(Yonhap Interview) S. Korea to mediate between advanced, developing economies: envoy

(Yonhap Interview) G-20-Indian envoy


By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Feb. 16 (Yonhap) -- India expects South Korea to play a bigger role in
bridging the gap between advanced and emerging countries as host of the G-20
summit in November this year, the top Indian envoy here said.

Balanced development of the world economy is the new major task of the G-20, a
premier negotiating forum for international economic policy cooperation, as the
recession begins to fade.
"One important objective (in the summit) would be for the world's leading
economies to create conditions for rapid and sustainable development of the
developing countries," Amb. Skand R. Tayal said in a recent interview.
India is a member of the group of the world's 20 major economies. Tayal said
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh plans to attend its fifth summit session to take
place in Seoul in November.
In his special address at the Davos Forum in Switzerland last month, President
Lee Myung-bak of South Korea, which chair's this year's G-20 session, also
emphasized the importance of tackling imbalances in the global economy,
"It is time for the G-20 to set a post-crisis agenda, and to build a platform
that will ensure the sustained and balanced growth of the world economy in the
months and years ahead," Lee said.
The ambassador said South Korea should be responsible for a "substantive outcome"
of the crucial meeting.
"As host, Korea has an important responsibility not only to arrange for smooth
organization of the summit but also for intensive preparations for a substantive
outcome," he said.
Tayal said South Korea can play a bridging role between developing and developed
nations, citing Korea's rapid economic recovery, experience in miraculous rise
from poverty and friendly relations with other member states both economically
and politically.
"Korea is well-positioned to coordinate differences between developing nations
and developed ones," he said, "Korea is in a good position to play the role of
harmonizing all the views."
He added the event is a good chance for South Korea to publicize its attractions.
"The November G-20 summit in Seoul offers a wonderful opportunity for Seoul city
as well as Korea as a country to project their unique character to the world," he
said.
Having served here for more than one year, the envoy said he has been especially
impressed by the South Korean people's hospitality.
"I am sure that hosting the meeting would add to the rising global status of the
Republic of Korea," he said, using South Korea's official name.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)

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