Interview with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzb…
Ambassador Vitali Fen conducted and interview about the 30th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence and 29 years of diplomatic ties between Korea and Uzbekistan.
Ambassador Fen began the interview, saying, “Korea recognized Uzbekistan’s independence for the first time and established diplomatic relations between the two countries on January 29, 1992. Since then, active economic cooperation and friendly cooperation have been taking place between the two countries.”
“President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made his first state visit to the Republic of Korea on November 22~24, 2017 at the invitation of President Moon Jae-in, and on April 18~21, 2019, President Moon Jae-in visited Uzbekistan, and based on cooperation and efforts in various fields, the two countries have now developed into a special strategic partnership.
Despite the global pandemic, active dialogue between the two countries in various fields is proceeding at the highest level in the first half of 2021, and the major event in bilateral relations was the first online summit between the presidents on January 28, this year. Through this summit, we were able to comprehensively analyze the current status of the main agenda and suggest a developmental direction to further deepen our relationships. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed special gratitude to President Moon Jae-in for the practical support of Uzbekistan in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of those infected with the coronavirus and as result of the summit, various levels of agreements have been signed such as the ‘4th Industrial Revolution’, an agreement with the EDCF on the implementation of a three-year program worth 1 billion dollars, construction of a health care and chemical technology center and various agreements on the modernization of energy infrastructure facilities.
Also, on May 30, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the 2nd
International Summit ‘Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030’(P4G)
held in Seoul via videoconference at the invitation of President Moon Jae-in.
Despite the continued global pandemic, cooperation in the cultural field is developing very actively as it is an important component of promoting friendship between the two countries. And in the past few years, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, representatives of ministries of our government have regularly participated in various events held in Korea, especially in 2019, they have actively participated in events such as the Samarkand Shark Taronalari International Music Festival and the Kokand Hunarman International Folk Art Festival. By this, many things are happening in cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries. In addition, I would like to mention that the work of erecting a statue commemorating the great Uzbek educator and poet Alisher Navoi, which will be located in the central area of Seocho-gu, Seoul, is currently underway.
When talking about the relationship between Korea and Uzbekistan, we cannot leave out the ethnic Koreans living in Uzbekistan. 180,000 ethnic Korean reside in Uzbekistan and have developed into important members for the country. The government of Uzbekistan has provided all the conditions necessary to pay constant attention to them, respect the culture, learn their mother tongue and preserve customs. At the inaugural general meeting of ethnic Koreans in January 1991, a group of prominent Korean diaspora representatives proposed the establishment of the first Korean public organization. Later, according to the decision made at the meeting, the main provisions of the association were arranged and the plans and goals of the future organization were set, and it has been actively operated so far to play a major role in friendly relations and economic development between the two counties.
As such, Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea have developed into closer relationships during the 29th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and have no doubt that it will continue to make endless progress in the future.
I would like to take this opportunity today to once again congratulate the 30th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence and the 29th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and wish health, longevity, prosperity, peace and tranquility to all families in this glorious moment.”
Thank you
Sincerely
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to the Republic of Korea Vitaly Fen
