Four-Day State Visit to Singapore and the Philippines
SNS Message: "I Hope to Visit All ASEAN Countries in the Future"
On the Iran Situation: "Emergency Response System Led by the Prime Minister... Ensuring the Safety of Our Citizens"
President Lee Jaemyung departed for Singapore through Seoul Airport on March 1 as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations). President Lee will make a state visit to Singapore and the Philippines over four days and three nights.
Immediately after attending the 107th anniversary ceremony of the March 1st Movement in the morning, President Lee headed to the airport and boarded the presidential jet, Air Force One, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung.
On March 2, President Lee will hold a summit meeting and a friendship luncheon with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. He plans to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and nuclear power. After the summit, President Lee will also have a meeting with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and attend a state dinner, among other official events.
President Lee will also attend the "AI Connect Summit," which has been organized to expand opportunities for exchange and cooperation among professionals in the AI field from both countries. On March 3, he will travel to Manila, Philippines, for a summit meeting with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.
The Philippines and Singapore serve as the ASEAN chair nations this year and next year, respectively. Kang Yoo-jung, spokesperson for the Office of the President, explained, "By promoting strategic cooperation in areas of mutual interest with both countries, we aim to achieve tangible results that the people of both nations can feel and further strengthen collaboration on the international stage."
Before departing for Singapore, President Lee wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "The Republic of Korea and ASEAN have grown together over many years based on deep trust and friendship. Starting with this visit to Singapore and the Philippines, I hope to visit all ASEAN countries in the future. I also look forward to meeting leaders at the Korea-ASEAN Special Summit to be held in 2029."
He added, "The Republic of Korea will always stand with ASEAN as a facilitator of dreams and hope, a springboard for growth and innovation, and a partner for peace and stability."
In addition, President Lee instructed that an emergency response system be maintained in relation to the airstrikes between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Spokesperson Kang stated, "During his overseas trip, President Lee directed that, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, relevant ministries maintain an emergency response system, provide frequent updates on the situation in the Middle East and its economic impact, and, in particular, ensure the utmost safety of our nationals residing abroad."
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