OECD gathering to boost S. Korea's status: minister

The ongoing meeting of global science ministers in South Korea will likely serve as a great opportunity to promote the country's achievements in technology to the world, Seoul's science minister said Tuesday.

A meeting of science ministers from members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development kicked off in Daejeon, some 164 kilometers south of Seoul, earlier in the day, to seek ways to promote sustainable economic growth and pursue solutions to global challenges.  

The two-day OECD Ministerial Meeting Daejeon 2015 brings together some 270 representatives from 57 countries and 12 international organizations, including science ministers from the nations. Delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are also participating.

"I think the hosting of the OECD meeting will help beef up South Korea's presence in science diplomacy," ICT Minister Choi Yang-hee said. "The OECD also acknowledges South Korea's efforts and accomplishments, and hopes the development model will be shared with underdeveloped nations." Choi said South Korea has also agreed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations members to bolster ties to share the vision.

South Korea invited not only the OECD members but the ASEAN members to the round table as well, in line with the rising need to narrow technology gaps among countries with different economic development levels.

Choi said South Korea also wishes to forge deeper ties with neighboring countries like China and Japan.

"Although there has not been significant progress in cooperation with Japan over the past years, I plan to visit Japan this year and achieve some things," said Choi, who chairs the OECD meeting. (Yonhap)