Lee Jae Myung Expresses Willingness to Restore South Korea-China Relations... Presents Go Board and Mother-of-pearl Tray to Xi Jinping [South Korea-China Summit]

On the 1st, President Lee Jae Myung hosted the South Korea-China summit and a state banquet in Gyeongju, extending the highest level of courtesy to Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Lee underscored his commitment to restoring bilateral ties by offering a Korean banquet and gifts of mother-of-pearl crafts. In response, President Xi remarked, "The Hwangnam Bread was delicious," which helped create a warm atmosphere at the event.
According to the Office of the President of South Korea, the South Korea-China summit and state banquet held the previous day were conducted with the highest protocol, marking the first state visit in 11 years. On the eve of the summit, President Lee sent President Xi a message wishing him to enjoy the flavors of Gyeongju, along with warm Hwangnam Bread wrapped in a traditional Korean cloth. Upon entering the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (APEC Summit) venue on the 1st, President Xi greeted with a smile, saying, "The Hwangnam Bread was delicious," to which President Lee replied with a grateful smile. The Office of the President of South Korea added that 200 additional boxes of Hwangnam Bread were also delivered to the Chinese delegation.
The South Korea-China summit took place that afternoon at the Gyeongju National Museum and lasted for 95 minutes. As President Xi's official vehicle arrived to the accompaniment of a traditional welcoming band, President Lee greeted him with a handshake. Both leaders wore blue-toned suits and ties, with President Lee's tie featuring a golden butterfly motif, the emblem of this year's APEC Summit.
In his opening remarks, President Lee stated, "Our two countries are forging a path of peace and prosperity together," and proposed a toast to President Xi's health and the everlasting development of South Korea-China relations. President Xi responded, "South Korea and China are strategic cooperative partners and friendly neighbors," expressing hope that youth exchanges would ensure the continuation of this relationship for generations.

The banquet was held at SONO CALM Gyeongju with approximately 120 guests in attendance. President Lee presented President Xi, an avid Go enthusiast, with a Japanese Torreya Go Board and a mother-of-pearl lacquerware tray. Both gifts, handcrafted by artisans, symbolized cultural exchange and a commitment to sustainable cooperation.




west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter