Lee calls Mongolia 'close friend,' vows to expand ties benefiting both peoples

Lee calls Mongolia 'close friend,' vows to expand ties benefiting both peoples ULAANBAATAR, July 11 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung has described Mongolia as a "close friend" and vowed to expand cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries as he attended a state dinner hosted by Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh in Ulaanbaatar, Lee's office said. "South Korea and Mongolia are countries that regard each other as close friends and share deep trust and a special bond," Lee was quoted by his spokesperson Kang Yu-jung as saying during the banquet on Friday evening. "I will continue to expand cooperation with Mongolia so that (its benefits) can be felt in the everyday lives of the peoples of both countries," he added. He expressed hope that based on the countries' long-standing mutual understanding and trust, the friendship between their peoples and their strategic partnership will continue to deepen. During the dinner, Lee presented the Mongolian president with a traditional Korean bow and arrow in recognition of the two countries' shared archery traditions, as well as a smartwatch featuring the latest technology, the presidential office said. The banquet was attended by around 40 South Korean business leaders, including Koo Ja-eun, chairman of LS Group, and SK Group Vice Chairman Lee Hyung-hee. pbr@yna.co.kr (END) - Monsta X's Kihyun takes bold step beyond comfort in new solo project - BTS named La Plata 'honored guest' ahead of Argentina concerts - 'Hope' director Na Hong-jin turns to space to show how small tragedies can spiral - BTS teams up with British Museum to promote Korean heritage - Youn Yuh-jung nominated for best supporting actress at Emmys - (LEAD) Military airport in Gwangju selected as site for semiconductor production cluster - (LEAD) S. Korea, NATO to launch negotiations on basic procurement agreement: Seoul official - U.S. military in S. Korea cites 'important' military interests in Gwangju airport amid relocation plan - S. Korea to launch 4th next-generation medium-sized satellite from U.S. Tuesday - Buddhist sect to promote culture, cuisine during UNESCO heritage meeting in Busan - Special counsel seeks 13-yr prison term for Unification Church leader in bribery case - IU, Lee Jong-suk part ways after 4 years of dating - N. Korea to expand intelligence agency's role against 'potential enemies' - U.S. military in S. Korea cites 'important' military interests in Gwangju airport amid relocation plan - U.S. calls on S. Korea not to impose 'disproportionate' burdens on U.S. firms under revised network act