The President (right) and Peruvian President Alan Gabriel Garcia Perez after confirming friendship of two countries on Thursday (Nov. 12)

Peruvian President Alan Gabriel Garcia Perez took some additional time off in Seoul during his visit to Korea for a summit meeting with President Lee Myung-bak on Thursday (Nov. 12).

President Alan Garcia, who will travel to Singapore for the 17th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, flew off this morning on Friday (Nov. 13). He was originally to leave Seoul the previous night.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Peruvian president requested a prolonged stay in Seoul, saying he''d like to stay a bit longer to enjoy the big city, including the Hangang (Han River).

President Lee welcomed it. “I was feeling sorry that he was leaving so soon anyway,” Lee said, telling his Peruvian counterpart to take his time to tour the country. Inviting Alan Garcia to his personal dinner party following a luncheon the same day Lee went on, “Of the many leaders who have made state visit to Korea, President Alan Garcia must be the first to have both a luncheon and dinner party with me.” He added, “I hope for your quick return one day and also hope you will look around and see our corporations at work.”

The President  (right) and his Peruvian counterpart Alan Garcia taking a walk around Cheong Wa Dae on Thursday (Nov. 12).

President Alan Garcia reportedly said that he has always looked upon Korea as a model for economic and democratic development of his own a country, and that he would like to share the same experience. He also expressed he would like to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) with Korea ahead of other Asian nations. Alan Garcia then led his trade minister to make a related briefing on such an FTA. 

The Peruvian president also promised to give full support if many Korean companies related to construction and energy move into Peru. This included Korean businesses'' participation in the reconstruction of Lima, Peru''s capital.

Meanwhile, President Lee presented President Alan Garcia with a Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the highest medal given to foreign heads of state, at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae. President Lee himself received the highest medal of honor in Peru when he made a state visit there last year.

The two presidents made toasts with Pisco Sours, a cocktail, posed for several photos, and even sang together the Spanish song “Bésame Mucho.”