By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Lee Jae-myung held his first phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on October 20, following his inauguration.

The two leaders exchanged greetings of welcome and congratulations on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Egypt this year, and highly valued the development of the cooperative relationship between the two countries as ‘Comprehensive Cooperative Partners’.

They agreed that since establishing diplomatic ties in 1995, the two nations have fostered mutually beneficial cooperation across diverse fields including economy, infrastructure, and defense.

They also concurred on the significant potential for collaboration between South Korea, possessing advanced technology, and Egypt, an economic hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

President El-Sisi particularly noted that investments by outstanding Korean companies are making a significant contribution to Egypt's economy, expressing his hope that Korean companies will continue to expand their activities within Egypt.

Furthermore, the two leaders noted that people-to-people exchanges are becoming increasingly active, based on mutual respect and appreciation for each other's cultures, as evidenced by the recent high popularity of K-culture in Egypt.

Marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, both leaders shared the hope that cooperation in culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges would further develop. They also exchanged views closely on the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula and the situation in the Middle East.

President Lee Jae-myung also commended Egypt's recent efforts toward a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. The two leaders agreed to continue in-depth communication on matters of mutual interest amid rapidly changing global circumstances.

Evaluating the exchanges and communication, including the dispatch of Korea’s presidential special envoy in early October, the two leaders agreed to meet in person in the near future to hold in-depth consultations on ways to develop bilateral relations, ensuring this positive momentum continues.