President calls Mexico 'key strategic hub' in interview with local media

Highlights defense, AI, cultural ties; calls for joint fight against transnational crime

President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hye-kyung disembark from Air Force One upon arriving at Felipe Angeles International Airport in Mexico City on Wednesday (local time) for a state visit. [Yonhap]
President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hye-kyung disembark from Air Force One upon arriving at Felipe Angeles International Airport in Mexico City on Wednesday (local time) for a state visit. [Yonhap]

President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Mexico on Wednesday (local time) for a state visit, saying cooperation in the electric vehicle industry would generate significant synergies for both countries.

In an interview with Mexican daily El Universal published that day — one day before his scheduled summit with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum — Lee said there was "enormous room for cooperation between the two countries in the strategic industries the Mexican government is pursuing," adding that he was "paying particular attention to the electric vehicle sector." He said combining Mexico's world-class automotive industry base and supply chain with South Korea's competitiveness in batteries and EV components "will create great synergies and open opportunities to expand cooperation."

Lee cited Kia's recent large-scale investment in an electric vehicle production factory in the Mexican state of Nuevo León as an example of bilateral cooperation.

"For Korean companies, Mexico is more than just a production base — it is a key strategic hub for entering the North American and global markets," Lee doubled down, adding that combining South Korea's technology and manufacturing capabilities with Mexico's talent and industrial base would allow the two countries "to grow together."

He also said approximately 500 South Korean companies have invested about $13.3 billion in Mexico, creating 150,000 jobs and contributing to the country's development. "I hope Korean companies will continue to be part of Mexico's growth and contribute to the shared prosperity of both nations through investment and community engagement," he added.

Lee also said Mexico is "a key axis linking the North American and Latin American economies, backed by a solid manufacturing base and abundant human resources," and that "it is time to build an institutional framework befitting our robust economic cooperation."

He went on to say the two sides should resume South Korea-Mexico free trade agreement negotiations, pursue a social security agreement, and strengthen investment protection mechanisms, saying such steps would allow the two countries to "build a more sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership."

On defense, Lee said South Korea's FA-50 fighter jet "can lay the groundwork for mutually beneficial cooperation" in Mexico's air force modernization project, citing the aircraft's performance and price competitiveness.

He also stressed the need to expand joint AI pilot projects and technology cooperation, as well as to strengthen coordination in combating transnational crimes including online fraud, human trafficking and drug smuggling.

Lee also spoke about the importance of cultural cooperation. He pointed to BTS's meeting with President Sheinbaum in May, when the group received a commemorative plaque from the Mexican government, calling it "a scene that symbolizes the passion and friendship of cultural exchange between our two countries."

He said the two countries had agreed to pursue joint production in cultural content and the arts, establish mechanisms for training specialists in the field, and set up a K Culture Center — a dedicated space for experiencing Korean culture.

On Sheinbaum, the first female president of Mexico, Lee added that her "keen attention to the advancement of women's rights and her vision for the nation's future resonate deeply with many women not only in Korea but around the world." He said her sustained high approval ratings since taking office were "the result of a communication style that has deepened public trust."


igiza77@heraldcorp.com