By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Esraa Elzeny from Egypt

Despite the fact that Egypt is geographically far away from Korea, it is always in the minds of people all across Korea. The Cairo Declaration, which granted independence to Korea on Nov. 27, 1943, was broadcast on the radio on Dec. 1, 1943.

Egypt and Korea have had a strong and close relationship for a long time. The two countries have distinguished relations in all political, economic and social fields, which helped in the transfer of people and economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The Egyptian-Korean relationship extends back to 1948, when Egypt officially recognized the independence of South Korea.

Egypt played a role in determining the future of Korea, too, after World War II. Between Nov. 22 and 26, 1943, while fierce fighting was taking place all around the world, the leaders of the three Allied countries -- U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Commander-in-Chief Chiang Kai-shek of China -- stayed at the Mena House Hotel near the pyramids near Cairo to discuss the Allied forces' efforts in its war against the Axis.

The terms of the Cairo Declaration were transferred to another international mechanism to determine the post-World War II period, the Potsdam Declaration of July 26, 1945, between the Allies and the USSR concerning the demarcation of its borders.

For people in Korea, the Cairo Declaration is particularly important because it was the first and one of the most important public declarations adopted by the international community at that time concerning Korean independence. It drew attention to the fact that Korea must become free and independent. In this regard, the statement refers to the determination of the three powers to end the Imperial Japanese occupation of Korea and for it to become free and independent. Tokyo surrendered unconditionally to the U.S. on Aug. 15, 1945.

Every year, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Cairo celebrates its independence day in August.

Korea suffered through colonization, war and the division of the country, but overcame it all. The journey toward peace that started with the Cairo Declaration is now underway. As an Egyptian living in Korea, I hope that the summit that's taking place right now is successful and I hope that peace would spread all across the Korean Peninsula.

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.