The top diplomats of South Korea and Thailand agreed Friday to strengthen cooperation in future industries, health care and green technologies during their talks in the Southeast Asian country, Yonhap cited the S. Korean Foreign Ministry as saying. The talks between Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and his Thai counterpart, Don Pramudwinai, came as Seoul strives to advance its New Southern Policy aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). At the talks, the two sides affirmed their commitment to intensifying cooperation in technology, innovation, digital economy as well as human resources development, according to their joint press statement. They also agreed to work together to promote green investment and technologies for sustainable development, while expressing their determination to enhance cooperation against emerging infectious diseases and other public health threats. Chung also expressed appreciation to the Thai government for its cooperation in South Korea's recent operations to evacuate 390 Afghan co-workers and family members by allowing the passage of military transport aircraft and offering refueling support, the ministry said in a press release. While in Thailand, Chung paid a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. The prime minister reaffirmed his will to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, the ministry said. Chung is currently on a two-nation trip that includes his visit to Laos. In May, the leaders of South Korea and Thailand had agreed to launch a ministerial dialogue on biosecurity between the two sides and sign a bilateral accord on healthcare cooperation. The agreement was reached during 40-minute-long phone talks between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Park Kyung-mee. Moon said it is "very timely" for Thailand to push for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project to develop three provinces southeast of Bangkok as a core advance base of high-tech industries. He expressed hope that South Korean companies will be able to participate in the project and contribute to it, Park said. The Thai leader proposed that the two nations expand and solidify partnerships on cutting-edge technologies and green economy. — Agencies
