The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to develop bilateral economic cooperation and cultural exchange, sources said Thursday.

Their discussion for economic ties will likely include boosting bilateral relations in trade, investment, information technology (IT), nuclear power generation and forestry preservation.

"Ahead of the summit, Karimov ― who will visit Korea 24-26 February ― plans to participate in Lee’s inauguration ceremony on Monday," said an official of the Uzbek Embassy in Korea.

The Uzbek President is also considering visiting GM Daewoo Auto & Technology’s car manufacturing plant in Bupyeong, Incheon, on the last day of his trip to Korea.

"The people of Uzbekistan highly appreciates the fruitful cooperation which has developed over the past years between our country and GM Daewoo in the fields of car manufacturing," Uzbek Ambassador Vitali Fen said in his letter to GM Daewoo CEO Michael Grimaldi.

One of those successful businesses is UzDaewooAuto, a joint venture between the Association of Uzavtosanoat and Korea’s Daewoo Motors. Founded in August 1992, the company has been considered a role model for multiple reasons.

Equipped with the latest improvements in engineering, the factory is capable of producing up to 200,000 automobiles annually (100,000 sedans, 50,000 mini-buses and 50,000 small cars).

The ambassador said the visit of Karimov to the automaker will further promote the fruitful cooperation between Uzbekistan and GM Daewoo in the years to come.

During his visit, Karimov will also participate in a signing ceremony of an agreement between Korea Gas Corp. and Uzbekneftegas on establishing a joint venture and construction of gas processing factory.