President Lee says India key to Seoul's 'New Asia Diplomacy'

By Lee Chi-dong
NEW DELHI, Jan. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said Monday
his ongoing India trip highlights Seoul's push to improve ties with Asian
countries under his so-called "New Asia Diplomacy" campaign.

In his biweekly radio address, Lee pointed out that it is his first overseas trip
this year about a month after visiting the United Arab Emirates, the last of his
trips abroad in 2009.
"It means I am with Asian countries for both the closure of a year and the
beginning of the new year," he said, according to a script released by his
office, Cheong Wa Dae. Recorded in Seoul before Lee's trip, Cheong Wa Dae said,
the address was aired across South Korea Monday morning.
Lee arrived here on Sunday after a brief trip to the industrial city of Chennai,
where he toured a Hyundai Motor factory.
During his first year in office in 2008, the president concentrated diplomatic
efforts on boosting Seoul's relations with four regional powers -- the United
States, China, Russia and Japan. He announced a full-scale campaign last year to
deepen South Korea's ties with other Asian neighbors and criss-crossed Australia,
New Zealand and several Southeast and Central Asian nations.
"I have tried to realize the vision of New Asia Diplomacy. This trip to India
marks a key point of such efforts," he added.
Lee stressed that Asia is taking center on the global stage in the 21st century
and said that India is a key player.
"Asia is developing as a new growth engine in the world. Asia is expected to
account for 35 percent of the world's GDP (gross domestic product) ten years from
now," he said.
"I am paying attention to India because of its potential," he said. The nation of
1.1 billion people has attained an average of 9 percent growth over the past five
years, and recorded nearly 7 percent growth last year despite the global economic
downturn, Lee noted.
The president said the South Korea-India free trade pact, named the Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), will help South Korea create jobs and
export more.
"More than 120,000 people exchange visits (to India or South Korea) a year to
learn about the other side," he said. "I expect closer cooperation between the
two nations not only on the economy but also in various other fields including
culture, history, and education."
Lee stressed that if South Korea and India work together in the information and
technology sector, it could make a large contribution to the world as well as the
development of bilateral relations.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)

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