According to Yonhap News,

(SEOUL=Yonhap News) South Korea's top diplomat asked Mexico Thursday to resume talks on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).

Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se delivered the message to his Mexican counterpart Claudia Ruiz Massieu in their meeting in Manila, Yun's ministry said.

Both were in the Filipino capital accompanying the leaders of the two sides at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation session.

Yun pointed out that the FTA would be an "important milestone to upgrade relations between the two countries to a new level," according to the ministry.

He was quoted as adding, "It's desirable to resume negotiations at an early date."

Talks between the two sides were suspended in 2008 due to strong opposition from the Mexican automobile industry.

Yun also asked the Mexican government to support South Korean firms' bid to participate in local infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, he is scheduled to hold talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Seoul next week.

The meeting, slated for Tuesday, is expected to provide a chance for "in-depth consultations on security conditions in the Middle East and East Asia," the ministry said in a separate statement.

lcd@yna.co.kr

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