Diplomacy Journal Lee Sung Jun | High-level meeting with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport discusses establishment of an international flight training center

Expansion of dual-degree programs with Tashkent State Transport University to jointly foster aviation experts

Korea Aerospace University, Korea’s aviation-specialized university, is moving forward in earnest to expand cooperation in the Central Asian aviation industry in partnership with the government of Uzbekistan.

On April 29 (local time), President Heo Hee-young met with Ilkhom Makhkamov, Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, at the Ministry of Transport headquarters in Uzbekistan, where they discussed phased cooperation measures for aviation workforce training and the establishment of an aviation safety system.

The meeting drew significant attention, with officials from the Korean Embassy in Uzbekistan reportedly evaluating it as “a meaningful schedule achieved despite the difficulty of arranging a direct meeting with the minister.” Minister Makhkamov reportedly listened carefully to the proposals from Korea Aerospace University and instructed working-level officials to promptly move forward with the projects.

Proposal of a “Master Plan” to Strengthen Uzbekistan’s Aviation Industry Competitiveness

During the meeting, Korea Aerospace University proposed a “master plan” aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s aviation industry. The main proposals included:
△ consultation on establishing an international flight training center at Navoi International Airport
△ consultation on building a national aviation safety and security center
△ introduction of customized pilot training curricula tailored to industry demand

In particular, to prepare for possible delays in local infrastructure construction, the proposal also included entrusted education and training programs in Korea, thereby increasing practicality and feasibility.

President Heo Hee-young stated, “Cooperation between Korea Aerospace University and Uzbekistan goes beyond simple educational exchange and represents strategic cooperation to strengthen the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s aviation industry,” adding, “By sharing the experience and know-how accumulated by Korea Aerospace University in aviation workforce training, we will contribute to Uzbekistan’s growth into a Central Asian aviation hub.”

The two sides agreed to launch a joint working-level consultation team during the second quarter of this year. The team will oversee the establishment of the international flight training center, procedures for introducing aircraft and simulators, and the development of an aviation safety inspector training system.

Expansion of Dual-Degree Agreement with Tashkent State Transport University

On the same day, President Heo signed a 2+2 dual-degree agreement in aviation management and aviation transportation logistics with Tashkent State Transport University.

The two universities have already been operating a 1+2+1 dual-degree program in aviation operation studies since the second semester of the 2025 academic year, and the new agreement further expands the scope of educational cooperation.

Korea Aerospace University plans to connect outstanding graduates from the dual-degree program with master’s degree courses in the future, fostering them into professional personnel who will lead the development of the local aviation industry.

The cooperation is being evaluated as a case combining Korea’s advanced aviation education system with Uzbekistan’s strategic geographic position, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the future expansion of Central Asia’s aviation industry and logistics networks.