Key facts
- President Lee Jae Myung will attend a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, from July 7-8.
- The visit aims to enhance defense industry cooperation between South Korea and NATO members.
- Lee will meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Indo-Pacific leaders.
- He will also deliver a speech at a NATO defense industry forum.
- Following Turkey, Lee will visit Mongolia from July 9 for a three-day state visit.
- Discussions with Mongolia will include critical minerals and regional peace.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to attend a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, from July 7 to 8, with the primary goal of fostering defense industry cooperation between South Korea and NATO member nations. National security adviser Wi Sung-lac stated that the visit aims to advance partnerships based on NATO standards to facilitate defense material exports, particularly as NATO countries increase their defense spending amid deepening geopolitical instability.
During his time in Ankara, President Lee will engage in meetings with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and participate in a group summit alongside leaders from Indo-Pacific countries, including Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. He is also slated to speak at a session of the NATO defense industry forum.
Following the summit in Turkey, President Lee will embark on a three-day state visit to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, beginning on July 9, at the invitation of Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. The itinerary includes a summit between the two leaders, the issuance of a joint statement, and the signing of multiple memorandums of understanding. South Korea views Mongolia as a significant partner due to its critical mineral reserves and its potential contribution to peace on the Korean Peninsula through its close relations with North Korea.