Krishna Meets South Korea President in Seoul
India and South Korea Thursday discussed a range of bilateral issues including cooperation in space programmes with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, currently in Seoul on an official visit, suggesting that South Korean satellites could be launched by Indian launch vehicles.
A statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi described the 40 minute meeting between Krishna and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak as “constructive and fruitful” and added that the two leaders underlined the importance of heightening people-to-people exchanges to bolster the bilateral ties.
Recalling his “landmark” visit to India this year as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, Mr. Lee appreciated Krishna’s visit to Seoul for the 6th Joint Commission meeting (JCM), which would give further impetus to bilateral relations and the initiatives announced during his visit to India.
Referring to the MOU for cooperation signed last January between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Krishna suggested the satellites could be launched by Indian launch vehicles.
President Lee agreed with the suggestion and directed his officials to do the necessary follow-up.
The two nations are scheduled to discuss contours of a bilateral civilian nuclear deal and map out steps to achieve $30 billion trade when Krishna meets his counterpart Yu Myung-hwan on Friday.
(Based on Internet Reports)
