New york: President Lee Jae Myung will travel to New York next week to attend the U.N. General Assembly, where he will deliver an address and preside over an open debate of the U.N. Security Council, the presidential office announced Friday. This marks his first appearance at the annual global forum since taking office in June.
According to Yonhap News Agency, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac informed reporters that Lee will embark on a five-day visit starting Monday. His attendance aligns with South Korea's assumption of the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month, underscoring the nation's enhanced role in global diplomatic affairs.
President Lee is slated to deliver a keynote address at the 80th session of the General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters on Tuesday. Wi Sung-lac stated that, during his address, Lee will reaffirm the return of a democratic Republic of Korea, outline his government's diplomatic vision, including policy on the Korean Peninsula, and highlight Korea's contributions toward global peace and prosperity.
In his capacity as chair of the 15-member Security Council, President Lee will lead an open debate on Wednesday focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for global peace and security. This will be the first time a South Korean president has overseen such a session, marking a significant milestone in South Korea's international diplomatic engagements.
On the margins of the multilateral forum, President Lee is set to engage in bilateral talks with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and leaders from France, Italy, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, and Poland. The discussions will aim to enhance practical cooperation between South Korea and these nations.
While a one-on-one meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is not scheduled, Wi mentioned that the two leaders might meet informally during the gathering. Additionally, on the first day, Lee will meet with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink to discuss cooperation in AI and energy transformation. He will also engage with members of the U.S. Congress to seek support in strengthening bilateral ties and will meet with Korean residents in the U.S.
On Thursday, President Lee will participate in an investor relations session with global investors to introduce his government's economic policy and advocate for investment in the Korean market.