President Erdoğan welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who visited Türkiye, with an official ceremony. Erdoğan stated that they aim to further diversify joint projects in the defense industry between the two countries and said, “In addition, negotiations are continuing between our relevant organizations on the establishment of a nuclear power plant.”
The cavalry met Lee's official vehicle on the street in front of the Presidential Palace and escorted it to the ceremonial gates.
President Erdoğan welcomed Lee at the main entrance of the complex. After Erdoğan and Lee took their positions in the ceremony area, the national anthems of the two countries were played. Flags and soldiers representing the 16 historically established Turkish states were also present at the ceremony, and 21 artillery shells were fired.
South Korean President Lee greeted the Ceremonial Guard of the Guards Regiment by saying “Hello soldier.” Introducing their delegations to each other, Erdoğan and Lee shook hands and posed for members of the press in front of the Turkish and Korean flags on the stairs. Erdoğan and Lee held a bilateral meeting and held a joint press conference after the meeting between the delegations and the signing ceremony of the agreements.
President Erdoğan made a statement after the signing ceremony of agreements between the two countries.
“We become blood brothers”
Erdoğan said:
“He was a leader who overcame the difficulties of life at a very young age, resolutely walked the path he knew was right, and won the favor of the Korean people with his service. We are happy to have a presidential visit from Korea after many years. We are happy that Koreans like us describe Türkiye as a brotherly country. We fought side by side in the Korean War and became blood brothers meat.”
We have comprehensively observed every aspect of bilateral relations. There is great potential in the fields of artificial intelligence, semiconductors and battery technology. Today, another important document that envisages cooperation in the field of wind energy between our private sector was signed. Likewise, we have reached an agreement with our Korean friends on implementing a joint project in the field of plasma. We are very close to the $15 billion trade volume we previously identified with South Korea, our second largest trading partner in Asia Pacific. We have exceeded the $10 billion limit thanks to joint efforts. I also draw attention to the need to review our free trade agreement to achieve a more balanced trading relationship. We are delighted that Hyundai will produce electric vehicles with the new investment in the factory in Izmit. With this investment, following our local and national TOG brand, a new production process completely using household electricity will begin in our country. Here I would like to reiterate that we will provide all forms of support to Korean companies investing in our country and providing manufacturing jobs.
“LIEN PROJECTS WILL BE DIVERSE IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY”
We have implemented important projects in the defense industry with our strategic partner Korea. Our Altay Tank project is one of the most successful examples of this. As you know, the delivery of national tanks to our army began last month. We look forward to further diversifying joint projects in this field. During our bilateral meeting, we discussed how we can take more steps towards defense industry with Korea in the future. In addition, negotiations are continuing between our relevant organizations regarding the establishment of a nuclear power plant. I consider the recently signed memorandum of understanding between Korean Electricity Company and Turkish Nuclear Energy Joint Stock Company to be an important step forward. We also agree with South Korea on the fight against terrorism.
“We defend the two-state solution”
In addition to our bilateral relationship with the President, we also discussed regional and international issues, including Palestine, Ukraine, Syria and the Korean Peninsula. We agreed to continue cooperation on international and regional platforms, especially the G20 and MIGTA of the United Nations. I would like to take this opportunity to state that we appreciate Korea's successful presidency of MIGTA. We were delighted when South Korea established diplomatic relations with Syria last April. We think we can work together in different geographies like Iraq, Africa and Central Asia, including on the reconstruction of Syria, Gaza and Ukraine. Regarding the situation in Gaza, as well as Türkiye and South Korea, we support the continued ceasefire, no killing of innocent people and the two-state solution. The establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is a fundamental condition for a just and sustainable peace. In this context, as Türkiye, we expect all friendly, brotherly and allied countries that have not yet taken steps in this direction to recognize the Palestinian state.
“OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD A DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION IN UKRAINE WILL NOT CHANGE”
In the Ukrainian context, our position that conflicts should end and the parties should take steps toward a diplomatic solution at the negotiating table has never changed. As you followed, I had meetings with both Mr. Zelensky and Mr. Putin. As Türkiye, we will continue to support all diplomatic initiatives leading to lasting peace, especially the Istanbul process.
As you know, today is November 24, Teacher's Day in our country. I learned that the President's respected companion is also a piano teacher. The lady is also here, they came together. On this occasion, I would like to congratulate Teachers' Day to teachers in our country and to you. I would like to once again thank Mr. Chairman for his nice visit. “I send my sincere greetings to all Korean people.”
