South Korea, East Timor agree development cooperation at Seoul summit

The two leaders also agreed to pursue what Lee called substantive cooperation in intellectual property, sharing protection systems and helping strengthen East Timor's capacity to protect intellectual property. They agreed to explore cooperation in the green economy and climate change responses, and to establish a regular consultation mechanism to expand ties across all areas, Lee said.

During the meeting, Lee explained his government's North Korea policy, which he said aims to establish peace that eliminates the need to fight and prioritizes dialogue and cooperation. Horta expressed full support, according to Lee.

Horta referred to the Revolution of Light, a movement in South Korea against former President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2024 declaration of martial law, and commended South Koreans for preventing what he called disruptions to democracy. He said he would recommend the movement for the Nobel Peace Prize. He also invited Lee to visit East Timor, and Lee said he would work toward responding.

The presidential office said the joint announcement followed a luncheon serving dishes that fused the two countries' cuisines, including chicken drumsticks marinated in Korean sauce, along with traditional Korean rice-based dishes and East Timorese coffee. Lee plans to give Horta an art book on miniature paintings of rare Korean plants and red ginseng, the office said.