Four-day visit: South Korean premier arrives in Islamabad

Chung Hong-won is the first Korean head of govt to visit Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD: South Korea’s Prime Minister Chung Hong-won arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, kicking off a four-day official visit to enhance existing bilateral cooperation with Pakistan.

Hong-won, who is South Korea’s first head of government to travel to Pakistan since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1983, received a red carpet welcome at the Nur Khan Airbase.



He was greeted by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal. A young boy and girl, both clad in traditional dresses, presented bouquets to the visiting head of government. South Korea’s ambassador to Pakistan was also present at the occasion.

Hong-won is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He is scheduled to meet his Pakistani counterpart during his four-day stay in the country. The meeting between the two premiers will be followed by delegation level talks. The Korean premier is also scheduled to call on President Mamnoon Hussain.

According to the foreign ministry spokesperson, over the years relations between Pakistan and Korea in various fields have deepened and broadened.

“The bilateral trade figure of US $1.341 billion speaks of growing economic and trade ties between the two countries. Many Korean companies are investing in Pakistan in the areas of chemical industry, hydel/thermal power and infrastructure projects etc,” said spokesperson Tasnim Aslam in a statement.

She said the visit would offer opportunities to both countries to exchange views on wide ranging bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest.

The two sides will also discuss ways and means for further strengthening cooperation in diverse areas, particularly in expanding bilateral trade and enhancing investments in Pakistan, she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2014.