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South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung and Chile's President José Antonio Kast shake hands after a joint press statement at the Presidential Palace in Santiago on July 30 (local time). / Yonhap News

Chile's President José Antonio Kast said on July 30 (local time), "In Korea, there is a saying that 'even a piece of paper is lighter when lifted together.' The exchange of critical minerals between South Korea and Chile can also be understood from this perspective."

President Kast made the remarks while explaining the mineral cooperation between the two countries during a joint press statement following a summit with President Lee Jae-myung at the Presidential Palace in Santiago.

Noting that South Korea and Chile are cooperating on Antarctic research at the King Sejong Station near Santiago, President Kast said, "We aim to take this exchange a step further."

Along those lines, he extended an invitation to President Lee, saying, "In that spirit, I would like to invite President Lee to visit Antarctica."

President Kast also introduced that "Chilean wine and fruit occupy a significant place in South Korean households," adding, "Chilean citizens are feeling closer to South Korean culture through K-pop and BTS."

He added, "Young people are also showing great interest in studying Korean and pursuing master's degree programs in South Korea."

Regarding the initiation of discussions on modernizing the South Korea-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the occasion of this summit, President Kast expressed expectation, saying, "It will contribute to developing relations between the two countries."

He continued, "Beyond the economic domain, I hope exchanges will be energized in areas such as the defense industry and security issues."

Furthermore, he said to President Lee, "I extend my welcome once again for visiting Chile. Please consider Chile as your own home."

In response, President Lee replied, "On behalf of the people of the Republic of Korea, I express my gratitude. I hope President Kast will also visit South Korea in the near future so that we may meet in Korea."

                                                                                                          Hong Sun-mi