President Lee Jae-myung, who embarked on a tour of the United States and Mexico on the occasion of attending the UN General Assembly, arrived in the capital city of Mexico City on the evening of September 23, local time.

President Lee and his spouse, Kim Hye-kyung, arrived at Felipe Ángeles International Airport, greeted by Mexican officials including Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco and Vice Foreign Minister María Teresa Mercado, as well as South Korean Ambassador to Mexico Lee Joo-il.

The visit comes at the invitation of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, marking the first state visit by a South Korean president to Mexico in 16 years.

On the morning of the following day, September 24 local time, President Lee will begin his official schedule by laying a wreath at the Monument to the Boy Heroes (Altar a la Patria) before attending an official welcoming ceremony at the National Palace.

Afterward, he will hold a series of events, including a restricted bilateral meeting and an expanded summit with President Sheinbaum, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony, an official luncheon, and a joint press briefing.

On September 25, local time, President Lee will attend a business forum held at the World Trade Center in Mexico City and visit the K-Expo venue, before departing for home on September 26.

In a briefing held on September 21 ahead of the tour, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac noted, "Through this visit, we will strengthen substantive cooperation with Mexico in trade, investment, and supply chains," adding, "We will hold in-depth discussions on institutional support measures to firmly assist South Korean companies entering and operating in Mexico."

Wi also stated, "We will actively discuss ways to cooperate on energy and mineral supply chains with Mexico, which possesses abundant natural resources such as crude oil," adding, "We will also establish a foundation for cooperation in high-tech industries including AI, digital technologies, aerospace, and defense."

In particular, Wi expressed hope that the two sides could discuss potential contributions by 'K-defense' as Mexico pursues its military modernization projects.

Regarding the cultural sector, Wi evaluated Mexico as "a key consumer market for K-content," stating, "We will prepare so that this visit becomes an opportunity to set a firm milestone for the mutual prosperity of both nations."

(Photo: Yonhap News)