India, South Korea partnership to expand in strategic areas, says President Pranab Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: Citing civilisational links between India and South Korea, President Pranab Mukherjee today said he was confident that partnership between the two countries will expand in strategic areas.

"India cherishes its traditional ties of friendship with the Republic of Korea. Our ancient civilisational links have been substantively enhanced in contemporary times. It is a matter of satisfaction that the bilateral relationship between India and the Republic of Korea has been upgraded to a ' Special Strategic Partnership' during the successful visit of the Prime Minister of India to Seoul earlier this year.

"I am confident that our partnership will expand and diversify further in strategic areas of our mutual complementarities and convergences to the benefit of our peoples," Mukherjee said in his message to the government and people of South Korea on the eve of their national day.

In his message to South Korean President Park Geun-hye, Mukherjee said that "on behalf of the government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend to you and to the government and the people of the Republic of Korea warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of your national day.

"I take this opportunity to convey to your excellency my best wishes for your personal health and well-being--and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Republic of Korea".