SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - South Korea and Egypt elevated their diplomatic relations to a strategic partnership on Thursday and announced the start of negotiations for a comprehensive economic agreement, as their leaders pledged closer cooperation in trade, defense and regional security.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced the agreement following a summit at Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office in Seoul, during Sisi's three-day state visit from Wednesday to Friday.
The two countries issued a joint statement formalizing the diplomatic upgrade and agreed to begin negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which would cover trade in goods and services, investment and broader economic cooperation.
Lee said the agreement would establish a stronger institutional foundation for bilateral trade and investment, expressing hope that negotiations could be concluded swiftly.
The leaders also oversaw the signing of a social security agreement designed to prevent workers temporarily assigned to the other country from having to pay pension contributions in both countries. The arrangement is expected to reduce costs for companies operating across the two markets.
The two governments agreed to expand cooperation in clean energy, environmentally friendly shipbuilding, science and technology, as well as defense manufacturing.
Sisi welcomed the expanded partnership and pledged to support South Korean companies seeking to enter or expand operations in Egypt.
The Egyptian leader met representatives of 23 major South Korean companies in Seoul on Wednesday, proposing the establishment of a Korean industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
He presented Egypt as a potential manufacturing and export base for Korean companies seeking access to markets in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
Defense cooperation was another major item on the agenda. Lee called for bilateral cooperation to extend beyond arms sales to include local manufacturing and technology transfers that could strengthen Egypt's industrial capabilities.
The two countries already have substantial defense ties. In 2022, South Korean defense manufacturer Hanwha signed an approximately $1.7 billion agreement to supply Egypt with K9 self-propelled howitzers and supporting military vehicles. The deal includes local production and technology transfers.
Energy and infrastructure have also become important pillars of the relationship. In August 2022, state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power secured a $2.25 billion contract to supply equipment and construct turbine buildings for Egypt's El Dabaa nuclear power project, which involves four Russian-designed reactors.
South Korea and Egypt established diplomatic relations on April 13, 1995, and upgraded their ties to a comprehensive cooperative partnership in 2016, when Sisi visited Seoul.
The latest summit marked another step in that relationship, coming nearly 11 months after Lee visited Egypt in November 2025, when the two leaders agreed to pursue a broader economic partnership.
Egypt is an important regional partner for South Korea because of its strategic position linking Africa, the Middle East and Europe through the Suez Canal.
Bilateral merchandise trade exceeded $1.6 billion in 2024, according to Egypt's Finance Ministry. South Korea exports vehicles, machinery and electrical equipment to Egypt, while Egypt supplies products including fuel, fertilizers and garments.
The leaders also discussed security challenges affecting the Korean Peninsula and the Middle East.
Lee praised Egypt's diplomatic efforts toward peace in Gaza, while Sisi expressed support for Seoul's efforts to reduce tensions and promote peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of safe navigation and uninterrupted international maritime trade, an issue of particular significance to Egypt, which controls the Suez Canal, one of the world's busiest shipping routes.
Cultural exchanges also featured in the summit. The two governments designated 2027 as a year of mutual cultural exchanges, pledging to strengthen cooperation in education, cultural activities and people-to-people ties.
Sisi's visit was the first by an Egyptian president to South Korea in a decade. Seoul extended full state-visit honors, including an aerial escort by South Korean FA-50 light combat aircraft and a formal welcoming ceremony.
Lee also prepared a premium road bicycle as a gift for Sisi, an avid cyclist, while a state luncheon featured dishes combining Korean ingredients with Egyptian culinary traditions.
AJP Takeaways
- South Korea and Egypt elevated ties to a strategic partnership and launched negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
- The two countries pledged deeper cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, shipbuilding and technology, building on existing multibillion-dollar projects.
- The leaders also discussed security challenges in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula, while seeking to expand trade and investment.
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