President Lee Jae Myung on on Oct. 20 at the Office of the President in Seoul holds his first phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi since the latter assumed office. (Office of President)

By Margareth Theresia

President Lee Jae Myung on Oct. 20 held his first phone talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, discussing bilateral cooperation and regional affairs, the Office of President in Seoul said.

The two leaders lauded the development of bilateral ties as a comprehensive cooperative partnership. They noted the massive potential of such collaboration between Korea with its cutting-edge technology and Egypt with its status as an economic hub linking Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

President el-Sisi mentioned the "significant contributions" to the Egyptian economy from investments by "outstanding" Korean companies, adding his hope for continued expansion of Korean corporate activity in his country.

Both leaders said bilateral people-to-people exchanges were growing based on respect and appreciation for each other's cultures, and agreed to further raise cooperation in culture, education and such exchanges.

They also discussed major international affairs such as peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and the situation in the Middle East, pledging close bilateral communication amid rapid shifts in world issues.

Marking the 30th anniversary this year of bilateral ties, Seoul and Cairo since 1995 have steadily improved symbiotic cooperation in sectors such as the economy, infrastructure and the defense industry.

margareth@korea.kr