Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to South Korea Vitaly Fen, who played a pivotal role in enhancing relations between the two countries, has died at the age of 77.

Fen, who was of Korean descent, died of an illness on Tuesday, which worsened after he returned to Uzbekistan for treatment, diplomatic sources said Wednesday.

In 1999, Fen first assumed the Uzbekistan ambassadorship to South Korea, playing a key role in enhancing relations between the two countries for over a decade.

After completing his initial term and returning once to his home country, Fen resumed his ambassadorial duties in 2017.

In 2014, he was awarded the Gwanghwa Medal of the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, the highest award in the category, by South Korea.

Source: Yonhap News Agency