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| Uzbeks celebrate their Independence Day at the Independence Monument in the Yangi O'zbekiston Park, Tashkent in this Aug. 31, 2022 file photo. Courtesy of Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea |
By Vitaliy Fen
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| Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Korea Vitaliy Fen / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk |
In order to properly welcome and celebrate this glorious day of the independence of our Motherland, which serves as a factor of all our achievements, a source of strength, pride and inspiration, and at a high level on July 27 of this year, the decision of the head of our country was adopted "On preparing for and holding the thirty-second anniversary of the state independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan."
The document defines the task of conveying to the general public the importance of the work being carried out in our country to further strengthen the atmosphere of harmony between representatives of different nationalities and religious denominations, to ensure a peaceful and peaceful life in society, to provide in-depth analysis and specific life examples. It was also decided to implement the process of preparing and holding the holiday based on the main idea "For a new life, for a new Uzbekistan!"
Thirty-two years ago, on Sept. 1, 1991, a new independent state called the Republic of Uzbekistan appeared on the world map. In a short historical period, our national identity, ancient history, rich culture, noble values and traditions have been restored by the selfless work and determination of our country, the basic foundations of state and public life have changed, and our country has taken a worthy place in the world community.
Today, in the hearts of our people, especially the younger generation, such noble qualities as kindness, tolerance, solidarity, respect for national and universal values, a sense of belonging to the fate and future of the Motherland are growing.
In order to consistently continue our large-scale reforms along the path of independent development, bringing the development of all industries and industries to a new level, today a new society and state is being created in our country, where every citizen will live freely and comfortably, regardless of nationality, language and religion.
Important events in the political life of our country, in particular, the adoption of our Renewed Constitution, once again clearly confirmed that our country supports reforms aimed at creating a "New Uzbekistan," the basis of the "Third Renaissance."
During the years of independence, Uzbekistan paid special attention to cooperation with all developed countries of the world, in particular, with South Korea.
On Dec. 30, 1991, the Republic of Korea was the first among the countries of the Asia-Pacific region to recognize the independence of Uzbekistan. Diplomatic relations were established between our countries on Jan. 29, 1992.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, 18 meetings have been held at the level of heads of state. As a result of these meetings, we have achieved mutual agreements in developing our relationships in political, economic, trade, cultural and humanitarian fields.
Until now, more than two hundred interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents have been adopted between our countries. This important legal framework serves as a solid foundation for mutual cooperation. As a result of mutually beneficial cooperation in recent years, Uzbek-Korean relations have been upgraded to the level of Special Strategic Partnership.
South Korea is one of the main trade and economic partners of Uzbekistan. In subsequent years, the volume of trade and the number of joint ventures almost doubled. Hundreds of priority investment projects in various sectors of our country's economy have been implemented by the leading South Korean companies.
Currently, about 900 enterprises with the participation of Korean investors operate in Uzbekistan. And overall, the volume of investments attracted from the Republic of Korea has exceeded $7.3 billion.
In 2022, the trade turnover between the two countries exceeded 2.3 billion dollars. In particular, it is important to note the long-term fruitful cooperation with Korea Eximbank and the Economic Development and Cooperation Fund (EDCF). The volume of financing within this fund has reached $1 billion. A fruitful partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is also expanding.
At present, vast opportunities for businesses are opening up in Uzbekistan, which has long been a center of trade, science, and culture.
Vitaliy Fen is the ambassador of Uzbekistan to Korea.
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