India, S Korea hold security dialogue, discuss bilateral ties

India and South Korea on Monday discussed the potential for space and nuclear cooperation, upgrading of the bilateral trade and economic ties and collaboration in defence production.

 

The two sides held their 3rd India - Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) here.

 

Both sides discussed ways to further expand and deepen their strategic partnership.

 

They undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, including in the fields of economic collaboration, defence and security cooperation, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.

 

The Indian side was led by Ashok K Kantha, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The South Korean side was led by First Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Kim Kyou-hyun.

 

They also discussed the potential for space and nuclear cooperation, upgrading of the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and collaboration in defence production, according to a statement released by Ministry of External Affairs.

 

They agreed to step up cooperation in the spheres of maritime and cyber security. The two sides discussed the possible outcomes from South Korean President Park Geun-hye's forthcoming visit to India.

 

Discussing regional and international subjects of mutual interest, the sides agreed to step up coordination on East Asian regional issues.

 

South Korea also provided a briefing on the situation in the Korean Peninsula. Views were also exchanged on the recent developments in Afghanistan.

 

It was agreed that the 4th India-South Korea Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue will be held at New Delhi at a mutually convenient time in 2014.