President Lee: "Uzbekistan Is a Key Partner"—Cooperation on Critical Minerals, AI and Defense Expanded

[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung held a summit with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the 14th and agreed to expand bilateral cooperation into future-oriented industries, including critical-mineral supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI) and the defense industry.
During expanded talks with President Mirziyoyev at Cheong Wa Dae that day, President Lee said, "As Uzbekistan is the only country in Central Asia with which we have a special strategic partnership, it is an invaluable friend and key partner to the Republic of Korea."
He continued, "Building on the deep friendship and trust that have developed between our two countries, I hope we can further strengthen our special strategic partnership and take a joint leap toward a future of shared prosperity and peace."
In particular, he emphasized, "From transportation, infrastructure, health care and responses to the climate crisis to critical-mineral supply chains, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, and the defense industry, I believe we can broaden the horizons of mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly develop the engines that will drive future growth."
Regarding peace on the Korean Peninsula, he said, "At a time when uncertainty in the international situation is steadily increasing, I believe the roles of South Korea and Uzbekistan—two countries that share friendship and trust—have become even more important." He added, "I believe cooperation between our two countries will greatly contribute to peace and stability in Eurasia and on the Korean Peninsula."
President Mirziyoyev also said, "South Korea is one of Uzbekistan’s major trading partners," adding, "More than 700 South Korean companies have entered Uzbekistan through joint ventures."
He continued, "We are watching with keen interest the policy direction of the president, who seeks to build an economy centered on artificial intelligence, or AI, and develop South Korea into a global advanced-technology hub leading the standards of the Fourth Industrial Revolution."
He also stated, "Uzbekistan will continue to unwaveringly support the South Korean government’s efforts to strengthen peace and security on the Korean Peninsula," adding, "We hope this visit to Seoul will serve as an opportunity to inject new vitality into the special strategic partnership between our two countries."

[email protected] Seong Seok-woo Reporter