New Delhi, 30 January (H.S.): A parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Korea met Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh in Parliament House on Friday. The delegation was led by Lee Hak-young, Vice Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. Harivansh remarked that both India and the Republic of Korea represent robust and progressive democracies, underpinned by a strong tradition of parliamentary exchange.

During the meeting, Harivansh illuminated the multifaceted nature of bilateral cooperation, highlighting intimate partnerships in trade and investment, defense, culture, and people-to-people contacts between India and the Republic of Korea. This collaboration rests firmly on shared values of democracy, rule of law, global peace, and prosperity.

Referencing the historic and cultural bonds between the two nations, Harivansh cited the marital alliance between Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya and King Kim Suro of Gimhae as emblematic of profound civilizational linkages. He described it as a vivid symbol of the historical proximity shared by both countries.

Harivansh also noted that in 2011, the Republic of Korea government installed a statue of Nobel laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore in Seoul to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary. The poem ‘Lamp of the East’ penned by Gurudev in 1929 symbolizes reverence for Korea's glorious past and bright future—a composition cherished fondly by the Korean people even todays.

Expressing satisfaction over bilateral trade and investment, Harivansh stated that commerce between India and Korea has reached nearly 27 billion US dollars. He pointed out that Korean conglomerates like Hyundai, Samsung, and LG enjoy household recognition across India.

Emphasizing the pivotal role of parliamentarians, Harivansh assured full support to further strengthen parliamentary cooperation and extended best wishes for the delegation's India visit. Several Rajya Sabha members, the Secretary-General, senior officials, and Ministry of External Affairs representatives were present on the occasion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar