Presidential envoy headed to Latin America for resource talks

SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- A senior South Korean lawmaker, the brother of President Lee Myung-bak, embarked on Monday on a trip to Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador as a presidential envoy to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in resources development, his aide said.
Rep. Lee Sang-deuk of the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) departed for Peru to attend the inauguration of President-elect Ollanta Humala and deliver Seoul's intention to further strengthen economic ties with the resource-abundant nation, his office said.
His trip comes as a free trade deal between South Korea and Peru took effect earlier this month. The deal calls for eliminating all tariffs between the two countries within 10 years.
In Bolivia, Lee is expected to hold detailed discussions on lithium resources with President Evo Morales. In August last year, the two countries signed a deal to develop the world's largest salt flats and lithium resources in Bolivia, which boasts nearly half of the world's known reserves.
In Ecuador, Lee plans to talk about a solar energy plant project with President Rafael Correa.
The six-term lawmaker had previously led economic delegations to 13 countries for resource development opportunities, including five visits in the South American region since 2009.