South Korea and Egypt have upgraded their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership and agreed to launch negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as the two countries seek to deepen cooperation across trade, industry, defense, technology and culture.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi made the announcement at a joint press conference on Thursday following their summit at the Blue House in Seoul. The two leaders said they had issued a joint statement establishing the new strategic partnership.
Lee said the two countries would work to turn existing agreements into concrete projects that benefit their peoples, expressing hope that CEPA negotiations would be concluded as soon as possible.
He said the agreement would provide a broader framework for expanding economic cooperation beyond trade and investment.
The two countries also signed 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering strategic industries and other areas, including shipbuilding, maritime cooperation, clean energy, electricity infrastructure, information and communications technology, trade facilitation, higher education and culture.
Defense Ties
Lee described the joint production of K-9 self-propelled howitzers as a successful model of defense cooperation between the two countries.
He said South Korea hopes to expand defense ties beyond weapons exports toward a mutually beneficial partnership that strengthens the capabilities of the Egyptian armed forces while supporting Egypt’s industrial base.
Focus on Regional Stability
The two presidents also reaffirmed their commitment to joint efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. They stressed the importance of keeping international maritime routes open and ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security for all vessels.
El-Sisi arrived in South Korea on Wednesday for a three-day visit, his first to the country since 2016. The two Presidents last met during Lee’s visit to Egypt in November 2025.
