South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung arrives in Ulaanbaatar for a three-day state visit to Mongolia, the first by a Korean head of state in 15 years. During the visit, he holds a bilateral summit with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh focused on strengthening cooperation on supply chains and trade, including critical minerals such as rare earth elements. The two sides also discuss how Mongolia’s long-standing ties with North Korea can support efforts to promote peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. Cheong Wa Dae says the timing and agenda reflect both countries’ interest in expanding diplomatic engagement, describing Seoul’s “pragmatic diplomacy” and Ulaanbaatar’s “Third Neighbor Policy” as aligned approaches. The visit also includes participation in a business forum to explore additional areas of cooperation. Lee is expected to present a shared vision for a “golden era” in bilateral relations. On Saturday, he is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of Mongolia’s Naadam Festival as a special guest before returning home. The visit follows Lee’s attendance at the NATO summit in Ankara earlier this week.