By IRNA,
New Delhi : Visiting South Korean President Lee Mayung-Bak Monday expressed hope that India-South Korea bilateral relations will touch new heights in future.
Talking to reporters after a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) in New Delhi, he called for greater partnership in the economic, political and cultural areas to put the relations between the two countries on a higher pedestal.
The two countries expectedly will sign two agreements in the fields of IT and peaceful usage of space technology to foster greater cooperation for speedy development.
The pacts will be inked after the delegation level talks between the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the South Korean President on Monday.
The South Korean President will hold discussions with a host of Indian leaders. They include UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Mrs. Sushma Swaraj. He will call on President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil and exchange views with Vice President Mohd Hamid Ansari apart from addressing the captains of industry.
The two countries have already signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement that paved the way for increase in the bilateral trade volume by 15 percent annually. It is at present 15.6 billion dollars.
South Korea supported India during its discussions with the IAEA and NSG to seek a clean waiver for India for civil nuclear commerce.
Now India is keen to enhance relations with South Korea in this crucial area to produce clean and green energy to meet its growing demand.
The South Korean President, who arrived in New Delhi Sunday evening on a five-day official visit, will be the Chief Guest at this year’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi.