South Korean President Lee Jae-myung Praises Chile's Early Support and Deepening Ties

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung commenced his itinerary in Chile with a dinner reception for the local Korean community in Santiago, emphasizing the deepening ties between the two nations. During the gathering, he noted the burgeoning relationship, facilitated by cultural exchanges encompassing K-pop, Korean dramas, and cuisine, which foster profound trust and friendship between the peoples of South Korea and Chile.

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We are witnessing a new future for Korea-Chile relations, where the peoples of both countries share deeper trust and friendship through K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine.

President Lee elaborated on the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation, which now extends across critical minerals, clean energy, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and scientific and cultural fields. He underscored Chile's significant historical role, recalling its status as the first Latin American country to recognize the Republic of Korea shortly after its establishment in 1949. Furthermore, he acknowledged Chile as South Korea's inaugural free trade agreement partner.

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The scope of cooperation between our two countries is gradually widening, from critical minerals and clean energy to digital and artificial intelligence, and science and technology, as well as culture.

"Chile is a grateful nation that recognized our potential and extended a hand when the world knew little about South Korea," President Lee stated, highlighting the foundational trust that predates geographical proximity in the bilateral relationship. He characterized the connection as one prioritizing the future over the present, with the Korean diaspora in Chile serving as a central pillar of this special bond. The President described the history of the Chilean Korean community as one of pioneering spirit and a testament to their belief in new possibilities.

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Chile was not only the first country in Latin America to recognize the Republic of Korea the year after its establishment, but it was also South Korea's first free trade agreement partner.

Addressing the diaspora, President Lee pledged that the South Korean government would heed their diverse voices and enhance support to ensure their contributions to strengthening bilateral relations are not in vain. He committed to safeguarding the safety and rights of the Korean community and to developing practical diaspora policies and consular services that offer tangible benefits, promising meticulous attention to even the smallest inconveniences.

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It is a grateful nation that recognized our potential and extended a hand when the world knew little about South Korea.