President Lee begins state visit to Mongolia, seeking dialogue for Korean Peninsula peace

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has commenced a state visit to Mongolia, marking a significant diplomatic engagement as the first South Korean presidential visit in 15 years. Arriving in Ulaanbaatar, President Lee is set to hold summit talks with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, followed by an agreement exchange ceremony and a joint press conference to announce the outcomes of their discussions.

The visit underscores Mongolia's importance as a key economic partner for South Korea. Mongolia possesses abundant critical minerals and has shown keen interest in South Korea's development model since its transition to democracy and a market economy. Discussions are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in various sectors, including industrial base development, transportation, logistics, agriculture, and finance. President Lee is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at a Korea-Mongolia Business Forum, bringing together government and business representatives from both nations to deliberate on mutually beneficial economic collaboration.

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Mongolia is a resource-rich country with abundant critical minerals, and it has shown great interest in our country's development experience since its democratization and transition to a market economy. We have expanded cooperation in various fields such as industrial base development, transportation and logistics, agriculture, and finance.

A crucial aspect of the visit involves strengthening partnerships for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Mongolia, historically a close ally of North Korea, maintains traditional friendly relations with Pyongyang. South Korea aims to leverage this unique position to explore practical pathways for resuming dialogue with North Korea. President Lee will also pay tribute to Korean independence activist Lee Je-joon, who provided medical support in Mongolia, and engage with the Korean diaspora there.

President Lee's itinerary includes attending the opening ceremony of Mongolia's largest national festival, the Naadam Festival, as the guest of honor. This invitation marks a first for a South Korean president and highlights the deepening ties between the two countries. The festival celebrates Mongolia's freedom and independence, further symbolizing the robust relationship being fostered during this state visit.

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Through this visit, we hope to discuss ways to achieve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, ease regional tensions, and build trust, while seeking feasible methods to resume dialogue with North Korea.