Meeting with Korean Community in Cairo
Calling for the Role of Overseas Koreans in Korea-Egypt Joint Growth
"I Will Make Sure You Never Have to Worry About the Republic of Korea Again"
President Lee Jaemyung, who is on an official visit to Egypt, described the series of events from last year’s 12·3 Martial Law crisis, the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol, and the launch of the new administration as “a miraculous history created by the people of the Republic of Korea, one that is remarkable even in world history.”
On the 20th (local time), President Lee held a meeting with Korean residents at a hotel in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, and remarked, “During the impeachment process of former President Yoon Sukyeol, millions of people gathered, yet not a single piece of trash was left behind or a window broken.” He added, “There is no country as dynamic as the Republic of Korea. It is the only nation among those liberated from colonial rule to achieve both democratization and industrialization. Haven’t we realized the principle of popular sovereignty, the core of democracy, in our daily lives?”
This gathering with Korean residents in Egypt was the first of its kind since 2006, attended by around 150 people, including representatives of Korean community organizations, businesspeople, advisors from the National Unification Advisory Council, international organization employees, staff from Korean and Korean language schools, as well as cultural and artistic figures.
President Lee also shared details of his summit earlier that day with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. According to President Lee, President Sisi said, “I was amazed by the capabilities of the Korean people. Despite last year’s absurd and unprecedented martial law crisis, I was deeply impressed to see the country restored to normalcy by the hands of its people through a bloodless revolution.”
President Lee continued, “I can only imagine how frustrated and concerned you must have felt watching the Republic of Korea from afar. But in the next moment, you witnessed a great turnaround.” He emphasized, “I will make sure that you never have to worry about the Republic of Korea again. The Republic of Korea will be your steadfast support.”
President Lee also expressed surprise at the lack of a direct flight route between Egypt and the Republic of Korea, stating, “This is something that obviously needs to be addressed,” and indicated his intention to consider establishing direct flights. He added, “According to the data, over 90% of Egyptians have a favorable view of the Republic of Korea. That is an exceptionally high figure. Expanding exchanges between Egypt and the Republic of Korea will also benefit our national interest. I ask for your active participation in this effort.”
After a toast proposed by Kim Juwan, head of the Cairo chapter of the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations, several Korean residents-including Kwon Jaeyoung, general manager of the souvenir shop at the Grand Egyptian Museum; Yoo Jeongnam, teacher at Cairo Korean School; and Lee Jinyoung, CEO of C&C Corporation-shared various stories from their experiences in Egypt.
Kwon Jaeyoung, general manager of the souvenir shop at the Grand Egyptian Museum, noted that the impression of the Republic of Korea in Egypt is very positive across all generations and sectors. He expressed hope that the efforts of Korean residents who quietly serve in their daily lives would further connect the two countries culturally and make their relationship more sustainable. Lee Jinyoung, CEO of C&C Corporation, said, “Africa is moving toward an independent and peaceful future after a dark colonial era. It is time for the Republic of Korea, as an advanced nation, to demonstrate leadership so that the African continent can enter a new era of international cooperation.”
Yoo Jeongnam, who was dispatched to Cairo Korean School three years ago, stated, “The global welcome and trust toward the Republic of Korea has only been possible thanks to the efforts of all our people,” and expressed his belief that the pure and creative potential of students at the Korean school would help the Republic of Korea continue to advance.
Lee Jinhyup, head of the Art of Travel branch in Cairo, who operates a travel agency locally, expressed gratitude for President Lee’s efforts to develop the homeland into a happy and healthy society. Lim Hansu, former coach of the Egyptian national taekwondo team, also suggested institutional improvements so that taekwondo masters over the age of 60 could participate in the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)’s overseas dispatch programs.
After hearing these stories, President Lee encouraged the residents by promising, “I will improve the system so that there are no obstacles for Korean citizens to exercise their rights, and I will actively support you so that you can engage in diverse and free activities.”
Meanwhile, at the celebratory performance during the gathering, soprano Lee Hanna of the Cairo Celebration Choir and Egyptian soprano Dalia Farouk sang “When a Flower Blooms” and “Longing for Mount Geumgang” together, accompanied by the Quartet Blueman.
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