In his remarks broadcast by the Uzbek radio first channel the same day, Karimov said that South Korea had potential to overcome the consequences of the global financial and economic crisis.

The Uzbek leader said that he was an economist by profession and suggested that South Korea would come out of the crisis strong and confident. "The Republic of Korea has the potential, as well as the level and model of development, which allows it to look ahead confidently. And I am sure that the Republic of Korea will overcome the crisis in near future strong and confident about future," Karimov said.

He also praised South Korea’s achievements as well as ethnic Koreans living in Uzbekistan, describing them as "hardworking" people and his "brothers".