Minister Kang Kyung-wha Meets with Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister... First Visit to Korea by Foreign Dignitary Since COVID-19

Minister Kang: "This Visit to Korea Is Very Special Amid the COVID-19 Situation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a meeting with Sardor Umurzakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Investment and Foreign Cooperation of Uzbekistan, and shared opinions on the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and the cooperative experiences between the two countries.

On the afternoon of the 6th, Minister Kang met with Deputy Prime Minister Umurzakov at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Doryeom-dong, Seoul. Since the global spread of COVID-19, this is the first time a major foreign official has visited Korea in person for a face-to-face meeting.

Minister Kang said, "I am pleased to welcome a visitor after a long time." Deputy Prime Minister Umurzakov also remarked, "This is the first case from Uzbekistan as well," adding, "I think the visit to Korea is very symbolic."

Minister Kang further evaluated that the visit of a major official during the COVID-19 situation is very meaningful. He emphasized, "The two countries have created a very special partnership, and this visit during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the relationship between the two nations," adding, "I hope to strengthen cooperation further in the health sector."

Deputy Prime Minister Umurzakov is scheduled to stay in Korea for three days and meet with Minister Sung Yun-mo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, among others.

Earlier, Korea and Uzbekistan held the 4th Working Group practical meeting in Seoul. The meeting, held at the Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul, was attended by Park Ki-young, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, and Rajiz Shafkatovich Kudrapot, Deputy Minister of Investment and Trade. The delegations from both Korea and Uzbekistan, totaling about 30 members, discussed issues including trade agreements between the two countries, support for World Trade Organization (WTO) accession, industrial cooperation, and healthcare.