Uzbekistan and South Korea called for more educational and local exchanges on Wednesday, highlighting the role of students and communities in Uzbek-Korean ties.
Speaking at a reception marking Uzbekistan’s Independence Day in Seoul, Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Abdusalomov said more than 107,000 Uzbek citizens live and work in South Korea, including 22,000 students.
“At the end of the day, our partnership is really about people,” he said, describing Uzbek students as a “living bridge connecting our two societies.”
Abdusalomov called for more university exchanges, joint research and professional training, particularly in health care, artificial intelligence and digital technology. Such exchanges could give students and young professionals more opportunities to study in Korea, gain practical experience and build professional networks.
The countries’ first regional cooperation forum, held in Seoul, also established direct contacts between local governments and businesses, he said.
Historical ties provide another connection. Uzbekistan is home to about 180,000 ethnic Koreans, known as Goryeo-in. Next year marks the 90th anniversary of their resettlement in the country.
Abdusalomov said the anniversary would recall the hardships experienced by those who resettled and the support that helped them establish new lives.
South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae noted that next year would also mark 35 years of diplomatic relations.
She said the Foreign Ministry would work with the Uzbek government to ensure that summit agreements bring “tangible benefits to the lives of our peoples.”
“Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has sustained high economic growth through bold reforms and openness, bringing fresh vitality across its economy and society,” Chung said.
"Korea will always remain a reliable partner, walking side by side with Uzbekistan toward development and shared prosperity over the next 35 years and beyond," Chung added.
Abdusalomov cited Mirziyoyev’s September visit to Seoul and agreements worth about $12 billion at a bilateral business forum, alongside $8 billion in projects backed by the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
He also highlighted cooperation in transport, critical minerals and urban development, alongside regional initiatives under the Seoul Declaration.
sanjaykumar@heraldcorp.com