Yoon: "Uzbekistan is a Brother Nation... Strengthening Cooperation in Advanced Science and Technology R&D"

National News Agency and Written Interview
"We Will Build the Advanced Science and Technology Silk Road Together"

President Yoon Suk-yeol, on a state visit to Turkmenistan, is speaking at the expanded Korea-Turkmenistan talks with Serdar Berdimuhamedow, President of Turkmenistan, held at the Presidential Palace in Ashgabat on the afternoon of the 10th (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is on a tour of three Central Asian countries, stated on the 13th (local time) that he will "develop the relationship with Uzbekistan, the only 'special strategic partner' and key ally in Central Asia, into a more mutually beneficial and future-oriented cooperative relationship."

In a written interview with Uzbekistan's state news agency 'Dunyo' on the same day, President Yoon said, "Amid the global complex crisis, this is an opportunity to further diversify and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries."

Expressing closeness by referring to Uzbekistan as a 'brotherly nation,' President Yoon identified energy, infrastructure, critical minerals, supply chains, health and medical care, science and technology, and climate change and environment as areas of cooperation. He emphasized, "We will strengthen R&D cooperation and human exchanges in advanced science and technology such as information and communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors with Uzbekistan," adding, "We hope to jointly build a Central Asian advanced science and technology hub and create a 21st-century advanced science and technology Silk Road that will lead the brilliant scientific and technological development of humanity."

Regarding the 'K-Central Asia K Silk Road Cooperation Initiative,' President Yoon explained, "It presents a new blueprint for cooperation that responds to the rapidly changing international order based on over 30 years of Korea-Central Asia cooperation," and said, "We will closely consult and cooperate with the five Central Asian countries during the implementation of this strategy."

President Yoon evaluated Uzbekistan by saying, "Uzbekistan is revitalizing its economy with main goals such as joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), economic liberalization, and attracting foreign companies, while also promoting comprehensive reforms across society, including eradicating corruption and establishing the rule of law." He added, "The Republic of Korea supports Uzbekistan's reform efforts with immense development potential and will closely cooperate as a 'special strategic partner' in Uzbekistan's social, economic, and democratic development process."

Since establishing diplomatic relations with Uzbekistan in 1992, Korea has expanded the spectrum of economic cooperation to include automobiles, energy, home appliances, textiles, finance, and telecommunications. In 2019, the bilateral relationship was elevated to a 'special strategic partnership,' the only one in Central Asia, and trade between the two countries reached a record high of $2.46 billion last year, further developing a mutually beneficial relationship.

President Yoon said, "Although the world is facing a global complex crisis, this is rather an opportunity to further diversify and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries, including in critical minerals and supply chain cooperation," and added, "I hope that concrete results will emerge between the governments and companies of both countries during this tour."

Furthermore, President Yoon mentioned that although Korea and Uzbekistan are far apart, they have been friend countries sharing advanced science and technology for a long time. He explained, "The astronomical tables created at the Ulugh Beg Observatory in Samarkand, the center of the medieval Silk Road, were transmitted to the Korean Peninsula and formed the basis for Korea's unique calendar in the 15th century."

Regarding the Koryo-saram community, he said, "The Koryo-saram, who are active throughout Uzbek society, are expected to become proactive agents for a higher level of bilateral cooperation based on a deep understanding of both countries," and added, "Our government also plans to expand interest and support for the Koryo-saram to promote the development of bilateral relations."