President Lee Holds First Phone Call with Egyptian President: "Looking Forward to Enhanced Cooperation in Culture, Education, and People-to-People Exchanges"

Highly Valued the Development of Cooperative Relations as "Comprehensive Cooperation Partners"
Closely Exchanged Views on Peace and Security on the Korean Peninsula and the Situation in the Middle East

President Lee Jaemyung held his first phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi since taking office on October 20, according to the presidential office.

Yonhap News Agency

Kim Namjoon, spokesperson for the presidential office, said in a written briefing that "the two leaders exchanged greetings and congratulations on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Egypt this year, and highly valued the development of their cooperative relationship as 'comprehensive cooperation partners.'"

The two leaders agreed that since establishing diplomatic ties in 1995, the two countries have developed mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, including the economy, infrastructure, and defense. They also recognized the significant potential for collaboration between Korea, which possesses advanced technology, and Egypt, an economic hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. In particular, President el-Sisi noted that investments by leading Korean companies have made significant contributions to the Egyptian economy, and expressed his hope that Korean companies will continue to expand their activities in Egypt.

The leaders also observed that people-to-people exchanges are becoming more active, based on mutual respect and affinity for each other's cultures, as evidenced by the rising popularity of K-culture in Egypt. They agreed that, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, cooperation in the areas of culture, education, and human exchanges should further develop.

The two leaders also closely exchanged views on peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and the situation in the Middle East. President Lee commended Egypt's recent efforts to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The leaders agreed to continue in-depth communication on matters of mutual interest amid rapidly changing global affairs.

Additionally, Kim said the two leaders reviewed recent exchanges and communication, such as the dispatch of a presidential special envoy in early October, and agreed to meet in person in the near future to discuss ways to further advance bilateral relations.