India and South Korea on Friday agreed to further strengthen ties after holding discussion about bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concerns.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that its Minister S Jaishankar welcomed visiting South Korean counterpart Park Jin saying the visit is taking place at a very good time as the trade is good and political relations are very cooperative.

Jaishankar said that during the deliberations which he termed warm and wide ranging, they noted steady progress in the bilateral ties.

They also discussed issues related to political contacts, trade and investments, defense, science and technology, energy, space, semiconductors, emerging technologies and cultural exchanges.

Both the sides also shared perspectives on the region and visions and policies in the Indo-Pacific and the Ukraine conflict.

Indian External Affairs Minister expressed his gladness to have the opportunity to take the special strategic partnership between the two countries forward.

“This is also the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations,” he said. Both the countries also agreed to cooperate closely on global and multilateral issues.

On his part, the South Korean minister said: “India has been playing an increasingly pivotal role in the international arena and is set to further impact the world as the president of the G20 this year. India has also demonstrated to the world its cultural prowess with its recent Oscar wins.” He added that Korea and India share so much in common as exemplary democracies, vibrant economies and cultural powers.

He also said that both the nations are committed to contribute keep Indo-Pacific region free, open, peaceful and prosperous.

Park Jin, who also called upon Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar earlier today is scheduled to pay a visit tomorrow to the Hyundai plant in Chennai, in south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Source: Kuwait News Agency