South Korean Prime Minister Chung Hong-won flew to Pakistan on Sunday to hold meetings with senior officials and businessmen to discuss cooperation in the economy and other areas, his office said.

Chung is the highest-ranking South Korean official to visit the South Asian country since the establishment of their diplomatic ties in 1983.

He departed from the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing, wrapping up his five-day visit to China.

Chung plans to hold a series of meetings during his four-day trip, including talks with Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and development sectors, according to Chung's office.

He will also attend a business forum aimed at helping South Korean businesses expand into the country, it said. (Yonhap)