President Yoon Suk Yeol attended a state dinner hosted by Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh on July 10.
The dinner commenced with a military band playing the national anthems of both countries, with President Yoon and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung seated at the head table alongside President Khurelsukh and First Lady Bolor Erdene.
In his welcoming remarks, President Khurelsukh noted the significance of President Yoon's first state visit to Mongolia in 15 years, stating that it marks the beginning of a "golden era of Korea-Mongolia cooperation." He praised the joint declaration on future cooperation and various agreements signed during their summit.
He emphasized the long-standing brotherhood between the two nations, referencing a proverb that suggests one must meet in person to truly understand each other. He expressed hope for the continued development of friendship and strategic partnership between the peoples of both countries.
In his speech, President Yoon reflected on the open-mindedness, inclusiveness, and strong will he felt in Mongolia's vast blue skies and grasslands, attributing these qualities as driving forces behind Mongolia's development today.
He also mentioned the declaration of a "golden era of Korea-Mongolia cooperation" made during their summit the previous day, emphasizing the commitment to expand cooperation that citizens can feel in their daily lives.
Notably, President Yoon referred to the Mongolian term "anda," meaning true friend, stating, "Korea will be Mongolia's 'anda' and a partner in achieving new leaps and development together."
During the dinner, a video montage was shown, featuring moments from President Yoon's childhood, his wedding, his time as mayor of Seongnam, his tenure as governor of Gyeonggi Province, and his presidential campaign, culminating in his current state visit.
As Mongolian singer Gantogoo began performing the Korean song "Family Photo," a video of President Yoon and his wife was displayed on the screen.
Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong reported in a written briefing that the state dinner, held in a warm atmosphere, lasted about three hours, exceeding the scheduled time, with attendees expressing reluctance to conclude the event.
When the couple's wedding photos appeared on the screen, attendees responded with warm applause.
Throughout the performances, guests applauded in appreciation, sharing in the significance of the friendship between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the dinner was attended by 40 business leaders, including Koo Ja-eun, chairman of LS Holdings, Lee Hyung-hee, vice chairman of SK, Heo Seo-hong, CEO of GS Retail, and Han Chae-yang, CEO of E-Mart, along with heads of institutions and government officials.
On July 11, President Yoon will attend the Naadam Festival, Mongolia's largest national event, as the official guest. After the opening ceremony, he plans to visit the archery and shagai venues to experience traditional Mongolian culture.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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