States Ambassador Fen of Uzbekistan at Independence Day reception

By Publisher Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media

Ambassador Vitaliy Fen of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Seoul said, “Today, hundreds of priority investment projects in various sectors of the economy have been implemented by leading Korean companies, and currently, about 900 enterprises with the participation of Korean investors operate in Uzbekistan.”

Ambassador Vitaliy Fen of Uzbekistan and Madam Fen (left and second from left) greet incoming VIP guests at the entrance of the reception venue at the Crystrall Ballroom of the Lotte Hotel in Seoul on Nov. 15, 2021.

Speaking at a gala reception hosted by Ambassador and Madam Fen at the spacious Crystral Ballroom of the Lotte Hotel in Seoul on Nov. 15, 2021 in celebrationof the 30th anniversary of Indepdence of Uzbekstan and the 29th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between teh two countreis, Ambassador Fen then added: “In total, the volume of investments attracted from Korea exceeded US$7 billion.” (Further details of the speech are toward the end of this speech.)
The speech of Ambassador Fen was followed by a congratulatory toast speech by Chairman Park Chong-soo of the Presidential Committee on Northern Cooperation of the Government of the Republic of Korea.

Ambassador Vitaliy Fen of Uzbekistan and Madam Fen (6th and 7th from left,front row, respectfully) pose with the ambassadors of many countries attending the reception on that day. left and second from left) greet incoming VIP guests at the entrance of the reception venue at the Crystrall Ballroom of the Lotte Hotel in Seoul on Nov. 15, 2021. Madam Fan does justice to the readers momentarily taking off her mask against the backdrop in Korea where nearly 90% of the people have already had their second shots, some even third ones.

Chairman Park said, “Uzbekistan is the only Central Asian country who signed a Special Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Republic of Korea and in this vein I wholeheartedly welcome the continuously growing ties of cooperation and friendship beween the two countries.” (See details of the speech of Chairman Park toward the end of this report.)

Ambassador Vitaliy Fen of Uzbekistan and Madam Fen (sevenths and eights from left, resepectively, pose with the VIP Korean guests at the reception. Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media is seen third from right at the front row.
Ambassador Vitaliy Fen of Uzbekistan and Madam Fen (sevenths and eights from left, resepectively, pose with the VIP Korean guests at the reception. Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media is seen third from right at the front row.

Details of speech by Ambassador of Fen of Uzbekistan:
Dear Mr. Park Chong Soo, dear Mr. Kim Jung-ha, dear Mr. Choue Chungwon, dear Mr. Sohn Kyung Shik, distinguished guests,
ladies and gentlemen!
First of all, let me express my sincere gratitude to all guests for the participation in today’s solemn event on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of our country’s independence and the 29th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, 17 meetings have been held at the level of heads of state.
As a result of a mutual beneficial cooperation in recent years, Uzbek-Korean relations have been upgraded to the level of Special Strategic Partnership.

Ambassador Fen of Uzbekistan (center) welcomes Publisher Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media (left) while Madam Fen looks on at right.
Ambassador Fen of Uzbekistan (center) welcomes Publisher Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media (left) while Madam Fen looks on at right.

Despite today’s pandemic environment, high-level mutual cooperation continues between two countries. In 2020, the Presidents of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea have held two telephone calls.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated and delivered speech in the Second International Forum for Northern Economic Cooperation and the «P4G» Virtual Summit that was held in Seoul.
In January of this year, the first online summit was held between the presidents of two countries.
The heads of states made important decisions aimed at further strengthening bilateral trade, economic and investment ties.

Ambassador Fen of Uzbekistan (center) welcomes Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov of Azerbaijan (left) while Madam Fen looks on at right.
Ambassador Fen of Uzbekistan (center) welcomes Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov of Azerbaijan (left) while Madam Fen looks on at right.

Following the summit, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of "digitalization" was signed to promote the fourth industrial revolution.
In the complex global economic situation, the volume of bilateral trade has been maintained. A portfolio of new investment projects worth more than US$3 billion has been prepared with the participation of leading Korean companies and banks.
Today, hundreds of priority investment projects in various sectors of the economy have been implemented by leading South Korean companies.
Currently, about 900 enterprises with the participation of Korean investors operate in Uzbekistan.
In total, the volume of investments attracted from the Republic of Korea exceeded US$7 billion.
Last year, with the support of the Korean government, a modern children's multidisciplinary clinic was established in Tashkent in compliance with the highest international standards.
Close inter-parliamentary cooperation also plays an important role in enhancing relations between our countries to a higher level.

Ambassador Vitaliy Fen of Uzbekistan (right) poses with incoming guests at the reception venue at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul.
Ambassador Vitaliy Fen of Uzbekistan (right) poses with incoming guests at the reception venue at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul.

In April of this year, a delegation led by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Korea H.E. Park Byeong-seug paid a fruitful visit to Uzbekistan.
For the first time, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan received such an extended parliamentary delegation of foreign country. This, in turn, once again proves the special attention of the Uzbek leader to the Republic of Korea.
It is important to note that the Republic of Uzbekistan fully supports the goals of the "New Northern Policy" put forward by the President Moon Jae-in and is interested in implementing promising projects under this initiative.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Government and companies of the Republic of Korea for providing the humanitarian assistance, amounted more than $10 million to combat coronavirus.
We believe that the gold medal of the national team of Uzbekistan in Taekwondo at the Tokyo Olympics is the result of close cooperation between our countries in the field of sport.

Chairman Park Chong-soo of the Presidential Committee on Northern Cooperation of Korea delivers a congratulatory speech at the event for the 30th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence held at Lote Hotel in Seoul on Nov. 15.
Chairman Park Chong-soo of the Presidential Committee on Northern Cooperation of Korea delivers a congratulatory speech at the event for the 30th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence held at Lote Hotel in Seoul on Nov. 15.

In this regard, I would like to thank the Korean side and the President of World Taekwondo Association for their continued support.
The close mentality of the peoples of two countries and the large Korean diaspora in Uzbekistan play an important role in development of friendly relations between our countries.
The opening of the House of Korean Culture and Arts in Tashkent is another vivid evidence of the strong friendship between our peoples and the high level of relations between our countries.
At the same time, Korean language classes are being conducted at the Uzbek State University of World Languages, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies and Samarkand State University of Foreign Languages.
The opening of branches of Inha, Buchon, Ajou, Yeoju Universities of Korea and the International University in Fergana, demonstrates the prospects of cooperation between our countries in the field of education.

Two staffers at the Embassy of Uzbekistan emcee the event in impeccable Korean and English.
Two staffers at the Embassy of Uzbekistan emcee the event in impeccable Korean and English.

Within the framework of establishing close inter-regional ties, cooperation between Tashkent-Seoul, Fergana-Incheon, Samarkand-Gyeongju and a number of other cities is developing day by day.
Distinguished guests!
Today’s event and this year is of the utmost importance as we are looking forward to the highest level visit in December.
I would like to conclude by expressing once again my deepest gratitude for sharing our special occasion today! .
I take this opportunity to wish you all good health, peace and prosperity.
Thank you for your attention.

The Korea Post magazine featured Uzbekisan in a front-cover page on the auspicious occasion—to get her with other English newspapers in Korea.
The Korea Post magazine featured Uzbekisan in a front-cover page on the auspicious occasion—to get her with other English newspapers in Korea.

Excerpts from the congratulatory speech by Chairman Park Chong-soo of the Presidential Committee:
Honorable Ambassador Vitaly Fen, Excellencies, distinguished guests!
Let me first extend my warmest congratulations on the 30th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence. 
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate President 
Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the  re-election of the President. 
President Mirziyoyev  won the election by winning over 80% of the votes. What is the secret to this overwhelming victory? 
He has won the overwhelming support of the people of Uzbekistan.
Also, President Mirziyoyev has very friendly feelings with many countries of the world, especially with the Republic of Korea.

An impressive celebration cake at the reception venue attracted the attention of the guests.
An impressive celebration cake at the reception venue attracted the attention of the guests.

He also has a special regard for the Korean business leaders as they have very close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. 
In particular, the President of Uzbekistan takes strong interest in the Korean businesses in Uzbekistan and it is known that he has even personally visited some of the Korean industries in Uzbekistan. 
I first set foot in Uzbekistan in 1991, more than 30 years ago. I visited the country many times since her independence. Not just Tashkent, but other famous tourist destinations like Samarkand and Bukhara. With every visit, I was pleasantly surprised to see how fast the country was developing.
I once visited the Kim Byeong-hwa Farm near Tashkent. He was a descendant of ethnic Koreans called Goryeoin, or Kareisky. He successfully built a large collective farm there. So, it’s not an exaggeration to say that Koreans can turn barren land into fertile farmland.

Vice Chairperson Cho Kyung-hee of The Korea Post media (right) poses with  Chairman David Kim of Korea-Uzbek Busienss Association in Incheon.

Separately, earlier this month, Korea’s Jeonnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services held online training on agricultural know-how for Uzbek officials. I hope that it was more than just a technology transfer. Hopefully, the collective wisdom and experiences of the Korean people inspired Uzbekistan in many ways.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Uzbekistan is the only Central Asian country to sign a Special Strategic Partnership with the Republic of Korea. 
Now, I would like to propose a toast to the prosperity of Uzbekistan, and to our friendship.
Thank you very much!

An icework logo of the Republic of Uzbekistan flanked on the left by Taegek-gi (National Flag of Korea) and the National Flag of Uzbekistan.
An icework logo of the Republic of Uzbekistan flanked on the left by Taegek-gi (National Flag of Korea) and the National Flag of Uzbekistan.
A Korean singer performs at the reception held at Lotte Hotel in Seoul on Nov. 15, 2021.
A Korean singer performs at the reception held at Lotte Hotel in Seoul on Nov. 15, 2021.
A Uzbek dancer performs Uzbek folk dance at the reception held at Lotte Hotel in Seoul on Nov. 15, 2021.
A Uzbek dancer performs Uzbek folk dance at the reception held at Lotte Hotel in Seoul on Nov. 15, 2021.

 

 

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