(LEAD) S. Korean president says hopes to deepen strategic partnership with Uzbekistan

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Monday to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between their nations, according to Yonhap news agency. The summit took place prior to the inaugural South Korea-Central Asia Summit, set to occur in Seoul on Wednesday, where leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan will discuss regional cooperation.

Mirziyoyev, the first visiting president from the Central Asian region to meet Lee ahead of the multilateral summit, expressed his country's deep affection for South Korea and its people. Both presidents emphasized their shared values, common challenges, and mutual interests, particularly in public well-being.

Lee highlighted several areas where the two countries could enhance cooperation, including traffic, infrastructure, healthcare, critical mineral supply chains, artificial intelligence, and the defense industry. He called Uzbekistan South Korea's "precious friend and a key partner" and expressed hope that the special strategic partnership would deepen, leading to mutual prosperity and peace.

The Uzbek president assured his counterpart that Uzbekistan will steadfastly support South Korea's efforts to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, citing the enduring nature of their bilateral ties despite political changes.