South Korea, Mexico seek stronger ties in economy and culture

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held a phone call on Thursday, May 14, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation across energy, economic, and cultural sectors.

According to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, quoted by Korean media, Lee expressed hope that the two countries would deepen cooperation in energy and other key areas as like-minded nations, particularly amid growing global economic uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict. He also stressed the importance of promptly resuming negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement.

Mexico is South Korea’s largest trading and investment partner in Central and South America.

For her part, Sheinbaum highlighted Mexico’s strong interest in expanding practical cooperation with South Korea, especially in the economic sphere.

Both leaders also noted the cultural ties between the two countries, saying they were deeply impressed by the tens of thousands of fans who gathered in Mexico City earlier this month for a concert by BTS. They pledged to further promote cultural exchanges.

During the call, Lee accepted Sheinbaum’s invitation to visit Mexico, the spokesperson added.

By Tamilla Hasanova