ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister of Republic of Korea, Chung Hongwon, arrived here on Sunday for a four-day official visit.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal received the Korean leader and his delegation at the Nur Khan Airbase. The Korean ambassador to Pakistan was also present.

Clad in traditional dresses, a boy and a girl presented bouquets to the visiting prime minister.

Mr Chung is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

This is the first visit by a prime minister of South Korea to Pakistan since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

According to the ministry of foreign affairs, Mr Chung during the visit will call on the president and prime minister. He will be chief guest at the Korea Pakistan Investment Cooperation Forum being jointly organised by Pakistan’s Board of Investment and Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency in Islamabad on Monday (today).

Over the years relations between the two countries in various fields have deepened and broadened, said the ministry in an official release.

Bilateral trade worth $1.34 billion speaks of growing economic and trade ties between the two countries. Many Korean companies are investing in Pakistan in the areas of chemical industry, hydel and thermal power, infrastructure projects, etc.

The visit offers opportunities to both countries to exchange views on wide-ranging bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest. The two sides will also discuss ways and means for strengthening cooperation in diverse areas, particularly bilateral trade and investments in Pakistan.