By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik met with Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar on Jan. 9 and asked him to “spread the word of Korea's stability to the Indian people, businessmen and diplomats who are investing in Korea.”
“I am aware of the international community's concern about the emergency martial law situation, but our people have a strong DNA of overcoming crises, including colonization, war, division, and dictatorship,” Woo said when he met with Kumar at the National Assembly earlier in the day.
“Together in the G20, Korea and India are very important partners working together in the international community,” Woo said. ‘India is a remarkable and fast-growing country, and our two countries have made steady progress in all fields based on the ’Special Strategic Partnership' established in 2015.”
“Currently, more than 530 Korean companies are operating in India and creating many jobs, but they have experienced difficulties such as import restrictions, customs clearance difficulties, and value-added tax,” he said.
”I would like to draw your attention to the early establishment of the Fast Track Mechanism (FTM), which was launched last year, and the progress of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to increase investment in the semiconductor and electric vehicle battery sectors.”
“I believe that the Korean people have responded to the current political situation in an orderly manner within a democratic framework, and I know that Speaker Woo has played an important role,” said Ambassador Kumar, adding, ”I will convey to my home country that the FTM will continue to serve as a useful platform for Korean companies to address their challenges.”
Kumar then requested Korea's interest in the International Solar Alliance, which India is leading, and the Merchant Shipping Information Exchange Agreement to promote maritime security.
The meeting also included discussions on the 'Bajra' (Indian K-9 self-propelled artillery) contract, a symbol of defense cooperation between the two countries.
