South Korean President Yoon emphasizes the importance of overseas Koreans during his visit to Uzbekistan: ”The 7 million overseas Koreans are a valuable asset. I feel encouraged.”

South Korean President Yun Seok-yeol, who is on a state visit to Uzbekistan on the 13th (local time), praised overseas Koreans as the "pride" and "valuable asset" of Korea, and said their success is a reflection of Korea's strength.
President Yoon said at a dinner reception for Uzbek compatriots held at a hotel in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, on the same day, "I always meet with compatriots whenever I visit overseas."
"I feel encouraged and empowered to see the history of the Uzbek community creating a history of success," he said.
President Yoon also explained the historical background of how Uzbek compatriots came to this area. "In the winter of 1937, we came to Uzbekistan, far away from Primorsky Krai (a region in the southeastern tip of Siberia),
"Our ancestors were the first to be forced to relocate to South Korea," he said, but added, "With the diligence, strength and cooperative spirit that are unique to our Korean people, we contributed to this region and transformed the wasteland into fertile farmland."
President Yoon said that as a result, the Koreans are active in various fields and are tying the knot with the friendship between Korea and Uzbekistan. President Yoon said that the strategic value of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, is high.
President Yoon also touched on some changes. "Trade volume between Korea and Uzbekistan reached a record high of $2.45 billion last year," he said. "Many Uzbek people are
"More than 20,000 students are studying Korean as a regular subject at schools in the two countries, and people-to-people exchanges between young people from both countries are also steadily increasing," he emphasized.
President Yoon pointed out that "our compatriots played a major role in this situation," and added, "The government also
President Yoon also said that he would further strengthen partnerships with Central Asian countries through communication with China.
"Tomorrow, I will meet with President Mirziyoyev and will share with him the vision for the future development of Korea and Central Asia based on this initiative, as well as the special strategic partnership with Uzbekistan.
"We will discuss ways to further develop our partnership in a more substantial way," he said.
"We will work to create results that the people of both countries can feel tangible in a variety of fields, including development cooperation, health care, the environment and education," he said.
President Yoon concluded by saying, "We, the Republic of Korea, will join hands with Uzbekistan to create a brighter future."
"We will strive to hold these events so that our compatriots can feel even greater pride and confidence," he said. "I promise to closely connect our homeland with the Korean community through the Office of Overseas Koreans."