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| ▲ President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Seoul on Feb. 20, 2024. (Yonhap) |
(LEAD) Yoon-state visit
(LEAD) Yoon seeks Germany, Denmark's understanding on postponed visits
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By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, Feb. 20 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol held back-to-back phone talks with German and Danish leaders Tuesday to explain his decision to postpone his visits to the European countries and ask for their understanding, Yoon's office said.
Yoon was planning to visit Germany and Denmark this week but postponed the trip four days before his scheduled departure. The presidential office did not give an official reason, though there was speculation the decision reflected his need to focus on domestic issues and avoid further controversy surrounding first lady Kim Keon Hee ahead of the April parliamentary elections.
In the phone call with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Yoon explained he postponed the visit for various reasons, including focusing on domestic livelihood issues, and asked for his understanding, the presidential office said in a press release.
"President Steinmeier said he fully understands our position and that he sincerely hopes to reschedule President Yoon's visit to Germany at an appropriate time through consultations between the two sides," it said.
The two leaders took note of a joint advisory on North Korean cybersecurity threats that was announced Monday despite the visit's delay, and agreed to continue to pursue bilateral cooperation projects and develop cooperation especially in the security, advanced technology and cyber fields, according to the presidential office.
"The two leaders agreed to further closely develop the two countries' friendly cooperative ties maintained for more than 140 years, and to continue to hold frequent phone calls and closely communicate," the office said.
Yoon also talked over the phone with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to explain his decision to delay his visit to Denmark.
Frederiksen responded she understood his situation and would welcome his visit to Denmark at any time, his office said.
During the conversation, they reaffirmed their commitment to a "comprehensive green strategic partnership" between the two countries and agreed to push for cooperative projects in green growth and cutting-edge technologies, according to the office.
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