South Korea and Uzbekistan reaffirm their special strategic partnership as President Lee Jae Myung meets Uzbek Senate Speaker Tanzila Narbaeva, highlighting parliamentary support for agreements on critical minerals, AI, digital transformation and economic cooperation.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Uzbek Senate Speaker Tanzila Narbaeva reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during a meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on November 9, 2026. The discussions focus on advancing the special strategic partnership between the two countries and ensuring the effective implementation of agreements reached during recent high-level diplomatic engagements.
Lee expresses satisfaction with the progress in mutually beneficial economic cooperation and closer relations between the two countries. He notes that bilateral ties are gaining further momentum following the September state visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to South Korea, during which both governments agree to elevate their partnership and expand cooperation across strategic sectors.
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Recalling the September summit, Lee highlights agreements covering critical mineral supply chains, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, transportation and logistics connectivity, and human and cultural exchanges. He asks Narbaeva to support the implementation of these commitments through the Uzbek parliament, particularly by facilitating the necessary legislative and institutional measures.
Narbaeva, who chairs the Uzbek Senate, welcomes the expanding relationship and pledges to play an active role in promoting bilateral cooperation. She also expresses support for strengthening parliamentary engagement and ensuring that agreements between the two governments translate into practical outcomes.
Economic and technological cooperation remains central to the partnership. During the September summit, the two countries sign 13 agreements and memorandums of understanding covering infrastructure, biotechnology, climate action, education, agriculture and defence. They also identify opportunities for collaboration in critical minerals, AI infrastructure, data centres, smart cities and advanced industrial development.
South Korean businesses maintain a growing presence in Uzbekistan, with more than 700 Korean companies operating in the country through joint ventures. Both governments seek to expand investment opportunities by connecting Uzbekistan's natural resources and industrial potential with South Korea's technological and manufacturing capabilities.
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The meeting also highlights the importance of cultural and historical connections. With 2027 marking the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 90th anniversary of the settlement of ethnic Koreans in Central Asia, Lee proposes initiatives such as establishing a Korean diaspora history museum in Uzbekistan. Both sides support expanding cultural exchanges and strengthening people-to-people connections.
The latest engagement reinforces efforts by Seoul and Tashkent to deepen parliamentary, economic and technological cooperation. By strengthening institutional support for existing agreements, both countries aim to advance their strategic partnership and create further opportunities for trade, investment and regional collaboration.