Head of Hong Kong''s Government Donald Tsang paid a courtesy call on President Lee Myung-bak on Thursday (Feb. 19). Tsang arrived in Seoul the same day for a two-day stay, at the invitation of Korea''s Foreign Minister.

Lee and Tsang exchanged their plans on how to boost the mutual exchanges in economy, finance, culture and human resources at the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae.

The two heads, in particular, pledged to cooperate in efforts for global economic recovery. Lee asked for Hong Kong''s support for Korea in gaining membership to the Financial Stability Forum, and Tsang promised to positively review it.

The two leaders expressed pleasure in the ever-increasing trade between Korea and Hong Kong, and agreed to work together to achieve the bilateral trade target of US$25 billion set for 2010.

Lee also asked for Hong Kong''s active investment in Korea''s industries of new growth engines, and Tsang briefed Lee on the status of the “Korean Wave” of cultural products in Hong Kong, while emphasizing an enhancement of bilateral culture exchange.

As to the fifth East Asian Games to be held in Hong Kong from Dec. 5 to 13, Lee promised Korea''s active participation in the event and expressed his wish for Hong Kong''s successful hosting of the games.