BUENOS AIRES — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung arrived at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires on July 30 (local time), embarking on a pivotal official visit to Argentina aimed at expanding bilateral economic security, critical raw material supply chains, and Latin American regional trade cooperation.

President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung were warmly received on the tarmac by Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno. The visit marks a monumental milestone in diplomatic relations, representing the first visit by a sitting South Korean president to Argentina in 22 years, following prior stops in Brazil and Chile as part of a multi-nation South American tour after his official itinerary in the United States.

On July 31, President Lee will commence his official schedule with a ceremony at General San Martín Square, laying a wreath to honor Argentina's independence heroes. He will then proceed to Casa Rosada, the presidential palace, for an official welcoming ceremony before engaging in a bilateral summit with Argentine President Javier Milei.

A central topic of discussion during the summit will be the resumption of negotiations for the Korea-MERCOSUR (Southern Common Market) trade agreement. MERCOSUR—comprising Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay—represents the largest economic bloc in South America. Although South Korea initiated formal trade talks with MERCOSUR in 2018, progress has remained stalled for years. President Lee’s diplomatic initiative is expected to reinvigorate momentum towards securing a comprehensive framework for economic partnership.

Furthermore, critical minerals cooperation will take center stage. As the world’s fourth-largest holder of lithium reserves—an indispensable raw material for lithium-ion secondary batteries, electric vehicles, mobile devices, and high-tech ceramics—Argentina holds strategic importance for South Korea’s key battery and automotive manufacturing industries. Both leaders are expected to explore structured mechanisms to build resilient supply chains.

Following the summit, President Lee will conclude his South American diplomatic mission by hosting a dinner meeting with members of the local Korean diaspora in Buenos Aires before departing for Seoul.

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