Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 10 November, an official ceremony was held to present the Order for Diplomatic Merit to Minister of Preschool Education of Uzbekistan Agrippina Shin. The decree conferring this order was signed by the President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in.

In her opening speech, Argippina Shin noted that for many years the Republic of Korea has rightfully been considered one of the key partners of our country, a major investor, a participant in programs implemented in Uzbekistan for the structural transformation and modernization of the economy of our country. So, in 2018, a branch of Bucheon University in Tashkent began its activities, at the Faculty of Preschool Education of which 892 students are currently studying according to the curricula and programs of Bucheon University.

In 2019, with the support of Hyundai Engineering and Construction, a unique project for the construction of a multidisciplinary specialized preschool educational organization with the Imkon rehabilitation center in the city of Nukus was implemented.

At the same time, the Korean company "New Millennium Construction Co., Ltd." work was carried out on the reconstruction of the experimental preschool educational organization No. 324 in the city of Tashkent, on the basis of which the Korean model of education is shown.

The companies "Booyoung Group" and "AHA" for the needs of preschool education in Uzbekistan donated material and technical means for equipping preschool educational organizations free of charge. 2000 digital pianos from Booyong Group have been delivered to kindergartens all over the country.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Kang Jae Kwon, Defense Attache Mr. Park Ahn Seo, Second Secretary Ms. Kang Ji Woo, Second Secretary Mr. Goo Kwang Il, Consul Mr. Kim Moon Jae.

“It is a great honor for me to be awarded the highest award of the President of the Republic of Korea for his contribution to the expansion and strengthening of friendship between our fraternal countries. This distinction will be another incentive in my future work. I am ready to further promote the expansion of Uzbek-Korean relations for the benefit of the prosperity of both countries,” the minister concluded her speech.

The Order For Diplomatic Merit was established on 25 July 1963 to award citizens of the country and foreigners in recognition of their services in the diplomatic field, as well as for increasing national prestige abroad, and assistance in international cooperation and friendship.

The Order of Merit in the Diplomatic Service is divided into 5 degrees: Kwanghwa, Hinning, Sungne, Chane, Sukchon. The first degree, in turn, is divided into two classes; the highest class is honored exclusively by high-ranking diplomats. The Kwanghwa degree is the highest award of the President of the Republic of Korea for his contribution to the expansion and strengthening of friendship between the two countries.