President Yoon Arrives in Brasilia... Begins Three-Nation South America Tour

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, concluding a visit to San Francisco, has begun a tour of Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. The president aims to strengthen critical mineral supply chain cooperation with these resource-rich nations while modernizing free trade agreements (FTAs) to solidify economic foundations. On the evening of the 26th, the president and his wife, Kim Hee-kyung, arrived at Brasilia's Air Force Base. Following a welcoming ceremony, he inspected a Brazilian-made C-390 transport aircraft, part of a contract worth 883 billion won to supply three units to the Republic of Korea Air Force by 2024. The president emphasized the significance of this defense collaboration, stating it marks the 'first step' in bilateral security cooperation. Upcoming engagements include summits with Brazilian President Lula da Silva, followed by meetings in São Paulo and Chile with the new Chilean government led by President José Antonio Kast.