President Lee Jae-myung met with Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri on August 31, expressing gratitude for the city’s support of the local Korean community. Macri noted the successful integration of Koreans in the area, stating, "It is remarkable that Korea's soft power is strengthening."
During his official visit to Argentina, President Lee met with Mayor Macri at a hotel in Buenos Aires.
Attendees from the Argentine side included Fulvio Pompeo, Chief of Staff and Undersecretary for International Relations, and Gabriela Ricardes, Minister of Culture. South Korean officials present included Foreign Minister Park Jin, National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak, and Ambassador to Argentina Lee Jong-hwan.
President Lee remarked, "More than 20,000 Koreans reside in Buenos Aires, and I have heard that you have been very considerate in various aspects."
In response, Mayor Macri described Buenos Aires as a city characterized by diversity, where cultures dynamically merge, adding, "The Korean community has actively integrated and become part of Argentina."
He emphasized, "Korean culture is thriving in the streets, and the demand for Korean food is steadily increasing, which enhances Buenos Aires' pride in its cultural diversity."
President Lee also acknowledged the city’s cooperation in securing venues for Korean cultural performances, stating, "I have heard that you have been very accommodating. Thank you."
Mayor Macri mentioned the concert titled 'Arirang and Tango, Two Hearts, One Rhythm,' which was attended by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung and his spouse.
He noted that Buenos Aires has over 300 theaters and more than 400 performances, highlighting the growing interest in K-pop among the youth, with many successful concerts by Korean artists.
Macri remarked, "It is astonishing that Korea's soft power is strengthening," acknowledging the contributions of Korean culture and the Korean community to the cultural diversity of Buenos Aires.
The two leaders also discussed the impact of climate change on cities and agriculture. President Lee pointed out the unpredictable weather in Buenos Aires, saying, "It seems that the erratic weather has worsened due to climate change."
Mayor Macri responded, "This is a concern for all cities. We are preparing for unprecedented rainfall that has been recorded."
When President Lee suggested that Argentina, with its significant agricultural sector, might be greatly affected by climate change, Macri noted, "There are cases where areas that were previously very dry and difficult for farming have become fertile due to increased rainfall."
In response, President Lee stated, "What is good can also be bad, and what is bad can also be good," to which Macri replied, "Like the two sides of a coin, life always has two aspects."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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