President Lee: “We will be a reliable partner in Egypt’s new leap forward”

[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung said on the 8th to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, “The Republic of Korea will be a reliable partner in Egypt’s new leap forward and its journey toward a greater future.”
At the state luncheon for President el-Sisi held that day at Cheong Wa Dae’s state guesthouse, President Lee said, “I hope Korea and Egypt will move forward hand in hand toward greater prosperity as closer friends and strategic partners.”
President Lee said, “The ties between the Republic of Korea and Egypt are truly deep and special,” adding, “Cairo is where the historic Cairo Declaration was issued in 1943, when our country was in darkness under Japanese colonial rule, and the international community formally pledged Korea’s independence.” He continued, “For Koreans, Cairo is not simply the name of a city; it is where national and collective hopes were first recorded in writing.”
He went on to say, “Korea is a country that has achieved growth through trade,” and noted, “The Suez Canal is where many of our ships pass as they travel between Asia and Europe.” He added, “Egypt has long served as a much-appreciated landmark at that important gateway through which Korea reaches out to the world.”
President Lee introduced the Egyptian saying, “There is bread and salt between us,” which conveys sharing hardship and joy through food and building deep trust and friendship. Reflecting that meaning, he said, “I hope Korea and Egypt will move forward hand in hand toward greater prosperity as closer friends and strategic partners.”
He also proposed a toast, saying, “To the eternal friendship between the Republic of Korea and Egypt.”
In his response, President el-Sisi said, “You surprise me every time, Mr. President,” and expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome. He said President Lee’s visit to Egypt last November had greatly advanced relations between the two countries, adding, “Our strategic relationship will be a key element of world peace and development.”
He continued, “The world today faces various challenges, and many crises are unfolding in different regions,” and said, “Egypt will fulfill its role as a pillar of stability in the Middle East and as a force supporting stability and peace around the world.” He added, “We will uphold the international order based on international norms while adhering to the principles and goals of the UN Charter.”

[email protected] Seong Seok-woo Reporter