President Lee Calls for S. Korea-Mexico Economic Agreement, Defense and EV Cooperation

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to Mexico, stated that South Korea and Mexico need to resume negotiations on a bilateral economic agreement and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation in defense, artificial intelligence (AI), and culture.

President Lee made the remarks in a written interview published on September 23 (local time) with the Mexican daily El Universal, a day ahead of the South Korea-Mexico summit. He emphasized the necessity of building a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership by resuming bilateral economic agreement negotiations, pushing for the signing of a social security agreement, and strengthening investment protection mechanisms.

In the defense sector in particular, President Lee explained, "In the Mexican Air Force's fighter jet modernization project, South Korea's FA-50 will be able to lay the foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation based on its outstanding performance and cost competitiveness."

President Lee also highlighted the need for joint AI-related pilot projects, expanded technological cooperation, and stronger coordination to address transnational crimes such as online fraud, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.

Noting that BTS met with President Claudia Sheinbaum last May and received a commemorative plaque from the Mexican government, President Lee said, "It was a scene symbolizing the warmth and friendship of cultural exchanges between the two countries," stressing the importance of bilateral cultural cooperation.

He added that the two nations have agreed to establish mechanisms for co-production and professional talent training in cultural content and the arts, as well as pursue the establishment of a "K-Culture Center," a space to experience Korean culture.

President Lee also remarked, "There is tremendous room for cooperation between the two nations in strategic industries being pursued by the Mexican government, with our focus particularly on the electric vehicle (EV) sector."

He went on to say, "Combining Mexico's world-class automotive industry base and supply chain with South Korea's competitiveness in batteries and EV components will create great synergy and open up opportunities to expand cooperation."

As an example of bilateral cooperation, President Lee cited Kia's recent large-scale investment in an EV production plant in the Mexican state of Nuevo León.

"To South Korean companies, Mexico is more than just a production base; it is a key strategic hub for entering the North American and global markets," President Lee reiterated. "If South Korea's technological prowess and manufacturing capabilities are combined with Mexico's talent and industrial base, the two nations will be able to grow together."

He added, "About 500 South Korean companies have invested approximately $13.3 billion in Mexico, creating 150,000 jobs and contributing to Mexico's development. I hope South Korean companies will continue to be part of Mexico's growth and contribute to the shared prosperity of both nations through investments and local community engagement."

President Lee also noted, "With its solid manufacturing base and abundant human resources, Mexico is a key axis connecting the North American and Latin American economies. It is time to establish an institutional framework commensurate with our robust economic cooperation."

(Photo: Joint Press Pool, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.