South Korean President to Hold Bilateral Talks at G-7 Summit

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to participate in the upcoming G-7 summit. His office announced on Sunday that he intends to engage in bilateral discussions with leaders from various nations attending the summit. Details regarding these meetings are currently being finalized.

President Lee is scheduled to depart on Monday for the summit, which will be held in Canada. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac confirmed this during a briefing. The presidential office also indicated a willingness to participate in trilateral talks involving Washington and Tokyo.

Furthermore, preparations are underway for potential discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, contingent upon his attendance at the summit.

Wi emphasized the importance of these meetings, stating that they provide an opportunity to address pressing economic and trade matters, including tariffs, through discussions with leaders from the United States and Japan.

President Lee intends to meet with leaders from key countries both before and after the extended session of the summit. The specific countries involved were not disclosed.

The ongoing working-level tariff discussions between Seoul and Washington are considered crucial for South Korea's export-driven economy. Key sectors, including semiconductors, automobiles, and shipbuilding, are significantly impacted by global trade dynamics.

The United States has previously imposed tariffs on South Korea, despite the existing bilateral free trade agreement and the long-standing alliance between the two countries. The U.S. has also sought increased financial contributions from South Korea for the presence of U.S. troops stationed there.

This trip will be President Lee's first diplomatic endeavor since assuming office. He was elected on June 3.