India, Korea witnessing springtime in bilateral ties; expanding to new areas: Ambassador Chang Jae-bok  

NEW DELHI: India and South Korea are strengthening bilateral ties in cultural exchange, strategy, and trade & industry, and are expanding to new areas of cooperation, and are trying to do what has not been done before. 

Ambassador Chang Jae-bok, the Republic of Korea in India said this during his address at his residence in New Delhi on Thursday (Oct 14) evening while celebrating the National Foundation Day of South Korea in the presence of Indian dignitaries, diplomats, and overseas Koreans.

“Overall, we are witnessing springtime in our bilateral relations. We are deepening our bilateral ties, are expanding to new areas as defense, security minerals, and industry 4.0, and technologies. We are doing something that has not been done before. Even during pandemic our bilateral relations maintained the momentum, and we stood together as true friends and willingly supported each other,” said the Ambassador. 

Korea celebrates the creation of the state of Gojoseon founded in 2,333 B.C by Dangun as its National Foundation Day on 3rd October. The Embassy has been celebrating National Day every year on the large scale but due to Covid-19 social distancing norms, this time it was celebrated on October 14 with a limited number of attendees in New Delhi. 

In his welcome address, the Ambassador said that celebrating Korean National Foundation Day in such a lively setting amidst distinguished guests and attendees made him feel so good. 

Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs and Education were also present on the occasion. 

Also present on the occasion were Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau, Vietnam Embassy; Dr. Hai Do, Deputy Chief of Mission, Vietnam Embassy; Suresh Chukkkapalli, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Telangana; Dinesh K. Patnaik, Director General, ICCR; Hwang Il-yong, Director, Korean Cultural Centre in India (KCCI); Joonhwa Bin, MD, South Asia Head Office, KOTRA, Hee-chul Jung, Secretary-General, Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KOCHAM) and Chief Representative, Korea International Trade Association (KITA), India; Young Geul (Ian) Choi, Director, Korea Tourism India HQ; SeonSeob Kim, CEO/MD, Hyundai Motor India; Ho Bong Kang, Chairman, Korean Association in India; Sangsoo Koo, former Chairman, Korean Association in India; Jonghi Choi, Minister & Consul General; Capt. Yongseok Choi, Defense Attache, Ambassador (Retd) Skand R Tayal, Former Indian Ambassador to Korea and President India –ROK Friendship Society, and many more top figures from the Korean and Indian corporate world.   

 “We missed this lively celebration last year because of Corona. We share a strong brotherly friendship and are extending historical and cultural ties. Our people truly celebrate the strong legacy of the matrimonial between Ayodhya princess Sriratna (Suriratna) and Korean king Kim Su-ro. The ever-growing interest of our two people in each other’s culture is something that we are so proud of.” 

Ambassador Chang said that the top leaders of both countries shared very personal chemistry and have a frequent exchange of visits and calls. Korea and India enjoy a high level of mutual trust which will definitely drive bilateral relationships to a higher level. 

“Secondly, Korea India cooperation in the strategic domain has also gained new momentum. The two countries are the perfect partners in promoting peace and stability in the region and the world at large. Korea has already put in place innovative policy initiatives in the form of New Southern Policy, this is in sync with India’s Act East Policy,” he added.  

While stressing the fact that Korean and Indian economies are complementary to each other, the Ambassador said that the Korean businesses and industry were making a meaningful contribution in the Make in India initiative and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). 

“Our two economies are in best economic ties, and our bilateral trade and investment have started to gain momentum. The diversification of the global supply chain is offering more opportunities for bilateral trade and cooperation. Long and deep cultural ties between our two countries provide the solid foundation for bilateral relations to continue to grow from strength to strength,” said Ambassador Chang.