Seoul: On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the 2018 Seoul peace prize on his visit to South Korea. PM Modi was selected after candidates proposed over 1300 nominators from around the world. Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan was the recipient of the honour in 1999.

In the official address, the South Korean presenter enlisted the Prime Minister's achievements that led to this honour. "PM Modi has contributed to the economic contribution to the country and the world. He has been critical in promoting regional and global peace. "

also read The Supreme Court direct centre to take immediate action in cases of assault on Kashmiris

The recipients include German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus, former United Nation Secretary-General South Korean Ban Ki-moon, among others. PM Modi said after accepting the award "The Seoul Peace Prize does not belong to me, it is dedicated to the people of India and our country’s culture of peace and harmony. It's for the success India has achieved in the last 5 years, powered by the skills of 1.3 billion people,". Further added that "The success that India has achieved in the last 5 years is due to aspirations, inspiration and efforts of the people of India. On their behalf, I accept the Award and express my gratitude."

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held bilateral talks on cooperation in areas including trade, investment, defence and security. Modi's two-day visit to South Korea has been organised to strengthen India's strategic ties with the country. The PM also met South Korean First lady Kim Jung-sook.

also read Article 370 should not be "touched": Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar

Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said "PM Narendra Modi and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held constructive talks on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, energy, space, Start-ups and people-to-people exchanges,". 

The Seoul Peace Prize was established in 1990 to commemorate the success of the 24th Olympic Games held in Seoul, an event in which 160 nations from across the world took part, creating harmony and friendship and a worldwide atmosphere of peace and reconciliation. The Seoul Peace Prize was established to crystallize the Korean people's yearning for peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the rest of the world.