By UN Journal Lee Jon-young

President Lee Jae-myung, currently on an official visit to Egypt, stated, “Korea and Egypt have agreed to jointly contribute to international peace, including on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East, as ‘peace promoters.’”

President Lee announced the results of the summit during a joint press conference with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the Egyptian Presidential Palace on Nov. 20 local time.

President Lee explained, “During the talks, we held in-depth discussions on the recent situations on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East,” adding, “President el-Sisi highly praised the Korean government's efforts to open a new era of peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula and expressed his full support.”

He added, “I also highly appreciated Egypt's efforts toward a ceasefire and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, and further toward Middle East peace. I conveyed the Korean government's intention to continue cooperating with Egypt to resolve the humanitarian crisis faced by Gaza refugees.” He explained, “The two countries agreed to support each other's roles and simultaneously stand in solidarity for international peace.”

Regarding economic matters, President Lee stated, “Egypt is a key hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, while the Republic of Korea possesses successful development experience and numerous global companies.”

Lee added, “In this regard, both sides shared the recognition that the potential for economic cooperation between the two countries is significant.”

He also introduced that the two leaders signed a ‘Joint Declaration on Promoting the Korea-Egypt Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)’ that day, stating, “We expect the CEPA negotiations, which will provide the institutional foundation for broad economic cooperation, to be concluded promptly.”

President Lee added that the two leaders also agreed to accelerate cooperation projects, including the establishment of economic free zones and a Korea-Egypt social security agreement.

Regarding defense cooperation, President Lee explained that during the talks, he mentioned, “I hope that defense cooperation between our two countries, exemplified by the joint production of the K-9 self-propelled howitzer, will expand to include the FA-50 advanced trainer aircraft and the Cheongeom anti-tank missile.”

President al-Sisi responded, “We have confidence in Korea's high defense technology capabilities and look forward to mutually beneficial cooperation, including joint production.”

Discussions on education and culture were also included in the joint statement. President Lee announced the signing of an ‘Education Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)’ between the two countries, elaborating, “Beyond science education, Korean language education, and vocational skills training, we will also closely cooperate in the digital transformation of various educational fields.”

Regarding the cultural industry, he stated, “Egypt is a leading country in cultural content in the Middle East and also a nation where K-content enjoys immense popularity,” adding, “Through the ‘MOU on Cultural Cooperation’ signed this time, we have agreed to promote exchanges in fields such as performing arts, publishing, and museums.”