President Lee Jae-myung Meets Chilean Diaspora, Emphasizes Strong Bilateral Ties

During his official visit to Chile, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met with the local Korean diaspora in Santiago on July 29th, emphasizing the deep historical ties between the two nations. He specifically highlighted Chile's role as the first country in Latin America to recognize the South Korean government in 1949 and its pioneering status as South Korea's inaugural free trade agreement (FTA) partner.

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Chile was not only the first country in Latin America to recognize the Republic of Korea government in 1949, the year after the government was established, but also the first free trade agreement (FTA) partner of the Republic of Korea.

President Lee expressed gratitude for Chile's early recognition of South Korea's potential when the nation was less known globally. He described Chile as a "precious companion" that supported South Korea as it began to expand its economic reach to the world. The President also commended the Korean diaspora for their contributions, noting their efforts in raising funds and assisting in recovery efforts for Chileans affected by major earthquakes and social unrest.

"You have elevated the status of our Republic of Korea through persistent effort and dedication over more than half a century, never letting go of each other's hands," President Lee stated, expressing pride in the diaspora's enduring connection to their homeland.

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You have elevated the status of our Republic of Korea through persistent effort and dedication over more than half a century, never letting go of each other's hands.

Looking towards the future, President Lee pledged to provide robust support for the younger generations of Korean descendants in Chile, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with pride in their Korean heritage. He also committed to strengthening consular services and diaspora policies to ensure their safety and protect their rights, promising tangible improvements that the community can experience firsthand.

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We will provide unwavering support so that the next generation, who will carry on the future of the diaspora community, can have pride in their Korean roots and pursue bigger dreams.