” President Mirziyoyev said.
The article gives particular attention to the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit, scheduled to take place in Seoul on September 16. Uzbekistan plans to put forward initiatives aimed at deepening political dialogue, expanding practical cooperation and creating new effective mechanisms for engagement. Earlier official materials described the summit as the first meeting in this format at the level of heads of state.
According to the president, these proposals are intended to bring Central Asia–Korea cooperation to a qualitatively new level, making it more systematic, dynamic and focused on long-term regional priorities.
“I sincerely believe that Central Asia and the Republic of Korea can create a new space for cooperation — a space of peace, innovation, mutual trust and shared prosperity,” the article states.
Economic cooperation has expanded significantly in recent years. Bilateral trade has grown fivefold, Korean investment has exceeded $8 billion, and more than 700 joint enterprises and projects are operating in Uzbekistan. The portfolio of programmes with KOICA, the Korea Eximbank and EDCF exceeds $3.5 billion. Recent analytical materials also confirm the scale of Korean economic engagement, citing around 700 Korean-capital enterprises and more than $8 billion in accumulated investment.
The next stage of the partnership is expected to focus on advanced sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, electric vehicles, biopharmaceuticals, smart agriculture and smart cities.
“We can open a new page in our partnership — moving from successful cooperation in individual sectors to the formation of common production systems, technology platforms and new markets,” President Mirziyoyev said.
The article gives particular attention to the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit, scheduled to take place in Seoul on September 16. Uzbekistan plans to put forward initiatives aimed at deepening political dialogue, expanding practical cooperation and creating new effective mechanisms for engagement. Earlier official materials described the summit as the first meeting in this format at the level of heads of state.
According to the president, these proposals are intended to bring Central Asia–Korea cooperation to a qualitatively new level, making it more systematic, dynamic and focused on long-term regional priorities.
“I sincerely believe that Central Asia and the Republic of Korea can create a new space for cooperation — a space of peace, innovation, mutual trust and shared prosperity,” the article states.
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