President Lee urges “practical, phased approach to denuclearization” in op-ed for Egypt’s Al-Ahram

President Lee Jae-myung, during his official visit to Egypt, stated in an op-ed published on Nov. 20 (local time) in Egypt’s state-run newspaper Al-Ahram that his administration will pursue denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through “practical and phased measures,” calling for the Egyptian government’s continued support.

President Lee stressed that “the current situation—where inter-Korean dialogue has stalled and North Korea’s nuclear capabilities continue to advance—can no longer be ignored,” emphasizing his intention to “gradually expand inter-Korean exchanges starting from feasible areas” and to “actively support North Korea’s efforts to normalize relations with the international community.”

Highlighting similarities between the two nations, he noted, “Both Korea and Egypt understand well that regional peace cannot be achieved by the efforts of a single country,” adding that Egypt’s “diplomatic perseverance in mediating during the Gaza crisis” and Korea’s “decades of commitment to maintaining peace in Northeast Asia” stand as meaningful common ground.

He expressed hope that the “peace partnership” between Korea and Egypt will continue to strengthen, given that Korea has long cooperated with the international community for Middle East peace while Egypt has consistently supported peace on the Korean Peninsula.

In his op-ed titled “Korea and Egypt: 30 Years Together, and the Future We Will Build Together,” President Lee also underscored the need to enhance bilateral economic and cultural cooperation.

“Korea and Egypt both share the unique destiny of being a bridge between continents and civilizations, each cultivating a remarkable cultural legacy,” he wrote. “Just as Egypt fostered a global civilization through its recorded stewardship of the Nile, Korea too achieved national development centered around the Han River.”

He noted steady progress in economic cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1995, citing local production of televisions, washing machines, and smartphones at Samsung and LG plants in Egypt.

On cultural exchanges, President Lee said he was “pleased to hear that Korean music and dramas are greatly loved in Egypt,” adding that it is “deeply meaningful that Korean culture resonates in a nation with such a rich and ancient heritage.”

He also spoke about the significance of educational cooperation, recalling his own youth when he “walked four hours round-trip to attend school,” describing it as a testament to his passion for learning. Expanding educational exchanges, he said, would hold “great value for both nations.”

President Lee concluded by expressing confidence in Korea’s role as a key partner for Egypt’s national vision: “The Republic of Korea is Egypt’s most reliable partner in realizing ‘Vision 2030.’ As Korea achieved the Miracle on the Han River, we will stand with Egypt on its journey toward creating a ‘Miracle of the Nile.’”