They highlight BTS fan turnout in Mexico, energy ties, and renewed push for free trade agreement.

On Thursday, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held a phone conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to strengthen cooperation in areas such as the economy and culture.

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The two leaders said they were “deeply impressed” by the tens of thousands of fans who gathered in the Mexican capital last week for concerts by the pop group BTS, according to South Korean presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.

Before the group began its series of concerts in the Latin American country, Sheinbaum met with the members of BTS and, minutes later, appeared with them on one of the balconies of the National Palace, the seat of the executive branch, to greet thousands of fans who had gathered to welcome them.

Energy and Economic Cooperation

Lee also expressed hope that both countries would continue strengthening cooperation in the energy sector amid uncertainty stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, as Mexico ranks among the world’s 15 largest oil producers.

On the economic front, the South Korean leader emphasized the need to resume negotiations as soon as possible on a free trade agreement with Mexico, South Korea’s main trading partner in Latin America.

The phone conversation took place while South Korea’s chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, was visiting Mexico. Together with Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, the two agreed to establish a strategic dialogue on trade and investment to raise the level of bilateral economic cooperation.

They also agreed to advocate for minimizing “disruptions and addressing practical difficulties” stemming from the possible impact on the South Korean economy from Mexico’s “recent” tariff increase.

In December 2025, the Mexican Senate approved a legal amendment imposing tariffs ranging from 5% to 50% specifically on 1,463 industrial products, including textiles, automotive goods, steel products and household appliances, from countries with which Mexico does not have a free trade agreement.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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