S Korea, Uzbekistan agree on economic cooperation

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has agreed with Uzbek President Islam Karimov to facilitate the implementation of important large-scale projects between their countries in a summit held in Seoul. In a joint statement issued here on Thursday, Lee promised South Korea’s cooperation and support to build a gas and chemical plant in Uzbekistan and develop a special industrial and economic zone, according to Korea’s (KBS WORLD) website. Lee touted Uzbekistan’s continued economic growth despite the prolonged global economic crisis. He also said that South Korea will give financial and technological support to the Central Asian country for its implementation of important projects. On the sidelines of the summit, ministers of both countries signed four agreements, including agreements on protecting military intelligence and secrets and boosting cooperation in tourism. The Uzbek president is visiting South Korea for three days at the invitation of Lee to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Karimov arrived in South Korea on Wednesday.