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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is dispatching special delegations to the presidential inaugurations in Peru and Colombia this week and next, according to announcements from his office and the foreign ministry. The missions are intended to convey Seoul's commitment to deepening ties with the new administrations in both countries.

Coverage Comparison

Two separate announcements detail the planned visits. On July 24, the presidential office confirmed that a delegation would attend the inauguration of Peru's President-elect Keiko Fujimori, scheduled for July 28 in Lima. On August 4, the office announced special envoys would attend the inauguration of Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella on August 7.

After the Peru delegation's meeting with Fujimori on July 27, the foreign ministry reported the content of their discussions, highlighting the expansion of bilateral cooperation into defense and security sectors.

The reports come exclusively from Yonhap News Agency, which cited presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung and foreign ministry officials.

Key Claims

Peru Delegation

  • President Lee will dispatch a presidential delegation to Fujimori's inauguration, led by Rep. Min Hong-chul of the ruling Democratic Party, who heads the South Korea-Peru parliamentary friendship association.
  • The delegation includes Rep. Kang Min-kuk of the main opposition People Power Party and another ruling party lawmaker, Lee Ki-heon.
  • The delegation will deliver Lee's personal letter to Fujimori, outlining his vision for developing strategic relations between South Korea and the new Peruvian government, and explain the Lee government's foreign policy.
  • They will attend a reception hosted by Fujimori and Peru's foreign minister, where they plan to convey Seoul's intention to strengthen defense and security cooperation.

Colombia Envoys

  • President Lee will send special envoys to the inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella on August 7.
  • The envoys are Rep. Yoon Joon-byeong of the ruling Democratic Party and Rep. Lee Hai-min of the minor Rebuilding Korea Party.
  • Yoon is a vice chairman of the South Korea-Colombia lawmakers' friendship association.
  • The envoys will brief the new Colombian government on Seoul's foreign and other policies and deliver a personal letter from Lee reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the cooperative partnership.
  • They will also attend a reception hosted by the new Colombian president and other events to underscore Seoul's commitment to expanding cooperation in energy, infrastructure, education, and the economy.

Meeting with Peruvian President

According to the foreign ministry, the delegation met with Fujimori in Lima on July 27. During the meeting, they conveyed Lee's congratulations on her inauguration and delivered his personal letter expressing Seoul's commitment to advancing friendship and cooperation.

The delegation proposed expanding bilateral ties beyond the political and economic sectors into security and defense, while expressing hope that Korean companies will actively participate in Peru's major infrastructure projects. They also requested continued support for the safety of South Korean nationals in Peru and stable business conditions for Korean companies.

Fujimori praised the steady development of friendly relations since diplomatic ties were established in 1963 and expressed hope for closer cooperation under her new administration, the ministry said. She pledged efforts to expand bilateral investment, trade, and defense cooperation, and voiced hope for broader collaboration in sectors such as roads, education, and healthcare.