(Unofficial Translation)

Your Excellency President Mirziyoyev – who seems almost like a brother – I welcome you and the Uzbek delegation to Seoul.

My first summit of this year started via a videoconference in January, and the last one this year is a face-to-face meeting with you. It is very meaningful to begin and end this year’s summit diplomacy with you. 

I’d like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your landslide reelection in October. I believe the election showed the people of Uzbekistan’s high evaluation of and support for the accomplishments of the economic reforms and open-door policy during your first term. I am confident that your vision of a new Uzbekistan will lead your country to a greater leap forward.  

Our two countries have established a special strategic partnership. We are pushing a variety of projects involving agricultural machinery and energy as well as the construction of power and other plants. Around 910 Korean businesses – including those in automotive parts, electronics, communications and finance – are operating in Uzbekistan. Also underway are the negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement to expand exchanges and investments.  

On the occasion of your visit to Korea, we will sign a number of important agreements and MOUs. Cooperation on healthcare will be strengthened, and collaboration on energy and rare metals will be reinforced. Along with our response to climate change, we will firmly join hands in such future growth areas as smart cities and farms, ICT and electric vehicles.


The coming January marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries. I hope that we jointly usher in another 30 years of shared prosperity. 

Thank you.