Top education and science policymakers from South Korea and the United States plan to hold a series of talks this week in Washington, a sign of growing partnership in the fields between the longtime allies, a Seoul ministry said Sunday.

   Lee Ju-ho, minister of education, science and technology, is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan during his trip to Washington from Wednesday till Friday, according to Lee's ministry.

   It will mark the first formal talks between the two countries' education ministers in 30 years, it added.

   "Agenda items will include the strengthening of public education, securing superb teachers, training global teachers and quality control of advanced education," a ministry official said.

   He said the two sides will explore ways for concrete cooperation.

   Lee is also slated to hold a series of meetings with Steven Chu, secretary of energy, and John Holdren, advisor to President Barack Obama for science and technology.

   Obama has often praised South Korea's education system in public appearances.

Source: Yonhap News (May 8, 2011)