Pallam Raju in Korea

New Delhi, May 3 (UNI) Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju today discussed matters relating to bilateral defence cooperation and other issues of mutual interest with senior South Korean defence officials in Seoul.

Currently on a three-day official visit to South Korea, Minister Raju today visited the Agency for Defence Development in Seoul and met its President Ahn Dong Mhan, according to reports received here.

Indian Ambassador in Seoul N Parthasarthi was also present during the meeting where Minister Raju explored the possibilities of both countries collaborating in defence research and defence-related production.

Minister Raju also visited the Samsung Techwin Co Ltd and the Hyundai heavy Industries Co Ltd -- where he met Hyundai President and CEO Kil-Seon Choi.

During his stay in Seoul, Minister Raju was scheduled to meet National Defence Minister Yoon Kwang-ung and Minister of Foreign Affairs&Trade Ban Ki Moon before proceeding to Mongolia for a two- day visit.

South Korea is an emerging political and economic partner of India with defence relations and cooperation having recently been strengthened with the signing of an MoU on Defence Industry and Logistics Cooperation in September last year. Another MoU on cooperation between the Coast Guards of the two countries was concluded in March last.

South Korea, a major investor in India, has developed world-class expertise, particularly in fields related to Defence Production, including ship-building. India hopes to benefit from a collaborative effort which brings together Korean technology and Indian manufacturing advantage to mutual benefit.

UNI DG SI PC2021