Uzbek-Korean Partnership Grows with Focus on Trade, Tech, and Education

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of South Korea Lee Jae Myung have held high-level talks on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, reaffirming their countries’ commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership and expanding multilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral relations and identified new areas for collaboration across trade, investment, education, and industry, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Both sides welcomed the growing momentum in ties, noting increased diplomatic engagement and robust economic exchanges.

The officials noted that trade between the two nations continues rising, while direct investment by South Korean companies in Uzbekistan has exceeded $8 billion. The leaders praised the successful operations of four Korean university branches and multiple vocational training centers currently active in Uzbekistan, underscoring the importance of educational cooperation.

Longstanding partnerships with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea were also acknowledged, with ongoing development projects under these institutions valued at $3.5 billion.

Looking ahead, Presidents Mirziyoyev and Lee agreed to develop a new long-term program focused on technological and industrial cooperation. The initiative aims to support joint projects in key sectors such as critical raw materials processing, chemical production, mechanical engineering, agriculture, aviation, biotechnology, and transportation.

The upcoming session of the Intergovernmental Commission was highlighted as an important platform for shaping future joint efforts.

The two leaders also discussed regional cooperation frameworks, particularly within the Central Asia - Republic of Korea dialogue format, aimed at fostering greater integration and collaboration across the region.

At the conclusion of the talks, President Mirziyoyev extended a formal invitation to President Lee to undertake a state visit to Uzbekistan, signaling both countries’ interest in further consolidating their partnership.