Korean president unveils SHINE doctrine as new backbone of foreign policy in Egypt

SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung  on Thursday branded "SHINE" - stability, harmony, innovation, network, and education - as the backbone in his foreign policy, offering it as a framework for mediating peace in the Middle East and positioning Korean defense capabilities to complement tool in the role during his state visit to Egypt.  

Lee highlighted stability and harmony as the centerpiece of the twin pillars guiding Seoul's posture toward the Korean Peninsula and conflict-ridden Middle East during his speech at Cairo University.  He cast Korea as a country uniquely positioned to contribute to regional peace while expanding its role as a technology and manufacturing partner.

After a two-hour summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the two leaders found common ground on the need for de-escalation and deterrence. Discussions included potential cooperation on South Korea’s advanced defense systems — notably K-9 self-propelled howitzers — as Egypt accelerates its military modernization. 

Lee announced $10 million in humanitarian aid through the Egyptian Red Crescent to support Gaza recovery efforts. He also proposed launching a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to upgrade the bilateral economic relationship, offering Korea’s development playbook — the so-called “Miracle on the Han River” — to help Egypt pursue its own “Miracle of the Nile.” 
                                        

Lee suggested active human-capital exchanges through education and networking among students and scholars and regulator collaboration between the Grand Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Korea.