Kejriwal signs MoU with Seoul Metropolitan government

New Delhi: The Delhi government and the Seoul Metropolitan government signed a MoU on Friday to work closely in the fields of environment, tourism, waste water and solid waste management, infrastructure and public health among others.

The MoU on the 'Friendship and Cooperation Agreement' was signed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Seoul mayor Park Won-Soon in the South Korean capital. 

On the occasion, Kejriwal said, "I have an appeal to make, let this MoU between the governments of Delhi and Seoul not merely be another piece of an official document, let us try and convert it into a living document, since it is being signed for mutual cooperation in multiple fields." 

He expressed hope that Delhi will develop on the lines of Seoul which has emerged as a "beautiful" city in the past 68 years despite being ravaged in the Korean war in 1950. 

"Delhi's Urban Development Department will be more than eager to take help from you in whichever manner possible to develop Delhi in a similar way," Kejriwal said. 

He also sought cooperation of Seoul in tackling air pollution in Delhi and the transportation needs of the city. 

The Agreement listed 11 areas for exchange of expertise and cooperation, including environment, culture, tourism, smart city, transportation, education, land use planning and management, science and technology, MICE industry, waste water and solid waste management, infrastructure and public health. 

As per the MoU, the Delhi government will solicit support of its Urban Development Department and other departments for implementing all the relevant aspects of the agreement. 

It also requires the government to set up and operationalise a 'Twinning Cell' at the Urban Development Department and a committee to support the cell. 

Besides, it will support activity related workshops, conduct community participation activities, and maintain documentation. 

Annual reports would be sent to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs. 

The Seoul Metropolitan government will replicate the same actions at its end, the MoU stated. 

The two sides will hold regular meetings to communicate over the programmes, projects and activities to be undertaken as per the agreement. 

They will also develop an annual joint action plan and ensure financial resources to support the exchanges and activities. 

The 'Twinning Agreement' will remain in force till three years from September 14, 2018, and it could be amended by written agreement between the two parties. 

The Principal Secretary (Urban Development), Delhi government and Director General, International Cooperation Bureau, Seoul, will be nodal officers for the Agreement.