Gyeongju: President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to engage in significant summit discussions during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in Gyeongju. Trump arrived at Gimhae International Airport aboard Air Force One, where he was welcomed by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and honored with a gun salute marking the beginning of his two-day state visit. He proceeded to Gyeongju via the Marine One presidential helicopter, arriving in time for the APEC CEO Summit before his scheduled talks with Lee.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this meeting is the second in-person summit between the leaders in approximately two months, following prior discussions at the White House. A central focus of the talks is the potential finalization of a framework trade deal initially reached in July, amid differing assessments from Seoul and Washington regarding the progress of negotiations.
Ahead of the official discussions, Trump is expected to participate in a welcome ceremony and sign a guestbook, with a second gun salute to commemorate the state visit. The presidential office has announced plans to present Trump with a specially crafted replica of a gold crown from Korea's Silla Dynasty and to award him the Grand Order of Mugungwha, the nation's highest honor.
To further build personal rapport, Trump will tour an exhibition featuring Silla gold crowns before attending a luncheon summit with senior officials from both countries. This program aims to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance understanding between the two nations.