Jun Ji-hye, a reporter at the finance desk of The Korea Times, focuses primarily on economic policy and government agencies, mainly covering the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Budget and Planning, the National Tax Service and the Korea Customs Service. She previously covered financial authorities, including the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service, and earlier worked on the political, city and business desks, reporting on a wide range of issues.
Uzbek President’s photo book released
By Jun Ji-hye
Kim Yong-gu, a former lawmaker, hosted an event to celebrate the release of Uzbek President Islam Abduganievich Karimov’s photo book in Korea at the Lotte Hotel, Seoul Monday.
The book, titled “Islam Karimov – Truly the People’s President,” features photos of President Karimov’s activities at home and abroad. Karimov, the first president of Uzbekistan, has been in power since 1990 and declared the country’s independence on Aug. 31 in 1991.
“I am glad to be able to release the photo book of President Islam Karimov who has played a key role in maintaining good bilateral relations with the Korea government. This book was published on the occasion of President Karimov’s seventh visit to Korea to offer visions for further cooperation between the two countries,” Kim, now chairman of Shindong Resources Co., Ltd., said during his opening address.
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Uzbekistan. Many Korean conglomerates and small- and medium-sized firms are now conducting business in the energy and construction sectors of the central Asian country.”
Kim stressed the historic relations between the two countries.
“Koreans explored Uzbekistan from the seventh century. Traces of their visits can be found in old murals remaining in Uzbekistan. I wish more Korean people, especially the younger generation, will get to know more about Uzbekistan,” he said.
During a keynote speech, Oybek O. Usmanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, praised Karimov’s leadership.
“President Karimov protected Uzbekistan from the old system of the former Soviet Union. He displayed the incredible drive to save the country from the challenges it faced,” he said. “The Uzbek economy has grown fast and the life expectancy of the people is now 10 years older thanks to the state-led economic and social reforms.”
Kim Kyu-hyun, deputy foreign minister, said, “People will be able to learn through the photos of how President Karimov’s leadership enabled Uzbekistan’s development. The book outlines the vision and philosophy of the president.”
Korea Times Publisher and President Park Moo-jong said “I hope the publication of this book can provide an opportunity to strengthen relations between the two countries.”
Kim Yong-gu has ties with Uzbekistan after he served as a chairman of Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business and did investment pitches for Korean firms in Uzbekistan.
He received the order of Dostlik from the Uzbek government in 2011.
President Karimov’s visit to Korea is scheduled for Sep. 19.