On Sunday, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo met with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Baxtiyor Saidov to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in energy, minerals, defense, and other economic and industrial fields, according to Han’s office.
Han expressed his desire to cultivate a beneficial and forward-thinking relationship between the two countries, which have been linked diplomatically for three decades. He specifically mentioned the need for increased collaboration in energy, infrastructure, minerals supply chains, medical services, national defense, and the arms industry, among other areas, through high-level communication and exchanges.
The Prime Minister also asked for Uzbekistan’s support for South Korean companies that are looking to participate in major projects in the Central Asian nation. Saidov conveyed Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s special attention to the bilateral relationship and assured that the Uzbek government will continue to work closely with South Korean businesses.
Saidov further stated that Uzbekistan will be sending an economic delegation to South Korea for a business forum this week, which is anticipated to promote their economic and industrial ties. In 2022, bilateral trade was reported to be worth US$2.21 billion, a significant increase from the $3 million recorded in 1992.