South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT said on Jan. 5 it set up a basis for cooperation in science and technology and digital technology during President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to China.

The ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with China's Ministry of Science and Technology on cooperation in science, technology and innovation to respond to global shared challenges. Based on the agreement, the two countries will pursue joint research and exchanges among researchers to respond together to challenges including climate change and sustainable development.

It also signed a memorandum of understanding with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on digital technology cooperation. To contribute to economic growth and recovery of livelihoods, it expanded areas of cooperation across digital technologies, including digital expansion and digital inclusion. The ministry plans to produce results for economic growth and recovery of livelihoods in both countries through an inter-ministerial consultative body.

Bae Kyung-hoon, deputy prime minister and minister of science and ICT, shared trends in China's science and technology development and talent training policies during a luncheon meeting with key figures from the Korean Scientists and Engineers Association in China. He also marked the association's 10th anniversary and discussed directions for science and technology cooperation between South Korea and China.

The association shared policy factors that enable China to achieve rapid technological development, based on its experience advising students at major universities in China. The ministry plans to use the discussions to identify future areas for science and technology cooperation between the two countries.