President Lee Says South Korea And Argentina Will Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has said South Korea and Argentina are poised to enter a new era of strategic cooperation, highlighting growing collaboration in critical minerals, energy and infrastructure. Speaking during a meeting with members of the South Korean community in Argentina on Friday, the final stop of his three-nation South America tour, Lee said stronger bilateral ties have become increasingly important amid shifts in global supply chains and rapid technological advancements, including the rise of artificial intelligence.

Lee's remarks followed a summit with Argentine President Javier Milei, during which the two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in the supply of critical minerals and energy resources. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral economic ties and strengthening long-term partnerships in sectors considered vital to both countries' strategic and industrial development. The summit also reaffirmed both governments' commitment to enhancing trade and investment cooperation in emerging industries.

As part of the visit, South Korea and Argentina signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost collaboration in the critical minerals sector, particularly lithium, which is essential for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries and other clean energy technologies. Under the agreement, the two countries will exchange information on policy frameworks, investment regulations and promote corporate investment while pursuing joint projects across the entire lithium value chain, including exploration, mining and processing. The partnership is expected to strengthen supply chain resilience for both nations.

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The two sides also agreed to cooperate on South Korea's planned imports of Argentine crude oil, with regular shipments expected to begin next year following a successful pilot consignment earlier this year. According to South Korea's National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac, the initiative is intended to diversify Seoul's crude oil imports, which are currently heavily dependent on the Middle East. Expanding energy imports from South America is expected to reduce exposure to geopolitical risks while enhancing South Korea's long-term energy security.

President Lee said the evolving partnership reflects the growing strategic importance of South Korea-Argentina relations in an increasingly complex global environment. He expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to deliver tangible outcomes across critical minerals, energy and infrastructure, contributing to economic growth and supply chain stability for both countries. The agreements reached during the visit underscore the two nations' shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation and addressing future global resource and energy challenges.

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