On 17 December, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation led by Woo Won-shik, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, who arrived in Uzbekistan to participate in the third meeting of the heads of parliaments of the Republic of Korea and Central Asian states.

At the start of the meeting, Speaker Woo conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to President Mirziyoyev from President Lee Jae-myung of the Republic of Korea.

The talks focused on further strengthening the special strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and South Korea, including through the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation.

Both sides noted with satisfaction the growing momentum in political and inter-parliamentary ties. Trade turnover continues to increase, along with the volume of South Korean investment, primarily directed toward modernizing the economy and developing high-technology industrial sectors.

Humanitarian and educational exchanges are also expanding. Four branches of leading South Korean universities, as well as vocational education centers operating in Uzbekistan’s regions, are functioning successfully.

The sides expressed support for implementing joint projects in infrastructure development, transport and logistics, the processing of rare metals and critically important raw materials, as well as the digitalization of lawmaking activities and the introduction of advanced governance solutions. 

The importance of developing a program for inter-parliamentary cooperation and intensifying the work of parliamentary friendship groups was emphasized.

The meeting also highlighted the need to carefully prepare the agenda for upcoming high-level events, including those to be held within the framework of the Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit.