President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, announcing plans to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries. The leaders agreed to strengthen political trust and expand practical cooperation in areas such as economy, development, and healthcare.
During the summit held on July 9 at the government office in Ulaanbaatar, President Lee expressed hope that the meeting would mark a new beginning for bilateral relations and usher in a 'golden era' for South Korea-Mongolia ties. He stated, "Based on the friendship between our two countries, we will solidify political trust and further develop our strategic partnership."
Regarding economic cooperation, President Lee referenced the recently reached preliminary agreement on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). He emphasized, "We will expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, including the economy, development, and healthcare, based on the CEPA." The South Korea-Mongolia CEPA negotiations began in December 2023 but were temporarily suspended in November 2024 due to circumstances on the Mongolian side.
The CEPA encompasses trade in goods and services, investment, and overall economic cooperation, similar to a free trade agreement (FTA), facilitating trade liberalization and broader economic exchanges.
On diplomatic and security issues, President Lee remarked, "In an era of increasing uncertainty in international affairs, our two countries must closely cooperate for regional and global peace and development." He added that maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia would be a 'common interest' for both nations.
President Lee affirmed, "The South Korean government will continue to strive for sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation." He also expressed gratitude for Mongolia's constructive role and support in advancing peace on the Korean Peninsula, stating, "I look forward to continued collaboration to enhance peace and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula."
President Khurelsukh described South Korea as Mongolia's 'third neighbor' and an important strategic partner. The 'third neighbor' policy aims to reduce dependence on China and Russia while expanding cooperation with democratic nations.
President Khurelsukh responded that he believes this state visit by President Lee will open a golden era in bilateral relations.
He emphasized, "This visit will significantly contribute to strengthening political trust and increasing practical economic cooperation with South Korea."
Before the summit, the presidential couple attended an official welcome ceremony at Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar.
On that day, President Lee appeared in a black suit with a sky-blue tie, while First Lady Kim Hye-kyung wore a matching sky-blue two-piece outfit, drawing attention. Upon arrival, the couple exchanged warm greetings with President Khurelsukh and his wife.
During the welcome ceremony, President Lee received a bouquet from children dressed in traditional Mongolian attire. As the national anthems of both countries were played, the Mongolian side honored the visiting dignitary with a 21-gun salute, a mark of respect for the highest state officials.
President Lee was reviewed by the Mongolian military honor guard and marched past a cheering crowd that called out the names of the presidential couple. Large portraits of President Lee and First Lady Kim, alongside a massive South Korean flag, were displayed on the walls of buildings surrounding the welcome area.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.