S.Korean president kicks off three-day UK state visit
LONDON, Nov 21, (Agencies): President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee of South Korea commenced a three-day state visit to the UK on Tuesday, marking the first such visit hosted by King Charles III since his coronation in May .
The South Korean dignitaries, who arrived in Britain on Monday, were set to experience the full red-carpet treatment throughout their visit, including a ceremonial welcome from King Charles and Queen Camilla on Tuesday. Their itinerary includes a private lunch at Buckingham Palace, a visit to Westminster Abbey (where King Charles was formally crowned six months ago), a tour of the parliament, and attendance at an evening state banquet back at the palace.
Beyond the ceremonial aspects, the visit holds significant business discussions. President Yoon and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are expected to solidify plans for increased cooperation and initiate negotiations for an upgraded free-trade deal.
“Trade and investment is expected to be a key focus of the visit, with trade secretaries from both countries preparing to sign an agreement to launch negotiations for an upgraded modern, world-leading Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Wednesday,” Downing Street stated. .
This diplomatic endeavor aligns with the UK government’s strategic objective to establish new trade deals worldwide post-Brexit, particularly with rapidly growing economies in the Indo-Pacific region. The state visit aims to strengthen ties and foster economic cooperation between the UK and South Korea.
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