President Lee Hints at Resuming FTA Talks During State Visit to Mexico...Proposes 'FA-50' for Defense Cooperation

Advance Interview Released by Local Media
Pushing for Resumption of Long-Stalled FTA Talks
Suspended in 2008, Agreed to Resume in 2022 but Still at Impasse

Proposal of FA-50 for Mexican Air Force Modernization
"Potential for Expans

President Lee Jae-myung has expressed support for resuming negotiations on an "economic agreement" between Korea and Mexico. He emphasized the need for pushing forward negotiations for a Korea-Mexico Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the leadership level, noting that, although both countries agreed to resume talks in 2022 after they were suspended in 2008, there has been no further progress. President Lee also proposed the domestically produced light attack aircraft FA-50 as part of Mexico’s air force modernization project, outlining a plan to expand cooperation to include technology transfer and local production. These comments are interpreted as a commitment to strengthening economic cooperation by expanding collaboration in both trade and defense.

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, on a state visit to Mexico, are seen disembarking from Air Force One at Felipe Angeles International Airport in Mexico City on the 23rd (local time). 2026.9.24 Yonhap News Agency

In an interview released on the 23rd (local time) by the leading Mexican daily "El Universal," President Lee stated, "It is time to establish an institutional foundation that matches our solid economic cooperation," adding, "It is important to resume negotiations on an economic agreement between Korea and Mexico, make progress on a social security agreement, and strengthen investment protection mechanisms." This interview was arranged in advance on the occasion of President Lee’s state visit to Mexico.

The "resumption of economic agreement negotiations" referred to by President Lee relates directly to the long-stalled Korea-Mexico FTA talks. The two countries launched negotiations in 2006 on a Strategic Economic Complementation Agreement (SECA), a precursor to an FTA, before upgrading to official FTA negotiations in 2007. However, the talks were suspended in 2008. In 2022, trade ministers from both countries agreed to resume FTA negotiations after 14 years, but the process once again reached an impasse.

As a result, both sides have publicly mentioned the need to restart negotiations this year. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated in April that the Korea-Mexico FTA had remained suspended since 2022 and announced plans to continue high-level consultations for prompt resumption. Last month, Mexico’s Foreign Minister, Roberto Velasco, who visited Korea, indicated that future FTA discussions with Korea could proceed in light of developments such as the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

President Lee described Mexico as "more than just a production base," calling it a "key strategic platform" for entry into the North American and global markets. He identified semiconductors, aerospace, and electric vehicles as major cooperative areas to be linked with the Mexican government’s ‘Plan Mexico’ initiative. Currently, approximately 500 Korean companies operate in Mexico, with cumulative investment reaching around $13.3 billion and job creation amounting to about 150,000 positions. Since the two countries established a strategic partnership in 2005, Korean investment in Mexico has increased 26-fold.

Defense Industry Cooperation Also Taking Shape... "FA-50 Could Lay the Foundation for Partnership"

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, who paid a state visit to Mexico, are greeting well-wishers on the Air Force One plane upon arrival at Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Mexico City on the 23rd (local time). 2026.9.24 Yonhap News Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In addition, President Lee elaborated on defense industry cooperation, building on trade collaboration. He said, "If Mexico proceeds with its air force jet modernization program, Korea’s FA-50 could serve as a mutually beneficial platform for cooperation based on its performance and price competitiveness," and added, "Future collaboration could include technology transfer and local production, thereby reinforcing Mexico's industrial base and creating jobs."

The FA-50 is a light combat aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) based on the domestically produced T-50 supersonic advanced trainer. It is capable of not only training but also actual combat missions utilizing precision-guided munitions. The FA-50 has been exported to countries such as the Philippines, Poland, and Malaysia. While the Office of the President had previously hinted at possible cooperation between Mexico’s military modernization programs and Korea’s defense industry, neither specific models nor methods of cooperation had been publicly disclosed until now.

The president also mentioned that cooperation between the two nations is expanding in energy supply chains. He explained, "This year, amid heightened concerns about disruptions to energy supplies caused by instability in the Middle East, Korea collaborated closely with Mexico to diversify crude oil imports, resulting in an actual increase in the import of Mexican crude." He emphasized the need for reliable partners in supply chain stability as geopolitical uncertainties grow, and highlighted the importance of combining Mexico’s energy potential with Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Expansion of Cooperation in High-Tech Industry and Public Safety... Intensifying Cross-Border Crime Prevention

President Lee also proposed expanding cooperation in advanced industries and public safety. He revealed plans to promote joint pilot projects and technical collaboration by integrating Korea’s AI Transition (AX) and physical AI technologies with Mexico’s manufacturing and public services innovation, and stated that in space exploration, cooperation could be strengthened between governments, companies, and research institutes focusing on satellites and launch vehicles.

To counteract cross-border crimes such as online scams, human trafficking, and drug smuggling, President Lee proposed enhancing collaboration between the two countries’ law enforcement agencies and boosting cooperation in safety infrastructure and technologies. He said, "If Korea and Mexico combine their respective strengths and expand cooperation from advanced technologies and industries to national security and public protection, we can usher in a new chapter in bilateral relations."

Joint Production of Cultural Content, Talent Development Cooperation... ‘K-Culture Center’ Also Planned

Last May, BTS and Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico City, greeted approximately 50,000 Mexican fans from the balcony of the National Palace. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

In the cultural sphere, the president announced plans for the two countries to establish a collaborative system for joint content production and talent development, as well as pursue the creation of a "K-Culture Center" in Mexico where Korean culture can be experienced comprehensively. Referring to the scene from last May where BTS and President Claudia Sheinbaum greeted about 50,000 fans from the balcony of the National Palace, President Lee said it was a symbolic display reflecting not only the enthusiasm for cultural exchange but also the friendship between the two countries.

He added, "The ongoing ‘K-Expo Mexico 2026’ in Mexico City introduces not only cultural content but also food and the beauty industry, making it an outstanding opportunity to connect culture with the economy." He further explained, "During this summit, the two countries have agreed to establish mechanisms for continued cooperation in content and the arts through joint production and talent development programs."

Meanwhile, after attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Lee arrived in Mexico City, beginning the first state visit to Mexico by a Korean president in 16 years. On the 24th, he is scheduled to hold a summit with President Sheinbaum to discuss ways to cooperate in trade, investment, supply chains, defense, and advanced industries.

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