President Lee: "Aren't Korea and Mongolia Such Close Friends Because We Are So Alike?"

President Lee Jaemyung Holds Meeting with Korean Residents in Mongolia on July 10

Lee Wears Teal Necktie, First Lady Kim Appears in Deep Purple Jeogori Hanbok

Jokes, "If You Have Trouble Seeing the Ambassador, Let Me Know"

On July 10 (local time), President Lee Jaemyung, currently on a state visit to Mongolia, stated, "The reason why the Republic of Korea is now recognized as one of the most familiar countries in Mongolia is entirely thanks to the active contributions of our compatriots here." He continued, "I believe the reason we have become such close friends is because Korea and Mongolia share similar temperaments. Don’t you agree?"

During a luncheon meeting with Korean residents in Ulaanbaatar, President Lee remarked, "In Ulaanbaatar, I’ve heard that Korean shops, restaurants, cafes, academies, and businesses are so concentrated that the area is even referred to as 'Mongtan New City' (a combination of Mongolia and Dongtan New City), forming a vibrant Korean economic community."

Yonhap News Agency

President Lee explained, "The nomadic spirit of Mongolians, who seek new paths on the vast grasslands, and the uniquely pioneering spirit of Koreans, who put down roots and create new opportunities wherever they go in the world, are natural links that help us understand each other." He added, "It is thanks to this enterprising spirit that Koreans have been able to firmly establish themselves in Mongolian society."

Addressing the attendees, President Lee expressed his gratitude by saying, "You have faithfully served as a bridge connecting our two countries." He further stated, "Based on the achievements you have built up, Korea and Mongolia can now move forward as strategic partners, collaborating in various fields such as key minerals, advanced industries, energy, supply chains, and digital transformation, ushering in a new era together."

He went on to say, "Since the beginning of this year, our government has been conducting a comprehensive survey of civil petitions among overseas Korean communities around the world." He continued, "We are gathering a great deal of information about various difficulties or areas for improvement that compatriots are experiencing locally, such as immigration systems, administrative procedures, economic activities, and educational environments."

Additionally, President Lee pledged, "Our government is committed to carrying out diaspora policies with a strong sense of responsibility so that you can feel proud to be citizens of the Republic of Korea." He added, "We will strive to ensure that our overseas missions become your familiar neighbors—solid platforms that listen to your voices and seek solutions to problems together."

At one point, President Lee made the attendees laugh by saying, "If you have trouble seeing the ambassador’s face beside you, just let me know."

Meanwhile, for the occasion, President Lee wore a suit with a teal necktie, and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung attended in a hanbok with a deep purple jeogori (jacket). The Office of the President explained, "This symbolizes the two countries sharing a sustainable future and responds to the positive view of Korea in Mongolia, as reflected in the local name for Korea, 'Solongos' (the country where the rainbow rises)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.