S.Korea welcomes India's decision to grant tourist visa-on-arrival to its nationals
India and South Korea on Thursday agreed to cooperate in ensuring the smooth implementation of the Visa Simplification Agreement concluded in 2012, with a view to making mutual visits more convenient.
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In the joint statement issued after summit-level talks between South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here, President Park welcomed India's decision provide tourist visa-on-arrival facilities to Republic of Korea (ROK) nationals.
Both leaders hoped that the newly established Consulate-General of ROK in Chennai would facilitate exchanges of people and promote business between the two countries.
To further deepen bilateral cultural ties, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered to gift the people of ROK a sapling of the Bodhi tree, which was accepted by President Park with appreciation.
Both leaders noted that an Indian Cultural Center in Seoul and a Korean Cultural Center in New Delhi, which were established in 2011 and 2012 respectively, have played an important role in promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries.
They also recognized that the cultural events, which were held last year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of India-ROK diplomatic ties, promoted mutual understanding among the people of the two countries.
They also welcomed the signing of the India-ROK Cultural Exchange Program for the period of 2014-2017, which is intended to promote cultural exchanges.
Both India and South Korea agreed to continue to exchange students in the education sector in a more substantial way.
Noting the growing interest in the Korean language in India, they welcomed Korea Foundation's decision to expand its program to support Korean language courses in Indian universities.
The two leaders shared the view that enhanced cooperation in promoting cultural industries; such as the film industry is necessary to nurture the creative economy.
They also welcomed the conclusion of the Agreement on Cooperation between Doordarshan and Korea International Broadcasting Foundation (Arirang TV).