Lee calls for joint efforts to ease Middle East tensions as South Korea, Egypt launch CEPA talks

President Lee Jae Myung met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at Cheong Wa Dae on Thursday, calling on the two countries to work together to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East and build lasting peace.

"Both countries are making tireless efforts for peace and stability in their respective geopolitical heartlands, and are growing into cultural powerhouses that draw the world's attention — built on deep historical foundations and enriched by the creativity and imagination of their people," Lee said at the summit, adding that he hoped the two sides would pool their efforts toward reducing regional tensions.

He added that South Korea's advanced technology and successful industrialization experience, combined with Egypt's strategic location and abundant human and material resources, were complementary strengths that could support each other's development. "If the two countries communicate closely and actively on this basis, we will be able to build an even stronger partnership of mutual prosperity," he said.

Lee also expressed hope that the two sides would launch CEPA negotiations to lay a solid institutional foundation for realizing their shared economic development visions. He said he hoped the two countries would pursue innovation together in future industries such as eco-friendly shipbuilding, clean energy and science and technology, while broadening cultural and people-to-people exchanges to strengthen ties and nurture the next generation.

"In this context, it is highly meaningful and timely that we have elevated the bilateral relationship to a 'strategic partnership' on the occasion of President El-Sisi's visit to South Korea," Lee said, expressing confidence that the upgrade would serve as an important catalyst for translating the two countries' shared future vision into concrete cooperation.

El-Sisi responded warmly, thanking Lee for the welcome extended to him in South Korea. "With the decision to elevate our bilateral relationship, South Korea has become an important partner. Our relationship with South Korea will make a great qualitative leap," he said.

El-Sisi also pledged that Egypt would support South Korean companies seeking to enter and establish themselves there. "South Korea can find opportunities for growth and development in Egypt, and we will fulfill our responsibility to advance cooperation between our two countries," he said.