President Lee to Attend G7 Summit, Engaging in Bilateral Talks

President Lee Jae-myung is set to depart for Canada on June 16 to attend the G7 summit. National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak announced on June 15 that President Lee and his delegation will arrive in Canada on the same day, with plans for bilateral meetings with key nations invited to the summit. Wi emphasized that the invitation from Canada reflects the G7's recognition of South Korea as a resilient democracy and a significant economic power under the new administration.

Wi further explained that attending the G7 summit serves as a crucial platform to communicate to the international community that South Korea has overcome its recent democratic crisis. This summit marks a pivotal moment to resume high-level diplomatic engagements that had been stalled for over six months, signaling a revival of normal diplomatic relations.

Through these engagements, South Korea aims to pursue practical diplomacy to safeguard its national interests amid a global economic security transformation. Wi noted that discussions with leaders from the U.S., Japan, and other major countries will focus on pressing diplomatic and economic issues, including tariffs.

Upon arrival in Calgary, President Lee will move to Skinkoro on June 17 to participate in the G7 summit, where he is scheduled to speak twice during the expanded session on topics such as diversifying energy supply chains and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with energy. He plans to outline South Korea's vision for a stable energy system and the establishment of a robust global AI ecosystem.

The presidential office also confirmed that President Lee is coordinating meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the G7 summit.

When asked about the potential for discussions on countering China at the summit, Wi stated that South Korea shares values with the G7 nations, including the U.S. He reiterated that while South Korea supports the G7's stance, it aims to maintain constructive relations with neighboring countries like China and Russia, emphasizing that antagonism is not beneficial for South Korea.