UN Journal Kayla Lee | SEOUL-N Seoul Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in the South Korean capital, was illuminated in the national colors of Uzbekistan on Sunday, creating a striking symbol of friendship between the Republic of Korea and Uzbekistan.
The special lighting display coincided with the state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who arrived in Korea on September 13.
Blue, white and green -the principal colors of the Uzbek national flag -illuminated the tower, accompanied by symbolic elements reminiscent of the crescent and stars featured on the flag.
Against the Seoul night sky, the display offered a vivid welcome to the Uzbek leader and highlighted the growing ties between the two countries.
A Symbol of Korea-Uzbekistan Friendship
The illumination of N Seoul Tower carried particular significance as Korea and Uzbekistan mark 34 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1992, the two countries have steadily expanded cooperation in trade, investment, energy, industry, healthcare, education, culture and technology.
Their relationship has developed into a Special Strategic Partnership, providing a strong foundation for broader cooperation in emerging industries and other strategic sectors.
President Mirziyoyev’s state visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and open new opportunities for cooperation in critical minerals, supply chains, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, energy, infrastructure and human capital development.
A New Chapter in Korea-Central Asia Cooperation
President Mirziyoyev’s visit also comes ahead of the inaugural Korea-Central Asia Summit, scheduled to take place in Seoul on September 16.
The summit will bring together the leaders of the Republic of Korea and the five Central Asian countries — Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan — marking a significant step forward in Korea’s engagement with the region.
Uzbekistan, which has developed one of Korea’s most extensive partnerships in Central Asia, is expected to play an increasingly important role as a bridge connecting Korea with the wider region.
The summit is expected to broaden cooperation beyond traditional trade and investment toward strategic areas such as critical minerals, resilient supply chains, AI, digital technologies, energy and industrial development.
As Korea and Central Asia seek new engines of growth, Uzbekistan’s resources, young population and strategic location, combined with Korea’s technological and industrial capabilities, could provide a foundation for a new model of mutually beneficial partnership.
The Uzbek colors shining across N Seoul Tower offered a symbolic beginning to this new chapter — a message of friendship from the heart of Seoul and a vision of shared prosperity between Korea and Uzbekistan.
