President Lee Jae-myung stated on July 27 that "South Korea and Brazil are democratic nations representing their respective regions and global middle powers," emphasizing the need for closer cooperation to uphold multilateralism, free trade, and international norms as global order becomes increasingly uncertain.
During his state visit to Brazil, President Lee made these remarks in an exclusive interview with the local daily O Globo. He noted, "Brazil has consistently supported a multilateral and norm-based international order, and South Korea shares the same values."
He further highlighted that if the two countries work closely together, they could strengthen multilateral cooperation frameworks, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), and contribute to establishing a more open, stable, and predictable international trade order.
Regarding recent international developments, President Lee assessed that "geopolitical conflicts are intensifying, and global leadership is weakening, shaking the norms and order that have long supported the international community."
He added, "Ongoing conflicts in regions such as the Middle East and Europe are causing supply chain instability and energy and price crises, directly impacting the daily lives of citizens in various countries," stressing that close cooperation and solidarity among nations are more important than ever.
President Lee noted that discussions with leaders of major countries, including the G20, confirmed a consensus on the need to strengthen cooperation and joint responses rather than confrontation and conflict, positioning cooperation with Brazil as a key pillar in addressing complex crises.
On the WTO, which has faced criticism for its weakened function due to recent U.S. tariff measures, he expressed the need to enhance its role through reform. He stated, "As protectionism spreads, the WTO's function is weakening, and uncertainty for businesses in the global market is increasing. However, the WTO remains the most comprehensive and legitimate multilateral forum for member countries to continue dialogue, resolve disputes, and expand cooperation based on international trade norms."
He acknowledged that there are criticisms regarding the WTO's inability to adequately respond to changing trade environments, emphasizing the importance of strengthening its functions and pursuing reforms that align with current realities.
President Lee also expressed optimism about the swift conclusion of the Korea-Mercosur trade agreement. He explained that during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's state visit to South Korea in February, both leaders recognized the importance of a free and norm-based international trade order.
He noted, "Since the start of negotiations in 2018, seven official rounds of talks have laid a solid foundation by 2021," and he believes that the joint efforts of both sides will contribute to the rapid progress and conclusion of the Korea-Mercosur trade negotiations.
The Korea-Mercosur trade agreement refers to a comprehensive trade agreement pursued by South Korea and four South American countries: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Although its official name is 'Trade Agreement (TA)' rather than 'Free Trade Agreement (FTA),' it encompasses not only product tariffs but also services, investment, e-commerce, government procurement, and intellectual property, making it structurally similar to an FTA.
However, rather than specifying a concrete timeline for the conclusion, President Lee emphasized mutual benefit and balance. He stated, "The trade agreement includes sensitive issues such as market access for both sides. It is more important to derive mutually beneficial and balanced results than to predict a specific conclusion timeline."
He pledged, "I will do my utmost to conclude a high-level agreement that brings substantial benefits to both sides as soon as possible," asserting that the Korea-Mercosur trade agreement will serve as an important milestone demonstrating the commitment of South Korea and Mercosur to uphold a free and open trade order beyond mere economic cooperation.
Regarding South Korea's diplomatic and security strategy, he proposed a 'virtuous cycle of self-reliance, alliances, and solidarity.' He explained, "South Korea has consistently strengthened its capacity to take responsibility for national security through self-reliance, even amid an uncertain international order," while also actively contributing to solving global issues as a responsible member of the international community.
President Lee clarified that the solidarity South Korea seeks is not aimed at excluding or confronting specific countries, but rather an open and pragmatic cooperation that complements the existing international order, with capable nations taking on greater responsibilities and enhancing cooperation in various fields.
He added, "Based on diplomacy that fosters a virtuous cycle of self-reliance, alliances, and solidarity, I will navigate the waves of complex global crises together with Brazil and the international community, striving to be a trusted partner that fulfills responsibilities for coexistence and shared prosperity."
On North Korea policy, he reaffirmed the commitment to dialogue and gradual denuclearization. President Lee expressed regret that a decisive breakthrough has not yet been achieved in inter-Korean dialogue, stating, "I firmly believe that peace begins with persistent efforts, and I will unwaveringly pursue the path of dialogue and cooperation."
He promised, "I will work closely with the international community, including the United States, to deliver a consistent message of dialogue to North Korea, and I will do my best to create diplomatic conditions for the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue and U.S.-North Korea dialogue."
President Lee stated, "Starting with opening the channels for dialogue, I will comprehensively promote inter-Korean exchanges, normalization of relations, and gradual denuclearization to achieve substantial progress toward lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."
He expressed appreciation for Brazil's consistent interest and support for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, requesting, "I value Brazil's ongoing support for our government's efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula and hope for continued cooperation."
On democracy, President Lee emphasized citizen participation and action as core values. He remarked, "Democracy is not a self-sustaining institution but a value upheld through the participation and actions of citizens," noting that South Korea has preserved democracy and overcome crises through the courage and solidarity of its people during critical junctures.
He added, "Brazil has also been a nation that has continuously strived to uphold and develop democracy," stating that while the two countries have evolved in different historical contexts and environments, they share universal values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.
Regarding K-culture, he defined it as an investment for the future of South Korea, extending beyond cultural industries or soft power. He stated, "If politics and diplomacy connect nations, culture connects people's hearts," explaining that the growth of K-culture signifies not only the success of the content industry but also an increased interest in South Korea, expanding into tourism, consumption, investment, and industrial cooperation.
President Lee emphasized, "Promoting K-culture is an investment for the future of South Korea beyond the growth of the cultural industry, serving as a new driving force for economic development that grows together with the world and sustainable national competitiveness."
He evaluated cultural cooperation with Brazil, stating, "Just as Brazil's music, art, and soccer inspire people worldwide, K-culture serves as a bridge connecting the hearts of Koreans and people around the world."
He expressed hope that the rich cultural potential of K-culture and Brazil will inspire each other and deepen the friendship between the two nations, wishing for it to serve as a new foundation for revitalizing economic, tourism, and youth exchanges.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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