President Moon Expects Swift Conclusion of Korea-Uzbek Trade Agreement (Comprehensive)

Meeting with the President of Uzbekistan... Cooperation in Energy, Resources, Infrastructure, and Health-Medical Sectors

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in held a summit meeting with President Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan at the Blue House on the 17th and stated, "The Korea-Uzbekistan trade agreement will serve as an important foundation for enhancing trade and investment between the two countries in the future, so we expect a swift conclusion of negotiations through close communication between the two countries," according to Blue House spokesperson Park Kyung-mi.

Spokesperson Park explained in a written briefing that "(President Moon) held a summit meeting with the President of Uzbekistan at the Blue House and exchanged broad opinions on cooperation in energy, resources, and infrastructure; health and medical cooperation; cultural and educational cooperation; international cooperation in the environmental sector; and enhancing cooperation for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the Central Asia region."

President Moon said, "I look forward to expanding cooperation in various energy fields such as renewable energy development, energy efficiency improvement, and modernization of aging power plants, and I hope to promote win-win cooperation by combining Uzbekistan's resources and Korea's technology based on the 'MOU on cooperation in rare metals and copper alloy production technology.'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Mirziyoyev said, "Korea is an important investor and technology cooperation partner, and the two countries share common ground in aspiring to be people-centered welfare states."

Spokesperson Park said, "President Mirziyoyev proposed the construction of a 'Koryo-saram History Museum' to mark the 85th anniversary of Koryo-saram settlement, and President Moon responded that it is a good idea and that they would review it together."

President Mirziyoyev suggested that future cooperation between Korea and Uzbekistan be reviewed focusing on the three pillars of Korea's New Deal: green growth, digital, and strengthening safety nets, and President Moon responded that it was a good proposal.

Additionally, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the possibility of jointly entering third countries by combining Uzbekistan's natural resources with Korea's technological capabilities.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon said, "Our government designated Uzbekistan as a priority health cooperation country last year, and various health and medical support and cooperation projects are underway. I hope these will provide practical help in strengthening Uzbekistan's health and medical capabilities."

President Mirziyoyev mentioned plans to establish a special committee within the Senate dedicated to cooperation with Korea and to appoint a deputy minister in the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade responsible for Korea. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki said that although a deputy minister position will not be newly created within the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, they will consider establishing a system to manage cooperation with Uzbekistan.

President Moon requested Uzbekistan's active interest and support for the 2030 Busan World Expo bid. President Mirziyoyev said he would definitely attend the 15th World Forestry Congress to be held in Korea next year.

President Moon said, "Let us harmoniously combine the 'New Uzbekistan' development strategy with Korea's New Deal policy and move forward together toward a better future." President Mirziyoyev said, "Since the 'New Uzbekistan' development strategy and Korea's New Deal policy have many points of contact, linkage is important, and we should pursue multifaceted cooperation."