Trade, defence, IT and cyber space: Islamabad seeks to initiate strategic talks with Seoul

Pakistan Friday expressed its desire to initiate strategic dialogue at foreign ministers-level with the Republic of Korea to further enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of information technology, cyber space consultations, defence, agriculture, trade and economy. The proposal was exchanged during the 9th round of the bilateral political consultations between Pakistan and the Republic of Korea held at the Foreign Office.
Acting Foreign Secretary Mohammad Waheed-ul-Hasan led the Pakistan side, while Lim Sung-nam, first vice Minister for Foreign Affairs led the Korean side. During the talks, whole range of Pakistan-Korea bilateral relations was reviewed by the two sides, according to a statement issued by Foreign Office here on Friday.
The two sides reiterated their commitment to further enhance cooperation in the fields of information technology, cyber space consultations, agriculture, education, energy sector, employment opportunities for Pakistan workers in Korea and increasing Korean investment in Pakistan. A list of projects for joint cooperation and Korean investment in Pakistan were handed over to the Korean delegation.
Noting the excellent tradition of friendship, the Acting Foreign Secretary emphasised the need for regular high level political exchanges through bilateral visits and meetings between the leadership of the two countries on the sidelines of International events. The Acting Foreign Secretary reiterated the invitation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to the Korean President Park Geun-hye to visit Pakistan.
During the talks, the two sides expressed deep satisfaction at the continued growth of mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse fields including political, trade, commerce, economic development, security and defence. Both sides also discussed regional international issues of mutual interest and matters pertaining to cooperation at multilateral forums including the United Nations Security Council reforms.
The Korean first vice Foreign Minister also briefed the Acting Foreign Secretary on political and security situation in the Korean Peninsula. The two sides agreed to hold next round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Seoul in 2016. The visiting Korean first vice Minister for Foreign Affairs also called on Minister for Planning, Reforms and Development Ahsan Iqbal. During the talks they underlined the need for further enhancing political, trade and economic ties.