By Yoon Sojung 

President Moon Jae-in highlighted the importance of cooperation between Korea and India as a leading partner in Seoul’s New Southern Policy on July 9. He also expressed his commitment to expand cooperation with all South Asian countries. 

In a written interview with the Indian daily The Times of India prior to his state visit to India from July 8 to 11, President Moon said, “The vision of the New Southern Policy is all about establishing a future partnership with South Asian countries for the sake of the people, mutual prosperity and peace. Among them, India is a key partner for Korea.” 

Regarding future cooperation between Korea and India, President Moon said, “India is equipped with cutting-edge science and technology, as well as excellent human resources. If these are combined with Korea’s applied technology, experiences and capital, it would be possible to expedite complementary and mutually beneficial economic cooperation.” 

Pointing to manufacturing, infrastructure and state-of-the-art industries as some of the promising sectors for cooperation between the two countries, President Moon said, “There are limitless possibilities for economic cooperation between our two countries.” 

“I look forward to more expanded cooperation on such fields as manufacturing, infrastructure and state-of-the-art industries,” he said. 

When questioned about bilateral cooperation and jointly responding to the fourth industrial revolution, President Moon said, “It's important that our two countries are forming the Korea-India Future Vision Strategy Group these days.”

“Joint research and exchanges among talented people will likely be expanded in the areas of ICT, software, biotech, cybersecurity, healthcare and energy, as well as future cars and space developments,” he added. 

In regard to the development of peace on the Korean Peninsula, President Moon said, “Building upon the peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear weapons issues, a peace regime and mutual prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, I intend to establish a permanent peace.” 

“Now the given task is for us to fully implement the North Korea-U.S. summit resolutions, as soon as possible.”

“Through candid talks and well-intentioned measures, we will unwaveringly seek to carry out the process of peace on the Korean Peninsula,” he said.

“Peace initiated on the Korean Peninsula will greatly contribute to peace and prosperity in South Asia.” 

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