PM Narendra Modi arrives in South Korea, to receive Seoul Peace Prize

SEOUL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in South Korea's capital Seoul on Thursday morning on a two-day visit to the East Asian country during which the two sides will seek to enhance cooperation in diverse areas, including trade and investment.

PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and also receive the Seoul Peace Prize which has been conferred on him in recognition of his dedication to international cooperation, global growth and human development. 

Besides summit meeting with President Moon Jae-in, Prime Minister Modi will also have a number of engagements with the Korean leadership, businesses and Indian community. 

"In a few hours from now, Prime Minister will address the India-Korea Business Symposium and will also launch India-Korea Startup Hub. It will be a great push and assurance for more Korean companies to invest in India and also a boost for bilateral trade,'' a tweet from MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

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At present bilateral trade is around 21 billion dollars and is targeted to reach 50 billion dollars by 2030. Another important aspect is the strengthening of cultural relations which speaks volumes of India's soft power. 

Prime Minister will meet the mayor of Kimhae city, which is believed to have ancient ties with the city of Ayodhya. It acts as a catalyst for people to people relations. 

As part of the global celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Prime Minister will unveil a bust of Mahatma at the Seoul campus of Yonsei University. 

He will also interact with the Indian community in South Korea. 

Bilateral talks between PM Modi and South Korean President Moon will take place on Friday.

Ahead of his visit, the PM described South Korea as an important partner for India's key initiatives such as 'Make in India', and said as fellow democracies the two countries share values and vision for regional and global peace.

PM Modi is visiting South Korea on the invitation of President Moon Jae-in.

This is his second visit to the Republic of Korea since 2015 and a second summit meeting with President Moon Jae-in.

He said collaboration between the two in the field of science and technology is encouraging, with joint research ranging from basic to advanced sciences.

"Our people to people ties and exchanges, as always, provide the bedrock of our ties of friendship,'' he said.

"Working together, we are determined to take our relationship forward as a 'future-oriented partnership for people, prosperity and peace'," the PM said.

(With PTI inputs)