Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom's Visit to Turkey and Qatar from 17th to 21st

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum will visit Turkey and Qatar from the 17th to the 21st for a 3-night, 5-day trip, the Office for Government Policy Coordination announced on the 16th.

According to the Office, Prime Minister Kim will first visit Turkey on the 17th to attend the opening ceremony of the world's longest suspension bridge, the '?anakkale Bridge,' at the invitation of Turkish President Erdo?an. The ?anakkale Bridge, jointly constructed by companies from both countries to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey (2023), spans 3,563 meters and has a total project cost of 3.1 billion euros. This marks the first bilateral visit by a Korean prime minister in nine years.

Additionally, he will meet with Vice President Fuat Oktay and discuss ways to sustain the continuous development of bilateral relations, which mark their 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of establishing a strategic partnership, through meetings with business leaders.

Following this, Prime Minister Kim will visit Qatar on the 19th. This is the first visit by a Korean prime minister in three years. Through high-level talks, including a meeting with Prime Minister Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, he will discuss ways to deepen cooperation between the two countries, which maintain an all-around partnership. Amid increasing uncertainties in the international energy supply and demand, practical cooperation will also be expanded through the Korea-Qatar Energy Cooperation Dialogue and visits to northern gas fields, focusing on energy supply chains and infrastructure.

Senior officials such as First Vice Minister Choi Jong-geon of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and First Vice Minister Park Jin-gyu of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will officially accompany the visit.

The Office for Government Policy Coordination stated, "Following President Moon Jae-in's visit to three Middle Eastern countries?Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt?in January, Prime Minister Kim's visit to Turkey and Qatar, traditional friendly and cooperative countries, is expected to contribute to strengthening the diversification of our diplomacy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.