It is a privilege for me to address today the esteemed readers of The Korea Тimes on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, which occurred on 29 January 1992.

Within a short period of time, Korea has become a reliable partner of independent Uzbekistan. Today, bilateral cooperation and partnerships embrace practically every type of political, economic and cultural activity.

I am glad to mention in this regard that intimate, trustworthy dialogue has been established between the leaders of both countries and the countries’ Presidents have met eight times in recent years.

Of great significance to the history of bilateral relations is the official visit of President Islam Каrimov of Uzbekistan to Korea on the occasion of the inauguration of President Lee Myung-bak in February 2008.

The Uzbek-Korean summit in Seoul has served as yet another eloquent testimony to the relations between the two states being based on mutual respect and trust and buttressed with friendship at the highest level. Uzbekistan and South Korea have become strategic partners and continue to extend cooperation on that basis.

Uzbekistan and Korea closely cooperate on the international scene, rendering each other mutual support in the frame of leading international organizations.

Uzbekistan, as an active proponent to the establishment of a nuclear free zone in Central Asia, is strongly supporting the non-nuclear status of the Korean Peninsula. In the given context, we entirely support Korea’s balanced and pragmatic diplomacy for the sake of peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia to establish a peaceful regime on the Korean Peninsula through the peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue through six-party talks.

For its turn, Korea supports the process of democratic and socioeconomic reforms carried out in Uzbekistan and renders it considerable economic and financial assistance.

It is noteworthy that the economies of both countries are mutually beneficial. Uzbekistan possesses rich natural resources such as gas, oil, gold, uranium, copper and cotton and a well-educated population, while Korea has high-tech and financial sources. Their joint development, rich experience and investments create a favorable atmosphere for long-term cooperation between the two countries.

As of today, Korean investments into Uzbekistan’s economy, including the automobile, textile, telecommunications and oil and gas industries, have already exceeded US$2 billion.

Total announced investments, according to documents signed by the two Presidents during their last summit in February 2008, reached US$2.28 billion.

According to Korean statistics, trade between the two countries exceeded US$1.38 billion last year, having put Korea in the first place among trading partners of Uzbekistan in Asia.

An important component of our relationship is cooperation in the field of culture, sports and tourism.

From year to year, Korean tourism to visit historical sights of Uzbekistan, such as ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva alongside the Great Silk road, increases.

Nearly 12,000 Koreans ― tourists and businesspeople ― visited our country in 2008. As Korean Air initiated direct flights between the two countries last September, hope that the number of Korean visitors will continue to increase.

I am proud to say that one of the most populous diasporas of ethnic Koreans ― over 200,000 ― lives in Uzbekistan in harmony with Uzbek people.

The continuity of the Uzbek-Korean summits is witness to the sincerity, mutual trust and respect in our bilateral relations.

It’s of no doubt that the upcoming reciprocal visit of President Lee to Uzbekistan in May will elevate bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership to a new level.