Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, South Korea has remained a stalwart partner of Uzbekistan and been rendering consistent support in implementing large-scale national projects in the country and modernization of its economy.
The intensity of close collaboration can be manifested by the fact that over the past 22 years there have been thirteen summit meetings between the leaders of the two countries. The last one took place on June 16-18, 2014 when President Park Geun-hye paid a State visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan.
"We consider the first State Visit by President Park Geun-hye to Uzbekistan as a vital political and symbolic event in the history of Uzbek-South Korean relations, as a firm aspiration of the two sides to continue with and expand the frameworks of the traditionally fruitful dialogue at the highest level, to give a new potent impetus to the consolidation of ties of friendship and strategic cooperation." – Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov said during the meeting with his Korean counterpart.
Today Korea is among the most important economic and investment partners of Uzbekistan. Over the past 10 years the trade turnover between the two countries has increased 4 fold while the total volume of the announced Korean investments into the economy of Uzbekistan exceeded $6 billion.
For the past few years the two countries have been actively implementing a number of strategic projects in various fields of Uzbekistan's economy through the introduction of Korean technological advancements. Among them is the construction of the Ustyurt Gas-Chemical Complex. This project worth $4 billion is carried out jointly with KOGAS, Lotte Chemical and STX Corporations. Its successful completion in 2015 will be another important landmark in bilateral investment cooperation.
Due to this special relationship with South Korea, the Government of Uzbekistan is strongly committed to working closely with Seoul in further advancing comprehensive cooperation. In particular, Tashkent fully supports President Park's "Eurasia Initiative". From Uzbekistan's perspective it opens a myriad of opportunities for countries of this macro-region to develop mutually beneficial collaboration and positively impacts on the revival of the Great Silk Road in today's environment. The Uzbek side shares the view of the Korean leader that "the creation of such a new Eurasia is not simply an ideal and a dream but a viable goal to achieve".
One of the important elements of this initiative is its cultural dimension. Uzbekistan's Government is taking concrete steps in the implementation of this aspect of the initiative. During President Park's visit to Uzbekistan the foreign ministers of the two countries signed a Memorandum of understanding on creation of the House of Korean Culture and Art in Uzbekistan. The main purposes of this House are the following:
- creation of favorable conditions for preserving cultural identity, traditions and art of Uzbekistan's Korean diaspora that has become an indispensable and active part of the Uzbek society and plays an important role in strengthening bilateral relations serving as a linking element between the friendly nations of the two countries;
- expansion of cultural-humanitarian cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Uzbekistan by holding various joint cultural events to introduce to each other their ancient history, magnificent culture and rich traditions;
- strengthening of traditional bonds of friendship, mutual respect, long-term cooperation and cultural enrichment of the people of the two countries.
The Korean Government has expressed strong interest in rendering necessary assistance in creating the House of Korean Culture and Art. The Uzbek side hopes that Korean companies and various other organizations will also make their own contribution to building this Center given its nature. The successful creation of the House would be among initial practical steps in gradual implementation of "Eurasian Initiative" and stimulate other countries of the Eurasian region to be more actively involved in the process of bringing to fruition of President Park's vision.