SEOUL, August 19. /Dunyo IA/.  Acting President and Executive Director of the Management Strategy Division of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), on the eve of the 35^th Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan, extended his sincere congratulations and best wishes to the people of Uzbekistan through Dunyo Information Agency:

-  Over the past 35 years, Uzbekistan has confidently advanced along the path of consistent economic development and modernization of the country. Particularly in recent years, thanks to large-scale reforms and an open-door policy, the nation has ensured sustainable growth and attracted the attention of the global community as one of the leading states in Central Asia.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, South Korea and Uzbekistan, drawing upon years of mutual trust and friendship, have elevated their bilateral ties to the level of a special strategic partnership.

Two countries continue to cooperate closely across various sectors, including education, healthcare, digitalization and culture, consistently advancing their strategic partnership relations. Furthermore, KOICA has remained a reliable partner to the people of Uzbekistan for over 30 years.

Having personally worked in Uzbekistan for a total of five years, it is especially gratifying for me to witness the friendly relations between our nations strengthening and progressively evolving.

Since 1991, KOICA has implemented cooperation projects in Uzbekistan with a total value of approximately $250 million. This year, various programs have been carried out in the fields of education, healthcare, public administration, environmental protection and regional development. Our cooperation is expanding into sectors such as digital transformation, science, technology, and the green economy.

In particular, KOICA established the first tech startup support center in Uzbekistan, “U-Enter”, laying a solid foundation for the entrepreneurial aspirations of many young people. This initiative makes a significant contribution to the formation of a new innovative ecosystem.

At present, KOICA, in cooperation with the Government of Uzbekistan, is also implementing promising new projects aimed at improving digital public administration, introducing artificial intelligence-based legal services and combating climate change. I am confident that this cooperation will make a worthy contribution to the successful realization of Uzbekistan's national development strategy “Uzbekistan – 2030” and the advancement of the digital economy.

The first “South Korea - Central Asia” Summit, to be held in September this year, will mark an important turning point in defining new prospective areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. Within the framework of the summit, KOICA plans to host the “Seoul International Conference on ODA” themed “Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive and Sustainable Development”.

South Korea and KOICA have always been reliable friends and partners of Uzbekistan, creating the future together. Moving forward, we intend to consistently develop our cooperation, which will bring even greater prosperity and new hopes to the peoples of our two nations.

I wish Uzbekistan, as it celebrates the 35^th Anniversary of its Independence, continued development as an even more peaceful and prosperous state.

I wish the people of Uzbekistan robust health and tranquility, and every family prosperity and happiness.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 35^th Anniversary of the State Independence of Uzbekistan!