By Reporter Anna Kim 

During his official visit to Turkiye from July 28 to 30, Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin paid a courtesy call on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye on July 28h.

Minister Park expressed his gratitude for Turkiye's deployment of over 20,000 troops to the Korean War in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the armistice. As the Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs, he emphasized his commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries in all areas through his visit, which marks the first in eight years. 

President Erdogan welcomed Minister Park's visit to Turkiye and expressed a desire to enhance the already robust high-level exchanges between the two nations, while also requesting that the South Korean President visit Turkey in the near future.

Minister Park praised the steady increase in investment and trade between the two countries, particularly in defense, nuclear power, and infrastructure sectors, and proposed expanding successful cooperation initiatives in these fields. President Erdogan actively welcomed investment from South Korean companies in Turkiye and expressed his hope for further mutually beneficial economic growth between the two nations.

President Erdogan expressed deep gratitude for the support from the South Korean government and its people in response to the earthquakes in Turkiye. Minister Park explained South Korea's active involvement in providing emergency relief and aid to earthquake victims, including support for temporary resettlement villages.

Furthermore, Minister Park emphasized the need for a resolute and unified international response to address North Korea's continuous provocations and sought Turkey's unwavering support for South Korea's bold policy approach towards the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

Minister Park stated that the 2030 Busan World Expo will provide an excellent opportunity for expanding cooperation between South Korean and Turkish companies, creating a platform for global business exchanges. He requested Turkey's support in this endeavor.

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Minister Park highly appreciated Turkiye's role as a mediator, and President Erdogan expressed his empathy, acknowledging the need for international solidarity in supporting Ukraine's peace restoration and reconstruction efforts.

After his meeting with President Erdogan, Minister Park visited the South Korean company booths at the Turkey International Defense Industry Exhibition (IDEF) and encouraged the representatives while explaining the results of his meeting aimed at enhancing defense cooperation.

Today's meeting between Minister Park Jin and President Erdogan is expected to strengthen strategic cooperation with Turkiye's newly formed government, further solidify the fraternal ties between the two countries, and foster a deeper partnership.