Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The first Korea–Central Asia Summit will be an important starting point for further developing relations between South Korea and the countries of the region, South Korean Ambassador to Uzbekistan Won Do-yeon said in an exclusive interview with the Tahlinoma programme on O‘zbekiston 24 television.
According to the diplomat, peace and stability in Central Asia have been strengthened through the efforts of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. South Korea highly values the Uzbek leader’s contribution and considers his efforts among the factors that have made the first summit involving South Korea and the Central Asian states possible.
Won Do-yeon noted that the presidents of Uzbekistan and South Korea had already been in contact twice. They first held a telephone conversation, and in September 2025, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Lee Jae Myung met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The ambassador described the leaders’ meeting as warm and friendly. He said the two presidents share similar views, particularly regarding their approach to the population and protection of its interests.
The diplomat recalled Mirziyoyev’s position that the state should serve the people, rather than the people serving the state. According to Won Do-yeon, the South Korean president also follows similar principles. He expressed confidence that shared values and similar approaches would contribute to achieving concrete results from bilateral cooperation.
The ambassador separately highlighted the special status of relations between the two countries. According to him, South Korea has established special strategic partnership relations with only four countries, with Uzbekistan among them. Won Do-yeon attributed the special nature of Korean-Uzbek relations to mutual trust.
He also noted close people-to-people contacts between the two countries. About 100,000 Uzbek citizens are currently in South Korea for work and study.
The diplomat said the economic potential of Uzbekistan and South Korea also provides a basis for expanding cooperation. South Korea has a high level of technological development, while Uzbekistan has natural resources and significant human capital, including young skilled specialists.
Won Do-yeon said a large number of joint projects are being implemented in energy, investment, manufacturing and transport infrastructure. In particular, the Kia plant in Jizzakh Region is expanding its production capacity. In addition to the Sonet model, the plant recently began producing the K3 vehicle.
South Korea’s Incheon Airport is a key partner in the New Tashkent Airport construction project. In addition, high-speed Jaloliddin Manguberdi trains have already entered service in Uzbekistan.
According to the ambassador, cooperation will also extend to high-tech industries. South Korean robotics company Robotis is investing about US$100 million in Uzbekistan and is building a facility to manufacture joints for robots.
The first Korea–Central Asia Summit is expected to produce agreements in various areas. In particular, a number of documents are expected to be signed in traditional areas of practical cooperation, including manufacturing and transport infrastructure.
Won Do-yeon said particular attention was also being paid to expanding people-to-people contacts. A significant number of Uzbek students and labour migrants live in South Korea, and the sides are discussing ways to strengthen such ties.
The ambassador described the creation of the first Korea–Central Asia Summit as an important event for relations between the sides. Citing a Korean proverb, “Starting is already half the task,” he expressed confidence that the meeting would become a starting point for a major expansion of cooperation between South Korea and the Central Asian states.
