Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A telephone conversation took place between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung.

The South Korean leader warmly congratulated the Uzbek President on his birthday, extending sincere wishes for good health, well-being, and continued success in his state activities, as well as peace and prosperity to the people of Uzbekistan.

In return, Shavkat Mirziyoyev heartily congratulated Lee Jae-myung on his convincing victory in the presidential elections, wishing him success in implementing his planned programs and initiatives.

The two leaders discussed in detail the prospects for further strengthening the special strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and South Korea and expanding multifaceted cooperation. They expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in bilateral relations, which are based on historically strong bonds of friendship, shared mindsets, traditions, and values.

They noted the stable growth of mutual trade and the number of joint ventures. Direct investments by South Korean companies in Uzbekistan’s economy have exceeded US$8 billion. Financial and technical cooperation is actively developing with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea.

The heads of state stressed the importance of shaping a new bilateral cooperation agenda and continuing high-level dialogue. In this context, they emphasized the need for thorough preparation and meaningful conduct of upcoming sessions of the Strategic Dialogue between the foreign ministries and the Intergovernmental Commission.

They also exchanged views on current issues of regional cooperation, including within the "Central Asia – Republic of Korea" format.