Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung invited Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to visit South Korea during a meeting with his special envoy in Seoul on Wednesday, his office announced. Lee extended the invitation while meeting Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi at Cheong Wa Dae, requesting the envoy convey his wish to engage in frank discussions on enhancing bilateral ties.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee emphasized that the envoy's visit underscores the firm commitment of both countries to cooperate. He expressed a desire to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in key areas such as defense, investment, and energy. Al-Khulaifi stated that his visit was intended to personally deliver the emir's commitment to strengthening ties.
The two leaders recently held a phone call, agreeing to meet at an early date. Diplomatic relations between South Korea and Qatar were established in 1974, with their ties being elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023. Qatar is South Korea's largest supplier of liquefied natural gas.