MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The majority of the citizens of Russia and South Korea are confident about the prospects of strategic partnership between the two countries, according to a poll conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) and the Korean Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.
"Majority of residents of the two countries believe that the partnership between Russia and the Republic of Korea is not only possible, but could also be beneficial. Thus, 66 percent of Russians and 77 percent of Koreans believe that strategic partnership between the two countries is possible, and 56 percent and 72 percent respectively believe that this partnership will be beneficial for their country," the poll said.
The Russians, in turn, consider South Korea, above all, a source of innovation and technology (29 percent of the respondents) and an attractive trade partner (27 percent). A total of 25 percent believe in Russia-South Korea cooperation in healthcare.
According to the poll, both sides are interested in the development of bilateral tourism: 49 percent of the Russians and 71 percent of the South Koreans expressed the desire to visit the neighboring country. A quarter of both the Russian and South Koreans nationals believe that tourism should be one of the main areas of cooperation.
Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin and South Korean President Park Geun-hye met on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. The meeting has been followed by signing of multiple agreements by the two countries' officials.
