Seoul, June 5: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is set to embark on a European tour this June, which includes participation in the G7 summit in France. This information was confirmed by a senior presidential official on Friday.
According to National Security Advisor Yi Sung-ryong, Lee’s tour will extend to Belgium, Italy, and the Vatican.
As reported by the Yonhap News Agency, President Lee’s attendance at the G7 meeting (scheduled for June 15-17 in France) is at the invitation of the G7 group, as he mentioned during a press briefing.
In the first phase of his tour, Lee will visit Brussels from Tuesday to Wednesday, where he will hold separate summit talks with Belgian leaders and the European Union.
Following this, he will undertake a state visit to Italy from Thursday to Saturday, at the invitation of President Sergio Mattarella. During this visit, he will hold a summit meeting with Mattarella and later engage in discussions with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
An official from the presidential office stated that in the third part of the tour, Lee will visit Vatican City from June 14 to 15 to meet with Pope Leo. Afterward, he will participate in the G7 summit on June 16-17.
The visit to Belgium coincides with the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year.
On Wednesday, the president will meet with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and King Philippe. During these discussions, they will focus on enhancing cooperation between the two nations and strengthening the stable presence of South Korean companies in the European market.
The Antwerp-Bruges port is the second largest port in Europe, and collaboration with it will assist South Korean companies in expanding throughout Europe.
On the same day, Lee will also hold a summit meeting with the EU, where they may sign an agreement to enhance cooperation in diplomacy and economics. The EU is South Korea’s third-largest trading partner.
On Thursday, Lee will be officially welcomed, after which he will hold a summit meeting with President Mattarella and issue a joint press statement.
On Friday, he will discuss matters with Prime Minister Meloni, and the following day, he will visit Florence as part of Italy’s special state guest protocol.
On June 15, he will participate in a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and meet with the Pope the next day. During this meeting, he will convey a message of global solidarity for peace and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula.
On June 16, he will take part in a session of the G7 summit in France, where he may advocate for increased cooperation between developed and developing countries.
This marks the second consecutive time that South Korea will participate in the G7 leaders’ meeting.
According to officials, this visit could be a significant opportunity for Lee’s government to strengthen diplomatic ties with Europe and enhance South Korea’s role in global issues.
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