President of South Korea Roh Moo-hyun arrived in Uzbekistan with three-day official visit on 10 May.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov welcomed the Korean counterpart at presidential residence Durmen.

After welcoming ceremony, the leaders of two nations held face-to-face negotiations. The sides discussed issues of cooperation and further development of ties, as well as international issues of mutual interest.

The official delegations of Uzbekistan and South Korea in enhanced structure. The delegations discussed analysis of current state and perspectives of bilateral relations, including cooperation in political, humanitarian and economic spheres.

The sides agreed to stir up political dialogue on maintenance of security in Central and Southern Asia. The Korean side praised initiative of Uzbekistan on creation of nuclear free zone and free trade zone in the Central Asian region.

The Korean side also expressed its intention to increase investments to Uzbekistan. Overall, South Korea invested over US$1 billion in economy of Uzbekistan so far. Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will raise technical assistance to the country.

The sides considered issues on organization of seismic works in Aral Sea offshore within the international consortium.

On the results of the negotiations, the Uzbek and South Korean officials signed over 14 documents, including joint statement of presidents, agreement on cooperation in social welfare.

The economic bodies of two countries inked agreement on cooperation in mineral resources and memorandum on textile industry technology.

On 11 May, the leaders of two countries will participate in business forum. Korean president will also visit Mourning Mother Square.

President of South Korea Roh Moo-hyun will visit Samarkand on the last day of his visit.