Modi, Moon vow to strengthen economic cooperation

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South Korean President Moon Jae-in held summit talks with visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Seoul on Friday to expand bilateral economic cooperation, according to the presidential Blue House of South Korea.

The two countries will make concerted efforts for research and development (R&D) in artificial intelligence, robotics, information and communications technology (ICT), electric vehicle and healthcare sectors.

For future-oriented cooperation, the two sides will expand their cooperation into the space industry, such as a joint lunar exploration, and the defense industry.

Modi arrived in Seoul on Thursday on a two-day visit. He inaugurated the India-Korea Startup Center, saying: "Our vision of an India-Korea Startup Center will provide a hub for Korean startups and Indian talent to freely communicate," according to United News of India.

Delivering keynote address at India Korea Business Symposium on Thursday, Modi said India is among South Korea's top 10 trade partners. "While we work for realizing the 'Indian Dream', we seek like-minded partners and among them, South Korea is seen as a truly natural partner."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the India Korea Business Symposium in Seoul, South Korea, February 21, 2019. /VCG photo

Modi was welcomed by Moon with an unveiling ceremony of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi's statue. Modi said at the ceremony that defense cooperation between the two sides is emerging as a major aspect of a special strategic partnership, South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported.

Referring to a shared experience of colonialism under different imperial powers, Moon said the two countries should work to establish peace and prosperity in Asia in a year that marks the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi as well as South Korea's March First Movement, according to UPI.

(Cover: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) shakes hands with South Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) during their meeting at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, February 22, 2019. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency