President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung enter the meeting with Egyptian expatriates and local business representatives held at a hotel in Cairo, Egypt, on the 20th (local time). Cairo = Song Eun-seok, Reporter silverstone@donga.com
President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung attended the 'Meeting with Egyptian Expatriates and Local Business Representatives' held at a hotel in Cairo, Egypt, on the afternoon of the 20th (local time). Approximately 150 expatriates and 50 local business and embassy staff were present at the event. The President wore a dark navy suit with a gold tie, while First Lady Kim Hye-kyung wore a white jacket and ivory skirt. Upon their entrance, the expatriates applauded.
President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung receive a bouquet from a young greeter at the meeting with Egyptian expatriates and local business representatives held at a hotel in Cairo, Egypt, on the 20th (local time). Cairo = Song Eun-seok, Reporter silverstone@donga.com
Park Jae-won, President of the Korean Association in Egypt, mentioned the history of Egypt and the settlement process of the Korean community in his welcoming speech, stating that "the visit of the President and First Lady to Egypt will open the door to a new era."
President Lee stated that he had "an unexpectedly long discussion" with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, noting that "the scale of exchange, trade, and investment between the two countries has been weak compared to Egypt's potential." He further mentioned, "There is still no direct flight between the two countries," adding that it is "an area that needs correction." He humorously remarked, "Wouldn't the cost of traveling back and forth to the homeland decrease if a direct flight is established?" which elicited laughter from the attendees.
President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung participate in the national ceremony at the meeting with Egyptian expatriates and local business representatives held at a hotel in Cairo, Egypt, on the 20th (local time). Cairo = Song Eun-seok, Reporter silverstone@donga.com
President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung applaud at the meeting with Egyptian expatriates and local business representatives held at a hotel in Cairo, Egypt, on the 20th (local time). Cairo = Song Eun-seok, Reporter silverstone@donga.com
Additionally, President Lee mentioned, "I saw data indicating that the preference for Korea among Egyptians exceeds 90%," and expressed his intention to expand cooperation in various fields such as culture, economy, defense industry, and education.
President Lee Jae-myung delivers opening remarks at the meeting with Egyptian expatriates and local business representatives held at a hotel in Cairo, Egypt, on the 20th (local time). Cairo = Song Eun-seok, Reporter silverstone@donga.com
Regarding modern Korean history, President Lee stated, "South Korea is the only country that has achieved both democratization and industrialization since liberation." He emphasized that even during large-scale gatherings, "not a single piece of trash is left behind, nor is a single window broken," highlighting the practical implementation of the principle of popular sovereignty. He described the situation following last year's martial law incident as "an example of restoring normalcy through a bloodless revolution."
President Lee stated, "The Egyptian President was deeply impressed by the capabilities and democracy of the Korean people," and assured, "I will be a reliable support so that you do not have to worry about South Korea."
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