By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
South Korea and Belgium agreed Monday to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the development of renewable energy and other ``green growth'' areas.
Belgian Crown Prince Philippe, who is now on an official six-day visit to Seoul, met with Prime Minister Han Seung-soo to discuss ways to expand economic and cultural exchanges.
High on the agenda during their talks was Korea-Belgium cooperation in developing low-carbon and green growth technologies, an area where the European country has a competitive edge, the Office of the Prime Minister said.
``Han and Philippe discussed various issues of mutual concern, including the global fight against climate change and energy crisis and North Korea's nuclear and missile threats,'' the office said in a statement. ``They agreed to promote cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries and strengthen cooperation on global issues.''
Upon arrival in Seoul on Saturday, Crown Prince Philippe met President Lee Myung-bak at Cheong Wa Dae and visited the truce village of Panmunjeom.
He praised Korea on its accomplishments in information technology and called for stronger bilateral ties in politics, the economy and culture, according to presidential spokeswoman Kim Eun-hye.
The Belgian delegation includes about 80 businesspeople and journalists. The business people ― mostly CEOs of IT, pharmaceutical, design and space and aero technology firms ― are holding a series of business talks with their South Korean counterparts during their stay in Seoul, officials said.
Prime Minister Han asked Belgium to complete the domestic procedure for an early implementation of a bilateral investment treaty previously signed between the two governments.
Han called a Korean art fair, which took place from October to March in Brussels, a success, saying Korea and Belgium should increase cultural exchanges to foster an amicable relationship, his office said.
Philippe will stay here until Thursday.