President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the potential for comprehensive cooperation in the mineral industry with Mongolia, stating, "We can create a business model that involves participation throughout the entire supply chain of critical minerals, from exploration to refining and the training of personnel for value-added industries."
During his state visit to Mongolia, President Lee made these remarks in an interview with the Mongolian state media outlet Montsame, published on the morning of July 9. He expressed optimism that the rare metals center, which opened last year, could serve as a hub for expanding cooperation in the critical mineral supply chain between the two countries.
He noted, "Mongolia, with its excellent mineral resources and growth potential, and South Korea, with its capabilities in mineral exploration, development technology, and manufacturing innovation, can become important partners in supply chain cooperation." He stressed the need to develop a mutually beneficial supply chain cooperation model that goes beyond mere participation in mining development to add value.
President Lee stated, "Such cooperation will provide South Korea with a stable supply chain for critical minerals and contribute to Mongolia's industrial advancement and enhancement of value-creation technology capabilities. I hope our cooperation model continues to strengthen our bilateral relations and contribute to economic development in both countries."
Regarding Mongolia's role in achieving sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula, President Lee remarked, "Currently, dialogue between North and South Korea and between the U.S. and North Korea has been stalled for a long time. In such times, it is crucial for the international community to maintain communication channels with North Korea and create opportunities for dialogue to discuss regional peace."
He expressed hope that Mongolia could play a significant role as a trusted peace partner and a country that communicates with North Korea, thereby building regional trust.
President Lee also expressed his expectation that Mongolia would continue to contribute to peace and stability in Northeast Asia, based on the diplomatic trust it has built and the important asset of the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue.
On the topic of expanding human exchanges, he noted, "Last year, the number of mutual visitors between our two countries reached a record high of 360,000. The trust and goodwill between our peoples form a strong foundation for the Korea-Mongolia relationship, stronger than any agreement."
He outlined a vision to achieve 500,000 human exchanges by 2030, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations. President Lee stated, "I plan to propose to President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh during our summit that we aim for 500,000 exchanges by 2030. Additionally, we will work together to establish a legal framework for this goal, including signing an agreement on mutual recognition of driver's licenses and advancing consular agreements to enhance practical benefits for our citizens."
He also emphasized the need to continuously improve the treatment and living conditions of Mongolian workers and students in South Korea, stating, "We must expand the physical infrastructure that allows our citizens to travel more easily and conveniently, including expanding air routes and transportation rights."
President Lee described his visit to Mongolia as a turning point in elevating the Korea-Mongolia relationship to a future-oriented strategic partnership and a chance to usher in a new golden era for bilateral relations. He expressed hope that the term 'golden' (altan) would symbolize prosperity and glory, and that the golden era of Korea-Mongolia relations would be remembered as a proud new chapter for both nations.
He also addressed the challenges facing both countries, stating, "There are numerous cooperation tasks we must tackle together, including trade, supply chains, health, climate change response, and food security. I am confident this will be a valuable time to reaffirm that South Korea and Mongolia are each other's most trusted friends and partners in opening the future together."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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