By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
President Lee Myung-bak and his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov agreed Thursday to bolster energy ties and economic exchanges between Seoul and Tashkent to enhance their bilateral strategic partnership.
During their summit at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee and Karimov expressed satisfaction with the progress of joint economic projects to develop the Surgil gas reserves, and modernize Navoi Airport and other logistics infrastructure in the Central Asian country.
Lee also promised to cooperate for the development of education, medical services and renewable energy sources in Uzbekistan and to share Korea's experience of economic development, the presidential office said.
President Karimov and his wife arrived in Seoul Wednesday for a three-day state visit at the invitation of President Lee. It was his fifth visit to Korea as head of state.
On the sidelines of the summit, the two governments signed pacts to jointly explore two more oil reserves in Uzbekistan. South Korea is already the main contractor for explorations in the Namangan-Tergachi and Chust-Pap regions under an agreement reached in 2008.
Uzbekistan also agreed to set up Seoul Park in its capital city in commemoration of deepening ties with Korea.
President Lee appreciated Uzbekistan's support for Korea's bids to host the 2018 Winter Olympics and the U.N. Climate Summit in 2012. He also thanked Karimov for his country's participation in the 2012 Yeosu World Expo.
The two leaders also shared a common understanding that an early resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue is crucial for peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Karimov backed Korea's efforts to revitalize the stalled six-nation denuclearization talks, Cheong Wa Dae said.
During his stay in Seoul, the Uzbek leader will meet with Korea's political and business leaders, including Prime Minister Chung Un-chan, National Assembly speaker Kim Hyong-o, Strategy and Finance Minister Yoon Jeung-hyun and Korean Air Chairman Cho Yang-ho.