South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung said in an exclusive interview published on Saturday that the relationship between South Korea and South America is entering a “new phase” and that South Korea will promote free trade agreement negotiations with South American regional trade groups and strengthen cooperation in key mineral fields. Lee Jae-myung said in an exclusive interview, “MERCOSUR member countries have leading global agriculture, food production, energy and key mineral resources; Korea has global competitiveness in high-end manufacturing, digital technology, shipbuilding, battery industries and innovation.” Lee Jae-ming said, “By integrating their respective advantages, the two sides can build a stable and risk-resistant industrial supply chain, benefiting the two major regions.” He added, “The global trade landscape is being reshaped by factors such as rising trade protectionism, geographical conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and energy security concerns. Today, more than ever before, countries need reliable partners.” At the same time, he stressed that negotiations on a free trade agreement between South Korea and MERCOSUR will be resumed. Lee Jae-myung said that South America has rich reserves of key minerals, and South Korea has advanced technology, industrial experience and investment capabilities. Together, the two sides can build a stable supply chain, cultivate emerging industries, and create high-quality jobs that benefit both regions.

South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung said in an exclusive interview published on Saturday that the relationship between South Korea and South America is entering a “new phase” and that South Korea will promote free trade agreement negotiations with South American regional trade groups and strengthen cooperation in key mineral fields. Lee Jae-myung said in an exclusive interview, “MERCOSUR member countries have leading global agriculture, food production, energy and key mineral resources; Korea has global competitiveness in high-end manufacturing, digital technology, shipbuilding, battery industries and innovation.” Lee Jae-ming said, “By integrating their respective advantages, the two sides can build a stable and risk-resistant industrial supply chain, benefiting the two major regions.” He added, “The global trade landscape is being reshaped by factors such as rising trade protectionism, geographical conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and energy security concerns. Today, more than ever before, countries need reliable partners.” At the same time, he stressed that negotiations on a free trade agreement between South Korea and MERCOSUR will be resumed. Lee Jae-myung said that South America has rich reserves of key minerals, and South Korea has advanced technology, industrial experience and investment capabilities. Together, the two sides can build a stable supply chain, cultivate emerging industries, and create high-quality jobs that benefit both regions.