This is the first visit of the Defence Minister to Uzbekistan
South Korea's Minister of Defense, Lee Jong-seop, has visited Uzbekistan, as reported by Sarbaz.kz, citing the relevant authority.
Lee Jong-Seop's visit aimed to strengthen defense and military-industrial cooperation, making South Korea the first mover in Central Asia's arms market. On August 1, the head of the South Korean defense agency held a meeting with his Uzbekistani counterpart, Defense Minister Bahodir Kurbanov.
According to South Korea's Ministry of Defense, this marks the first visit of their minister to Uzbekistan. Both sides agreed to enhance defense-industrial cooperation based on their "special partnership" and historical-cultural ties.
During the meeting, the defense ministers discussed potential collaboration in various areas, including the professional training of specialists. Furthermore, the South Korean Defense Minister extended an invitation to his counterpart to the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) and the Seoul International Aerospace Exhibition (ADEX), scheduled for October 2023.
As reported by Korea Herald, citing government sources, Lee Jong-Seop's trip aims to establish a new market for Korean weaponry not only in Uzbekistan but also in the entire region. South Korea seeks to export its FA-50 light combat aircraft produced by Korea Aerospace Industries and is exploring possibilities for exporting other domestic weaponry, including the self-propelled howitzer K9.
