(LEAD) Lee, Egyptian president hold summit on economic cooperation

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Seoul on Thursday, as both nations aim to bolster economic cooperation and elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership. El-Sisi embarked on a three-day state visit to South Korea earlier in the week, marking his first visit to the country since 2016.

The summit followed an official welcome ceremony at Cheong Wa Dae, which included an inspection of an honor guard. The leaders engaged in private discussions with senior officials and will hold a signing ceremony, press briefing, and state luncheon during their visit. These talks are expected to concentrate on areas like trade, investment, infrastructure, and supply chains, as well as expanding people-to-people exchanges, regional political matters, and international issues.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung expressed optimism that El-Sisi's visit would help deepen the South Korea-Egypt relationship and strengthen cooperation with Africa and the Middle East. The two leaders had last met in November during Lee's visit to Egypt.