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Lee Jae-myung, president of South Korea, delivers an address titled “Shaping a Bright Future Together” at Cairo University on November 20. / Source: Yonhap News

South Korea and Egypt have agreed to work together on rebuilding the Gaza Strip, with only technical steps remaining before the two governments finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said at a briefing in Cairo on November 20 that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi asked President Lee Jae-myung to play a role in postwar reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

According to Wi, Seoul accepted the request. “The Korean military will not be involved. Support will likely focus on financial contributions and private-sector engagement,” he said, adding that the effort appears to be coordinated with the United States. “We intend to contribute in an appropriate form.”

Wi also noted that Seoul and Cairo agreed in principle to move forward with CEPA following their summit. “The two countries recently completed a joint study and are preparing a ‘Joint Declaration on the Full-Fledged Promotion of CEPA.’ Only technical matters remain,” he explained. He projected that the agreement, once finalized, would broaden market access and boost bilateral trade.

The adviser highlighted that the two leaders held extended talks, spending four and a half hours together, far beyond the originally planned schedule of two hours and 45 minutes, including an official luncheon. Wi said the presidents agreed to establish direct and regular communication channels and pursue concrete cooperation outcomes.

President Lee told el-Sisi he looks forward to further discussions during the Egyptian leader’s planned visit to Seoul next year—the first in a decade.

During the summit, the two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in education and culture.

President Lee will conclude his visit to Egypt on November 21 and then travel to South Africa to attend the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders' Summit.