President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a state visit to Mongolia, stated on July 9 (local time), "We have a vision to comprehensively pursue the expansion of inter-Korean exchanges, the normalization of relations, and a phased approach to denuclearization," adding that "in this process, Mongolia is a trusted peace partner."

In a written interview with the Mongolian state-run news agency Montsame released that day, President Lee said, "We aim to end the era of hostility and confrontation between the two Koreas and build a new era of peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula."

Regarding the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, President Lee assessed, "Unfortunately, inter-Korean and North Korea-U.S. dialogues have been suspended for a long period," and emphasized, "At times like these, it is crucial for the international community to maintain communication channels with North Korea and create a platform for dialogue to discuss regional peace."

Highlighting Mongolia's role, he said, "Mongolia is a close partner that shares the values of democracy and a market economy with South Korea, while also being a very special country that has maintained long-standing traditional friendly relations with North Korea." He added, "Furthermore, Mongolia's diplomatic assets, having maintained balanced relations with major regional powers including China and Russia, are more important than ever."

President Lee noted that Unification Minister Chung Dong-young attended the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asia Security held by Mongolia last June to share South Korea's North Korea policy, and urged, "I hope Mongolia will make greater contributions to peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, based on its diplomatic trust and the important asset of the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue."

Regarding the expected outcomes of this state visit, he expressed his hope that "it will serve as an opportunity to open a new golden age for Korea-Mongolia relations."

President Lee explained, "Based on the common values of democracy and a market economy, South Korea and Mongolia have been close partners that have built unwavering trust for 36 years since establishing diplomatic ties in 1990," adding, "As the word 'golden' (altan) symbolizes prosperity and glory to the Mongolian people, I hope the golden age of the two countries will become a new chapter that is proud for both our peoples."

In particular, President Lee emphasized the importance of cooperation in critical mineral supply chains.

Mongolia is considered a resource-rich nation with abundant minerals such as lithium, copper, and rare earths.

President Lee predicted, "Today, critical minerals are strategic assets that support industry, technology, and national security," and added, "Mongolia, with its excellent mineral resources and growth potential, and South Korea, with its mineral exploration and development technology and manufacturing innovation capabilities, can become important supply chain cooperation partners."

He also stressed, "The two countries established an institutional framework for cooperation by launching the Korea-Mongolia Rare Metals Cooperation Committee in 2023, and South Korean companies have also been investing and participating in mineral exploration and development projects in Mongolia, such as bituminous coal, tungsten, and copper," adding, "We must go beyond simply participating in mine development together and create a mutually beneficial supply chain cooperation model that can add value."

Regarding cultural exchange, he proposed increasing the number of mutual visitors between the two countries, which recorded approximately 360,000 last year, to 500,000 by 2030.

(Photo: Yonhap News)