The ceremony took place at the Blue House in Seoul, where South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented Trump with the prestigious medal and a replica gold crown, symbolizing unity and prosperity. The Grand Order of Mugunghwa has historically been awarded to leaders who have made significant contributions to the Republic of Korea’s international standing and bilateral relations.

In his acceptance remarks, President Trump expressed gratitude for what he called a “deeply meaningful gesture,” reaffirming the United States’ “ironclad commitment” to South Korea’s security and long term economic partnership. He praised President Lee for his leadership and vision in steering South Korea toward “innovation, strength, and global influence.”

The visit marks the final leg of Trump’s three nation Asia tour, following stops in Malaysia and Japan, and comes at a pivotal time for regional diplomacy. Trump is expected to hold high-stakes trade and security talks with both President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC Summit later this week.

Key issues on the agenda include U.S.–Korea defense cooperation, the modernization of mutual defense treaties, and new bilateral trade frameworks aimed at expanding technology and energy exports. Analysts also expect the discussions to touch on North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, a perennial concern for Washington and Seoul.

President Lee described Trump’s visit as a “renewal of friendship and shared purpose,” emphasizing the enduring alliance that has underpinned peace and prosperity in East Asia for more than seven decades.

As Trump’s motorcade departed the Blue House, crowds of supporters and onlookers lined the streets of Seoul waving both American and Korean flags, underscoring the symbolic importance of the visit to the two nations’ strategic partnership.

In a statement released Wednesday, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs described the move as “strict reciprocity,” emphasizing that it had summoned Algerian officials to formally communicate the decision. The ministry reiterated its hope for maintaining diplomatic dialogue but stated that the action was necessary to respond to what it called a “hostile gesture” by Algiers.

The latest flare-up comes amid enduring tensions between the two countries, despite deep economic ties and long-standing security cooperation. France and Algeria have often clashed over immigration policies, regional security matters, and the painful colonial legacy that continues to strain relations decades after Algeria gained independence in 1962.

While officials in Paris have not disclosed the exact number of Algerian diplomats being expelled, sources suggest it mirrors the 15 French officials forced out of Algiers on Sunday.

This diplomatic tit-for-tat could impact broader cooperation on key issues, particularly North African security, counterterrorism, and the movement of people between the two nations.

More developments are expected in the coming days as both countries weigh their next steps in this high-stakes diplomatic standoff.