President Yoon Suk Yeol stated on October 8 that South Korea will be a reliable partner in Egypt's journey toward new heights and a greater future.
During a state dinner at the Blue House welcoming Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President Yoon referenced the 1943 Cairo Declaration, emphasizing the historical ties between the two nations and reaffirming the commitment to their elevated strategic partnership.
In his remarks, President Yoon said, "The relationship between South Korea and Egypt is truly deep and special. Cairo is where the historic Cairo Declaration was made in 1943, promising Korea's independence to the international community during the dark period of Japanese colonial rule."
He added, "For Koreans, Cairo is not just a city name; it is where our national and ethnic hopes were first documented. I am truly pleased to welcome these esteemed guests from such a meaningful city to our capital, Seoul, after more than 80 years."
President Yoon also highlighted the economic ties between the two countries, stressing the importance of the Suez Canal. "South Korea is a nation that has grown through trade, and many of our vessels pass through the Suez Canal when traveling between Asia and Europe," he explained.
He noted, "Egypt has long served as a valuable landmark on this crucial route as South Korea expands globally."
In particular, President Yoon quoted an Egyptian proverb to emphasize the friendship and trust between the two nations. "I have heard that there is a saying in Egypt: 'Between us, there is bread and salt.' This implies sharing hardships and joys through food, and I hope that South Korea and Egypt can move forward together as closer friends and strategic partners toward greater prosperity," he said.
He also shared a personal anecdote about preparing for the dinner, reflecting on how to convey Korea's history and traditions to guests from a country with a 5,000-year-old civilization.
After concluding his speech, President Yoon raised a glass, proposing a toast to the eternal friendship between South Korea and Egypt.
In response, President el-Sisi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and praised South Korea's economic development and cultural heritage preservation. "President Yoon, my dear friend, you continue to amaze me every time we meet. South Korea has achieved comprehensive reforms that allow for development while preserving culture and heritage. This is the miracle of the Han River that cannot be replicated," he stated.
President el-Sisi also addressed international affairs, stating, "Egypt will fulfill its role as a pillar of stability in the Middle East and a force supporting global stability and peace. Our strategic relationship will be a key element for world peace and development."
Meanwhile, the state dinner was attended by government officials from both countries, as well as leaders from the business, academic, and cultural sectors. Notable attendees from the South Korean business community included Chung Eui-sun, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group; Park Ji-won, chairman of Doosan Enerbility; Kim Won-kyung, president of Samsung Electronics' Global External Affairs; Lee Yong-bae, president of Hyundai Rotem; and Lee Kyu-seok, president of Hyundai Mobis.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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