S. Korean, Indian FMs discuss bilateral cooperation, Middle East situation

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, right, shakes hands with India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

The top diplomats of South Korea and India on Wednesday discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors and exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and global supply chains, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

During talks in Seoul, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar reviewed progress on follow-up measures from the April summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the ministry.

Cho welcomed the steady implementation of follow-up projects in the economic, social and cultural fields by the two governments, while Jaishankar stressed the need to faithfully implement relevant measures to further advance the two countries' special strategic partnership.

Following the April summit, Seoul's foreign ministry established a task force to accelerate follow-up measures in key areas and plans to hold a meeting with Indian businesses operating in South Korea.

India also hosted "Korea Week" this week to enhance communication with South Korean companies operating in the country, the ministry said.

The two ministers exchanged views on the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and its implications for global supply chains.

"The two sides shared the view that the swift and safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the free and secure navigation of all vessels are critical to global security and economic stability," the ministry said. "They agreed to maintain close communication and continue supporting international efforts toward that end."

Cho explained Seoul's efforts to promote peaceful coexistence with North Korea and expressed hope for India's constructive role in helping create conditions conducive to peace, noting that New Delhi maintains diplomatic channels of communication with Pyongyang.

Jaishankar is also scheduled to attend the Jeju Forum on Thursday, which kicked off Wednesday for a three-day run on the southern resort island of Jeju, the ministry said.