Islam Karimov wrote in his note that Uzbekistan considers the Republic of Korea a dynamically advancing modern state wielding immense economic, industrial, technical and intellectual potential, a country that has been providing Uzbekistan invaluable and needed assistance in the implementation of wide-scale programs of cardinal transformation and profound modernization of economy and social sphere.

“On this day of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties, we can state with confidence that the Uzbek-Korean relations with ancient historical roots have attained today a mature, comprehensively well-thought-out and mutually advantageous character in the full sense of these words, at the interstate and intergovernmental levels, within cooperation between economic and commercial entities, banks, companies and firms, as well as in humanitarian realm,” letter by Uzbekistan’s leader reads.

President Karimov stressed that Uzbekistan highly appreciates the confidential and eventful political dialogue and mutual understanding with the Republic of Korea on bilateral and multilateral issues as well as the generally expanding interaction in line with the letter and spirit of the 2006 Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership.

The greeting note also includes a mention of exclusive significance our country attaches to the practical implementation of outcomes of President Lee Myung-Bak’s August 2011 state visit to Uzbekistan that has come to be a critical phase in the process of boosting the longer-term bonds between the Uzbek and Korean peoples, that laid a groundwork for their consistent enhancement in most diverse dimensions.

Islam Karimov added in particular that “In this regard, of special consideration has been the execution of unprecedented project supported by You to create Ustyurt Gas and Chemical Complex on the Surgil deposit. We welcome the extensive participation of South Korean partners in the scheme to develop International Intermodal Logistics Center at Navoi Airport and the organization of joint hi-tech and innovation production enterprises nearby in the Free Industrial and Economic Zone.”

The leader of Uzbekistan wished a sound health, family happiness and every success to Lee Myung-Bak, along with peace and prosperity to the entire friendly people of Korea.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov has received a congratulatory letter from President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-Bak on the twentieth anniversary of diplomatic relations established between our two nations.

Lee Myung-Bak noted that the bilateral cooperation across all areas – political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres – has been constantly advancing since our two countries established diplomatic ties on January 29, 1992.

The letter reads in particular, “Following my election as President of this country, I have been lucky to visit the Republic of Uzbekistan twice. I was thoroughly impressed by the dynamic and steadfast development led by Your tactful guidance in Uzbekistan as a pivotal nation in Central Asia. That reinforced my belief that our two countries are genuine partners who cooperate for the good of national development looking to the future.”

The Korean President expressed hope for the further close interaction aimed at consistent promotion of principal cooperation schemes discussed during a range of talks at the highest level. Lee Myung-Bak also stressed his conviction that the detailed discussion of issues concerning bolstering bilateral relations will continue.

President of the Republic of Korea wished a robust health to the head of our state, along with success and eternal prosperity to Uzbekistan.