External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday welcomed the Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Hyun to India and described it as a "very special privilege" to host an old friend as a new colleague.

He congratulated Cho Hyun on his recent appointment and said that his visit, "literally a day after your National Day, and our National Day, says a lot about the value we attach to the relationship," while also extending greetings on Korea's National Liberation Day.

Speaking on the importance of the visit, Jaishankar said it marked the 10th anniversary of the Special Strategic Partnership between India and South Korea. He recalled being present with the Prime Minister when he met President Lee Jae Myung in Kananaskis, Canada, a meeting that "had very strong bonding."

He expressed gratitude for South Korea’s condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22 and noted the Republic of Korea’s active engagement with India’s Parliamentary delegation during their visit to Seoul. He added that talks would include "defence, security, business, economics, connectivity, people-to-people relations," and said he hoped for "a very good, productive meeting."

Cho Hyun arrived in New Delhi on Friday evening for his first official visit, further deepening bilateral ties.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also welcomed him and wrote, "Warm welcome to FM Cho Hyun of the Republic of Korea as he arrives in New Delhi on his maiden visit to India. India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership remains strong & geared towards the future."

Since Korea’s Liberation Day coincided with India’s Independence Day, Cho Hyun extended his greetings after Jaishankar wished him. He wrote on X, "Dear External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, thank you sincerely for your warm congratulations on Korea's National Liberation Day. Today is also India's Independence Day, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations. I look forward to further deepening the close friendship and cooperation between our two countries. I hope to see you soon!"

Jaishankar also shared a clip of Prime Minister Modi meeting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the G7 Summit in Canada and wrote, "Heartfelt congratulations to FM Cho Hyun, the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea on their National Liberation Day. Look forward to welcoming you to India."

To mark the celebrations, the Korean Embassy in India released a video of diplomats wishing India a Happy Independence Day in Hindi, while the Indian Embassy in Seoul celebrated the 79th Independence Day with cultural performances by the Indian community.