Following the ceremony, the two leaders held talks in a restricted format and with their official delegations. Discussions focused on further developing the special strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea, expanding trade, economic, and investment ties, and deepening technological and industrial cooperation.
The talks identified priority areas for cooperation. During the current visit, a pipeline of prospective investment projects worth approximately $12 billion was prepared. A Strategic Partnership Program with the Export-Import Bank of Korea was also adopted.
Five priorities were identified for expanding the economic partnership: strengthening trade ties, increasing investment, developing cooperation in critical minerals, and advancing transport and infrastructure projects.
In technological cooperation, a proposal was put forward to establish an innovation and technology alliance combining advanced Korean technologies with Uzbekistan’s resource base and industrial potential. Its activities would focus on information technology and cybersecurity, as well as the introduction of high-tech and digital solutions in medicine, healthcare, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The talks also addressed the development of military and technical cooperation. Both sides expressed their readiness to expand interagency ties, organize joint activities, and train military specialists.
Agreements were also reached on further developing interregional ties. The leaders praised the results of the first Interregional Forum, held ahead of the visit. The next forum will take place in Samarkand.
Particular attention was paid to deepening cooperation in education and workforce development. Uzbekistan currently hosts four branches of South Korean universities, which train specialists in teaching, information technology, engineering, digital technologies, and other fields. Five vocational training centers established with KOICA’s support are also operating in the country. The importance of making greater use of the Rectors’ Forum of the two countries’ universities to exchange experience in specialist training was emphasized.
In cultural and people-to-people cooperation, the two sides agreed to designate 2027 as the Year of Culture and Mutual Exchanges and organize joint cultural and humanitarian events throughout the year. They highlighted the role of Uzbekistan’s large Korean diaspora in strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.
The need to step up contacts between parliaments, ministries and agencies, regional leaders, and business communities was also emphasized. Both sides reaffirmed the close alignment of their positions on regional and international issues.
The agreements envisage further expanding the special strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea in trade, investment, critical minerals, transport and infrastructure, advanced technologies, security, education, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
CERR Public Relations Sector
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