'Korea's progress has made vision of Asian century stronger': PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded South Korea's economic rise, and said the nation's rapid progress has made the vision of an Asian Century stronger.

"I am pleased to visit Republic of Korea in the first year of my government. I have visited here before as chief minister. Korea's economic rise has left me deeply impressed," Prime Minister Modi said at a press briefing here.

"In the short time since then, Korea's global leadership in manufacturing and technology has become more visible. Korea is also a strong pillar of democracy in Asia. Korea's rapid progress has made the vision of an Asian century stronger," he added.

Prime Minister Modi described Korea as a crucial partner in India's economic modernization.

"We have a special focus on infrastructure and developing a world class manufacturing sector. Korea can be a leading partner in this enterprise. Our relationship started with a strong economic emphasis, but it has also now become strategic in content," he said.

Prime Minister Modi further said that the need for closer engagement between countries with shared values and vision has never been stronger.

He also expressed pleasure at the upgradation of the bilateral relationship between the two countries to 'Special Strategic Partnership'.

"The decisions today reflect how seriously we take the new framework of our relationship. Republic of Korea is the second country with which India will have a diplomatic and security dialogue in 2+2 format," he said.

The Prime Minister welcomed the decision to have regular cooperation between the national security councils of both sides.

"We have also agreed to expand cooperation between our armed forces. We intend to deepen our cooperation in defence technology and manufacture of defence equipment in India. This sector offers huge opportunities in India," he added.

Prime Minister Modi said he had requested President Park Guen-Hye to support the participation of Korean companies in the defence sector in India, to which she had responded positively.

He added that both sides had held extensive discussions on economic relations.