14 Jun 2024 16:06

Uzbekistan, S. Korea intend to jointly promote high-tech projects

TASHKENT. June 14 (Interfax) - Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk-yeol agreed during narrow-format talks to more effectively utilize the potential of bilateral relations in promoting major high-tech projects, the Uzbek presidential press service said on Friday.

"The parties reached an agreement to build a new partnership pattern to better utilize potential [and] identify and promote major high-tech cooperation projects," the press service said.

The meeting focused on the further expansion of practical cooperation in political, trade and economic, technological and other priority areas, it said.

South Korea is among Uzbekistan's leading trade and investment partners, Mirziyoyev said. Bilateral trade reached $2.5 billion last year, while South Korean investment exceeded $7.5 billion.

The parties also praised the development of cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Four branches of leading South Korean universities are successfully operating in the country. In turn, over 11,000 Uzbek students are studying in South Korea.

"The parties also exchanged views on regional cooperation, including in the Central Asia - Republic of Korea format," it said.

They focused on establishing contacts in the field of security and defense, in particular in efforts to counter cybercrime, terrorism and extremism, the press service added.

Yoon Suk-yeol, who arrived in Tashkent the previous day, is on a state visit to Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek and South Korean leaders will take part in a joint business forum as part of the visit's business program.

Yoon Suk-yeol will also go on a trip to Samarkand.