By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter

President Lee Myung-bak will take advantage of his seven-day visit to India and Switzerland from Jan. 24 to 30 to seek broader support for his "New Asia Initiative," which calls for a closer partnership between Korea and its neighbors, officials here said Friday.

Lee will deliver an address at the Davos economic forum Thursday to show Korea's commitment to playing a bridging role between developed and developing countries at the G-20 Seoul Summit in November.

In particular, he will stress Korea's efforts to be a voice for Asian countries on the global stage in charting a roadmap for sustainable economic growth, and addressing pressing issues such as climate change.

"In the speech in Davos, the President will talk about the G-20's role in overcoming the economic crisis and establishing green growth and entrepreneurship," a Cheong Wa Dae spokesman said.

"He will also offer a snapshot of Korea's globalization programs and show how the country will act to promote Asia's interests as the chair of the world's premier economic forum this year."

During his visit to India from Sunday to Wednesday, he will focus on strengthening his New Asia Initiative by laying the groundwork for closer economic ties with the rapidly developing economy.

At a planned summit between Lee and India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Monday, they may sign a pact on nuclear technology exchange for peaceful purposes, opening the way for Korean firms to participate in India's project to build nuclear reactors.

The leaders will also seek ways to develop bilateral cooperation based on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the de-facto free trade accord that took effect earlier this month, the presidential office said.

Sources said the agenda for the summit will include the New Asia Initiative, Korea's green growth policies, the global fight against climate change and North Korea's nuclear program.

Lee announced the initiative during his trip to Jakarta, Indonesia, last March and has shared it with regional partners.

Under the initiative, Korea plans to upgrade its relations with more regional partners in the areas of the economy, security and culture.

"Lee may seek the Indian prime minister's firm backing of his plan to represent the voices of emerging economies in Asia," the spokesman said.

Korea is the first Asian nation to host the G-20 Summit. In its capacity as the host country, Korea will invite some non-members to the forum.

Lee has pledged to increase economic contributions to developing countries in Asia and promote cultural exchanges based on the growing popularity of Korean dramas and pop songs.

The country is seeking to sign free trade agreements not only with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also other Asia-Pacific countries as part of its efforts to further regional economic cooperation.

jj@koreatimes.co.kr