India, South Korea to enhance n-energy, space cooperation

New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) Seeking to upgrade their bilateral ties, India and South Korea Thursday decided to step up cooperation in the areas of civil nuclear energy and space, including the launch of Korean satellites by India.

The two sides also reviewed the progress and expansion of their strategic partnership during their second foreign policy and security dialogue here.

The Indian delegation was led by Sanjay Singh, secretary (east) in the external affairs ministry, while the Korean side was led by Ahn Ho-young, first vice minister in the ministry of foreign affairs and trade.

"Enhancement of cooperation in the field of science and technology was also discussed," said the external affairs ministry.

"In this context, the two sides decided to encourage enhanced engagement in civil nuclear energy cooperation as well as space activities, including the launch of Korean satellites by India," the ministry said.

They also discussed a cluster of regional and global issues, including the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The minister of national defence and the minister of foreign affairs of Korea were likely to visit India later this year, the ministry said.

The two countries also agreed to accelerate work on upgrading their comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with a view to ensuring that it reflected current realities.

Bilateral trade has surged by 70 percent to $20.5 billion in 2011 since the implementation of the CEPA two years ago.

In view of the large Korean business presence in Tamil Nadu, South Korea expressed interest in opening a new consulate general in Chennai while welcoming India's decision to open a new defence attache's Office at its embassy in Seoul before the end of the year.