SOUTH KOREAN EX-PRESIDENT: "I HAVE LOST A CLOSE FRIEND"

Mourning ceremonies on the passing of the national leader of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov are going on in the Republic of Korea. Today, the former President of South Korea Lee Myung-bak, accompanied by government ministers group has visited to the Embassy of our country in Seoul.

He has left the following note in the book of condolences: "Please accept my sincere condolences. I will never forget my friend. I hope that the Almighty will protect his family and the people of Uzbekistan."

At the end of the ceremony, Lee Myung-bak said that he and President Islam Karimov were close friends and they have often met.

— The happening completely surprised me. I have lost a close friend. I could not personally participate in the funeral ceremony. Please convey some words of sympathy and support to the family of the leader of Uzbekistan, - said the former President of South Korea.

Minister of Internal Affairs and Public Administration Hong Yong-sik said that Islam Karimov has achieved a major breakthrough in the development of Uzbekistan in a historically short period of time. In this regard, a member of the government of the Republic of Korea has expressed confidence in further successful implementation of identified plans by a national leader.

Conveying sincere condolences to the Government and the people of Uzbekistan, the bereaved in connection with the sudden passing away of the first President, First Deputy Foreign Minister Lim Song We said:

— Contribution of Islam Karimov to the development of multifaceted relations between Uzbekistan and South Korea, raising them to the level of strategic partnership can not be overestimated. I am confident that our contacts will continue to expand.

Jahon Information Agency, Seoul