TASHKENT: President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol will pay a state visit to Uzbekistan on 13-15 June. Established on 29 January 1992, Uzbek-South Korean ties have become an example of successful cooperation between the two nations in various sectors. In more than thirty years of interaction, the ties have developed and strengthened, passing through several key milestones. In 2006, the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership was inked, and in 2019, the relationship was elevated to a special strategic partnership, experts said.
These phases echo deep historical relations and are characterized by highly dynamic mutual exchanges.
Experts said that inter-parliamentary relations are an important element of Uzbek-South Korean ties. The two sides actively interact within the framework of various global organizations and formats. Such cooperation permits the nations to coordinate efforts in addressing international and regional issues, strengthen their positions in the international arena and jointly promote initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable and stability development.
South Korea has supported and co-sponsored resolutions passed at the initiative of Uzbekistan by the UNGA: ‘Strengthening regional and global cooperation to ensure stability, peace, and sustainable development in the Central Asian region’ and ‘Education and religious tolerance’ (2018), ‘Sustainable tourism and sustainable development in Central Asia’ (2019), ‘On strengthening the role of parliaments in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals’ (2022).
South Korea also supported Uzbekistan’s candidacy to the UN Human Rights Council for 2021-2023, as well as Samarkand’s candidacy to host the 25th session of the UNWTO in 2023.
Economic co-operation between South Korea and Uzbekistan shows significant progress. In 2023, trade turnover between the two nations exceeded $2.3 billion, which shows a high level of mutual interest. Over 700 enterprises with South Korean capital are working in Uzbekistan. South Koreans also assisted in launching the National E-Commerce Platform in Uzbekistan.
Similarly, the volume of direct South Korean investments attracted into Uzbekistan’s economy exceeded $7.5 billion.
South Korea also provides financial and technical help to Uzbekistan. Thus, within the framework of cooperation with the Exim Bank of the Republic of Korea, around 17 projects worth $2.6 billion have been jointly implemented since 1999.
In December 2020, the Government of the Republic of Korea signed an administrative agreement on the contribution of financial help in the amount of 1 million dollars to the UN Multi-partner Trust Fund for the Aral Sea region.
Cultural and humanitarian co-operation between South Korea and Uzbekistan has deep roots, the similarity of traditions and culture of our people contribute to this in many ways.
Cooperation in education and science is also a key aspect of Uzbek-South Korean ties. Uzbekistan’s universities maintain cooperation with over 45 universities and scientific and educational organizations in South Korea. There are branches of four South Korean universities in Uzbekistan:
Scientific co-operation between South Korea and Uzbekistan is actively developing through joint research in areas such as biotechnology, medical sciences, nanotechnology, agriculture, and ecology. Research institutes and universities of both nations conduct joint projects and exchanges of scientists, which contributes to the development of scientific potential and innovation.
Active cultural exchanges between South Korea and Uzbekistan have been set up, contributing to the strengthening of friendly relations and mutual understanding between the people.
In recent years, South Korea has seen an increasing interest in Uzbekistan’s tourist destinations. In 2023, over 35 thousand tourists from South Korea visited Uzbekistan. Travel agencies also offer a variety of programs that include visits to cultural and historical attractions. Such initiatives stimulate mutual interest in the culture and history of the two nations, as well as strengthen friendly relations at the level of citizens.
The existence of direct air services between South Korea and Uzbekistan also plays a significant role in strengthening bilateral ties. Regular flights between the two sides make travelling more accessible and convenient, contributing to the increase of business and tourist flows.
Experts said that the two sides can cooperate in the green economy, digitalization and innovation in future.
Analysts said that the mutually beneficial Uzbek-South Korean ties since their establishment in 1992 have come a long way, becoming an example of a special strategic partnership. They were of the view that forthcoming visit of the South Korean leader to Uzbekistan will certainly broaden the horizons of cooperation and define new prospects for further deepening the partnership for the benefit of progress of the two nations and people.
