President Lee Jae-myung held a luncheon at the Blue House State Guest House following a summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who is on a state visit to South Korea.

In his luncheon speech, President Lee recalled, "The bond between the Republic of Korea and Egypt is truly deep and special. In 1943, when our nation was under the darkness of Japanese colonial rule, Cairo was the very place where the historic 'Cairo Declaration' was issued, officially promising Korea's independence to the international community."

He continued, "Therefore, to the Korean people, Cairo is not just the name of a city, but the place where our national and ethnic hope was first documented."

President Lee noted, "Korea is a country that has achieved growth through trade, and the Suez Canal is the very passage that many of our ships pass through when traveling between Asia and Europe," assessing that "Egypt has long been a grateful milestone along the vital pathway through which Korea expands into the world."

He then promised, "Now, the Republic of Korea will be a reliable partner on Egypt's journey toward a new leap forward and a greater future."

Highlighting the significance of the day's luncheon, he added, "There is a saying in Egypt, 'There is bread and salt between us,' which means building deep trust and friendship through food," and said, "I look forward to South Korea and Egypt advancing as even closer friends."

He also offered a toast, saying, "To the eternal friendship between the Republic of Korea and Egypt."


President el-Sisi responded, "Korea is a nation that possesses traditions of high value spanning a long history," adding, "Korea was able to achieve comprehensive reforms to develop while preserving its cultural heritage. It is the unrepeatable Miracle on the Han River."

He continued, "The world today faces a variety of challenges," adding, "Egypt will fulfill its role as a pillar of stability in the Middle East and as a force supporting global stability and peace. Our strategic relationship will be a key element for world peace and development."

(Photo: Yonhap News)