South Korea, Andhra Pradesh Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Senior officials from South Korea and the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh met in Seoul on Thursday and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and support Korean companies operating in the state, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae met with Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh's minister for information technology, electronics and communications, real-time governance, and human resources development, according to the ministry.

Lokesh is on a weeklong visit to South Korea through Saturday under the Seoul government's high-level exchange program.

Chung noted ties between the two nations have advanced rapidly across various sectors since President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to India in April, and called for continued interest in and support for Korean businesses operating in Andhra Pradesh.

Lokesh said his visit provided opportunities to engage with Korean companies and explore investment cooperation with the state.

Andhra Pradesh, located on India's southeastern coast, is a major hub for manufacturing, technology and logistics. The state has attracted significant foreign investment, including from South Korean companies.

Lokesh and his delegation have been meeting with Korean companies and organizations, including Kia Corp., Hyundai Mobis Co., LG Electronics Inc. and LG Chem Ltd., during their visit.

"As part of the follow-up to the state visit, we will continue to promote exchanges with India's central and state governments, while working to build networks of pro-Korea leaders and strengthen friendly relations throughout the region," the ministry said.