President Lee Calls for Resuming S. Korea-Mexico FTA Talks, Eyeing 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 free trade agreement (FTA) and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation in defense, artificial intelligence (AI), and culture.

President Lee made the remarks in a written interview with the Mexican daily El Universal, published on September 23 (local time), a day ahead of the South Korea-Mexico summit. He stressed the need to build a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership by resuming negotiations on a South Korea-Mexico FTA, pursuing a social security agreement, and strengthening investment protection mechanisms.

Regarding 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 pilot projects and expanded technological cooperation in AI, as well as strengthened coordination to counter transnational crimes such as online fraud, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.

Referring to BTS meeting with President Claudia Sheinbaum in May and receiving a commemorative plaque from the Mexican government, President Lee emphasized the need for bilateral cultural cooperation, calling it "a scene symbolizing the passion and friendship of cultural exchanges between the two nations."

He added that the two countries have agreed to pursue joint production in cultural content and the arts, establish mechanisms for training specialized personnel, and establish a "K-Culture Center," a space for experiencing Korean culture.

President Lee also noted, "There is tremendous room for cooperation between the two nations in strategic industries being promoted by the Mexican government, and we are paying particular attention to the electric vehicle (EV) sector."

He added, "If Mexico's world-class automotive industry base and supply chain are combined with South Korea's competitiveness in batteries and EV components, it will create great synergy and opportunities to expand cooperation."

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

President Lee reiterated, "For South Korean companies, Mexico is more than just a production base; it is a key strategic hub for expanding into North American and global markets," adding, "If South Korea's technology and manufacturing capabilities are combined with Mexico's talent and industrial base, both nations will be able to grow together."

He also said, "Around 500 South Korean companies have invested about $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 mutual prosperity of both nations through investment and contributions to local communities."

In addition, President Lee mentioned, "Mexico is a key axis connecting the economies of North America and Latin America based on its solid manufacturing base and abundant human resources," adding, "It is time to establish an institutional framework commensurate with our solid economic cooperation."
 
(Photo: Joint Press Corps, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.