President Lee to hold summit with Timor-Leste president during first official bilateral visit to Korea by a Timor-Leste president since diplomatic ties were established

[Financial News] President Lee Jae-myung will meet Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta at Cheong Wa Dae on the 6th to discuss ways to expand cooperation between the two countries. Building on the ties forged through the peacekeeping activities of the Sangnoksu Unit, the two countries are expected to broaden cooperation from diplomacy and security to education and people-to-people exchanges.
Kim Seong-wan, Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson, said in a written briefing today that President Horta, who is visiting Korea at President Lee’s invitation, will visit Cheong Wa Dae. It will be the first time since diplomatic ties were established in 2002 that a Timor-Leste president has visited Korea for an official bilateral visit.
The two leaders will take part in official events together today, including a summit. At the meeting, they are expected to review cooperation in diplomacy and security, intellectual property, climate change, education and people-to-people exchanges, and exchange views on regional developments and international issues.
Earlier, President Lee wrote on X (formerly Twitter) the previous day, “The ties between our two countries began with the peacekeeping activities of our Sangnoksu Unit, which contributed to peace and reconstruction in Timor-Leste,” and added, “Since then, cooperation on economic and social development has followed, and the two countries have developed into steadfast partners who support each other on the international stage today.”
He also said, “I hope this official visit will provide an opportunity to expand practical cooperation across a range of areas, including diplomacy and security, the economy, and social and cultural affairs, and that we will work even more closely for peace and prosperity in the region, as Timor-Leste joined ASEAN last year.” He added, “I hope this meeting, taking place ahead of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, will be a valuable opportunity to turn the special friendship between our two countries into even greater cooperation in the future.”

[email protected] Choi Jong-geun Reporter