South Korean President Lee Jae Myung attended the G7 summit in France, marking South Korea's second consecutive year as an invited partner country. He had a brief encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump during a photo session.
The participation of South Korea as a partner country in the G7 summit highlights its growing international role and engagement in addressing global challenges. The brief interaction between President Lee and President Trump, even without detailed discussion, occurs amidst significant geopolitical and economic discussions.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung attended the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on Tuesday, marking the second consecutive year South Korea has been invited as a partner country. During a group photo session, Lee had a brief encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump, with details of their conversation not immediately available.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Lee to the summit venue. The G7 comprises France, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Italy, Japan, and Britain. France extended invitations to non-G7 nations, including Brazil, Egypt, India, and Kenya, to foster coordinated responses to global challenges such as the wars in Ukraine and Iran, financial instability, and risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI).
Lee expressed on social media that South Korea's repeated invitation signifies international trust and expectations. He stated his intention to engage in in-depth discussions on international partnerships, balanced economic growth, and the future of AI and emerging technologies. He also emphasized safeguarding national interests and contributing to global peace and prosperity.
The summit's agenda includes forging new partnerships, rebuilding international solidarity, addressing the decline in international development aid, and preventing AI from widening economic disparities. Lee is scheduled to attend further G7 sessions on Wednesday before concluding his 10-day European trip.