By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter

South Korea and Slovenia agreed Tuesday to strengthen exchange programs of senior officials in a bid to promote a bilateral economic partnership.

At a summit between President Lee Myung-bak and Slovenian President Danilo Turk in Busan, the two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in global organizations, such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

President Turk is visiting the southern port city to deliver a keynote speech at the OECD Forum 2009, which opened Tuesday for a four-day run.

"Lee and Turk discussed various issues of mutual concern, including economic cooperation between their countries and Slovenia's bid to become an OECD member," Cheong Wa Dae said.

The two leaders agreed to join hands to tackle global challenges and seek ways to boost bilateral trade and investment, the presidential office said.

President Lee asked Turk to support the free trade agreement (FTA) between South Korea and the European Union, saying the deal will also help increase Korea's trade with Slovenia.

The European country has emerged as Korea's largest trade partner in the Balkan region, with bilateral trade soaring to $980 million last year.

The Slovenian leader hoped more South Korean businesses would invest in his country, saying Slovenia serves as a gateway to central Europe, the office said.

jj@koreatimes.co.kr