Summit of the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Korea takes place
28/01/2021 18:10
Summit of the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Korea takes place
28/01/2021 18:10
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - Today, on 28 January, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in in the format of a video conference.
The agreement to hold this summit was reached during the last contacts between the two leaders in October last year.
The agenda of today’s talks includes topical issues of development and strengthening of the Uzbek-Korean bonds of centuries-old friendship and special strategic partnership.
Opening the event and warmly welcoming each other, the heads of state emphasized that this meeting is the first summit for both sides in the new year. This once again testifies to the highest level of bilateral cooperation achieved.
As noted, despite the consequences of the pandemic, multifaceted relations between Uzbekistan and Korea continued to develop dynamically. Last year, the leaders of the countries held two telephone conversations and jointly took part in the International Forum of Northern Economic Cooperation.
In difficult conditions, the implementation of large investment and trade projects was ensured, new objects of cooperation were launched. Among them, a modern children’s multidisciplinary medical center, unique in the region, created in Tashkent with the support and participation of South Korean partners.
The President of Uzbekistan highly appreciated the significant contribution of the Korean side to international efforts to combat the new coronavirus infection and expressed deep gratitude for the great practical support provided to our country in the prevention, effective treatment and rehabilitation of people who have suffered from this dangerous disease.
Speaking of bilateral relations, the leaders advocated further strengthening the special strategic partnership and expanding all-round cooperation.
Agreements were reached on the continuation of regular political consultations and the intensification of inter-parliamentary exchanges, the preparation of a program of bilateral events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.
The current and prospective programs of interaction in the field of higher, professional and preschool education, health care, digitalization and restoration of cultural heritage objects are considered.
The leaders noted with satisfaction the growing number of branches of the leading universities in South Korea and joint training centers in the regions of our country. Particular attention is paid to expanding the study of national languages in leading universities, as well as comprehensive support for the Korean diaspora.
In the economic sphere, the productive work established at the level of the governments and departments of Uzbekistan and Korea was noted. The Presidents instructed to continue these contacts in order to promote investment projects and promptly resolve emerging issues.
It was emphasized that this year, within the framework of ongoing projects with the participation of Korean partners, investments are expected to reach up to US$400 million. In addition, 55 new projects in high-tech industries are being prepared for over US$3.4 billion, including the energy sector, the oil and gas complex. , chemistry and petrochemistry, pharmaceuticals, processing industry, agriculture, infrastructure modernization, transport and logistics, tourism and many others.
A high assessment was given to the fruitful cooperation with the Economic Development and Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to promote bilateral priority programs.
The heads of state noted the importance of increasing the volume of mutual trade. In recent years, record trade turnover indicators have been achieved.
Particular attention is paid to the issues of leveling the imbalance and diversification of the nomenclature of export-import operations, the interaction of phytosanitary services to expand the supply of agricultural products.
To this end, the parties will begin negotiations to conclude a bilateral free trade agreement.
President Moon Jae-in reaffirmed that the Korean side will provide all-round support in the issue of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.
During the summit, an exchange of views on issues of the global and regional agenda took place.
The parties will continue to closely interact within the UN and other international structures, as well as within the framework of the "Republic of Korea - Central Asia" Cooperation Forum to promote programs in the areas of high technologies, "green" and digital economy.
The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan declared his continued support for Seoul’s efforts to peacefully resolve the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The parties’ initiatives to strengthen regional connectivity were highly appreciated.
The leaders dwelled on issues of cooperation in the environmental sphere, including support for the activities of the Multi-Partner Trust Fund for the Aral Sea region.
The schedule of upcoming events at the highest level was considered. President Moon Jae In confirmed the invitation to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to pay a visit to the Republic of Korea.
Following the summit, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of "digitalization" was signed in order to promote the "fourth industrial revolution", the Agreement for the implementation of a three-year program with the EDCF Foundation for the amount of US$1 billion, loan agreements for projects for the construction of a modern multidisciplinary clinic and a design institute - the Center for Chemical Technologies.
In addition, at the level of leading companies, agreements have been concluded on the modernization of important energy infrastructure facilities in our country.
In general, the leaders expressed deep satisfaction with the results of the summit, which was held in a traditionally open, warm, constructive and friendly atmosphere.
A mutual opinion was expressed that online negotiations became very timely and in terms of their effectiveness did not yield to the practice of face-to-face meetings.
The presidents once again reaffirmed their strong commitment to strengthen the bonds of friendship and full-scale partnership, to bring relations of mutually beneficial cooperation to a new qualitative stage in the interests of the two fraternal countries and peoples.
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