SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- South Korean president Lee Myung-bak will make a trip to India and Switzerland from Jan. 24 to 30, the presidential office Chung Wa Dae said in a statement Friday.

    During his visit to India, Lee will meet with a number of senior government officials, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, to discuss ways to strengthen ties between the two countries in areas like economy, security, technology, and cultural exchanges, while also participating in a national parade and reception as a chief guest on Republic Day, India's biggest national holiday, the release said.

    On Jan. 27, Lee will fly to Switzerland to meet with Joseph Blatter, the president of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), in Zurich, and later attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Jan. 28 and 29, the statement said.

    At the WEF in particular, Lee is expected to deliver a keynote speech explaining South Korea's recent economic recovery as well as his eco-friendly public policies.

    Lee will fly back to South Korea on Jan. 30, the Chung Wa Dae added.