By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Lee Jae-myung had his first phone call with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at 11 a.m. on June 30, according to a written briefing by Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong.

During the call, Prime Minister Wong, who had sent a congratulatory message shortly after President Lee's inauguration, once again extended warm congratulations and expressed his expectations for the development of South Korea-Singapore relations and his willingness to cooperate during President Lee's term in office.

In response, President Lee said, “I am pleased that the two countries have achieved remarkable cooperation in various fields, including politics, security, economy, society, culture, regional, and international issues, since establishing diplomatic relations in 1975.”

In particular, the two leaders agreed to establish a “strategic partnership” in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Singapore this year and to accelerate strategic cooperation in comprehensive areas, including peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and future growth areas such as AI and digital technology.

In addition, President Lee said he looked forward to Prime Minister Wong's attendance at the APEC summit to be held in Gyeongju this year.

In response, Prime Minister Wong said he believes South Korea will successfully host the APEC Summit and called for active exchanges between the two countries at the high-level through various opportunities, according to a briefing by spokesperson Kang.