On Tuesday, March 10, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun held a telephone conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The two ministers exchanged views on Korea-India relations, substantive cooperation and the international situation.

Minister Cho appreciated that, last year which marked the 10th anniversary of their Special Strategic Partnership, Korea and India held two summit meetings and thereby fostered a special bond between their leaders. He suggested that the two countries continue summit-level exchanges this year to elevate bilateral relations to a new level and to generate substantive outcomes that contribute to the lives of the peoples of both countries.

Minister Jaishankar expressed agreement with Minister Cho’s remarks, stating that India likewise aims to further develop its bilateral relationship with Korea through active high-level exchanges this year. On that note, he voiced hope for an expansion of highly potential and mutually complementary strategic economic cooperation between Korea and India.

The two ministers exchanged views on Korean Peninsula and regional issues and particularly discussed the situation in the Middle East, which is having a significant impact on global security and economy. They agreed to maintain close communication on safety measures for their citizens in response to developments in the Middle East.