site.btaBulgarian PM Meets with Republic of Korea Counterpart

ESD 11:00:01 26-09-2019
LN1106ES.105
105 POLITICS - BULGARIA - SOUTH KOREA - PMs

Bulgarian PM Meets with
Republic of Korea
Counterpart


Seoul, September 26 (BTA special correspondent Antoan Nikolov) - Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov Thursday met with the government leader of the Republic of Korea, Lee Nak-yeon, on the third day of his official visit here.

Speaking at a news briefing in the government headquarters in Seoul, Borissov said that both countries have made education and culture their priority which is why he attaches topmost importance to relations between universities.

He expressed hope that the Korean government would support a project for production of electric car batteries in Bulgaria.

It also transpired that there is an opportunity for starting a direct air service between Seoul and Sofia.

Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon said that Borissov's visit will invigorate bilateral relations on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

He congratulated Borissov for the election of Kristalina Georgieva at the helm of the IMF on Wednesday.

The two politicians also discussed cooperation in the area of hi-tech.

Prime Minister Lee said that the two countries will step up exchange in tourism, culture and education.

In the presence of Borissov, the two sides signed documents for cooperation in energy and foreign affairs.

A memorandum of understanding will encourage companies to participate in project tenders in the energy sector and support the advancement of cooperation between the two countries in using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It also envisages an exchange of experts and cooperation between energy companies and research establishments in the area of new energy technologies.

Another memorandum, between the two Foreign Ministries, provides for joint observance of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

During an official lunch for the Bulgarian delegation that he hosted, Prime Minister Lee said in his toast that during the Korean War Bulgaria welcomed and taught 500 Korean children, and one of the teachers who worked with them was the mother of Prime Minister Borissov.

He also said that he holds Bulgaria dear to his heart and that it was the first country he visited as Prime Minister.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Borissov visited the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Hankuk and Sofia's University of St. Kliment Ohridski have an intense programme for academic exchange. The Korean side provides scholarships for Bulgarian students and Prime Minister Borissov expressed hope that Bulgaria will start offering scholarships for Korean students next year.

Borissov is visiting Seoul until September 27. LN/DT