President Lee Jae Myung hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a state banquet at the Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Tuesday, as the Turkish leader made a state visit to South Korea.
“I hope this visit will give us an opportunity to look back on our longstanding friendship and take a vigorous step toward another 70 years together,” Lee said during the banquet, noting that the two countries will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
“Today, our two countries drew up a blueprint for mutual prosperity across diverse areas, from nuclear energy, the defense industry and infrastructure to advanced technologies, biotechnology and energy,” Lee said, referring to a summit between the two leaders earlier in the day.
Around 80 government officials, business leaders and other dignitaries from the two countries attended the banquet. South Korean business figures included Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, Posco Group Chairman Chang In-hwa and Hyundai Rotem CEO Lee Yong-bae.
Erdogan recalled Turkey's participation in the 1950-53 Korean War, saying the sacrifices of Turkish troops helped forge the two countries' relationship into a “blood alliance.”
“I am very pleased that the two countries maintain this special relationship even today,” he added.
Lee described Turkey as an “eternal brother nation that shed blood with the Republic of Korea” and wished the country continued prosperity.
seungku99@heraldcorp.com
