Seoul: U.S. President Donald Trump is anticipated to visit South Korea next month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and engage in talks with President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines, as announced by the acting U.S. ambassador to South Korea. Acting U.S. Ambassador Joseph Yun shared this information during a conference discussing the Seoul-Washington alliance, with South Korea set to host the APEC summit in Gyeongju between late October and early November.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee extended an invitation to President Trump during their bilateral summit in Washington last month. Yun expressed optimism about the successful nature of the August talks between the two leaders and indicated that they are expected to meet again in Gyeongju. On the same day, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac mentioned at a forum that while Trump's visit to South Korea for the APEC summit is anticipated, it has yet to be officially confirmed.
During the forum, Yun highlighted the strength of the bilateral alliance, acknowledging that the Seoul-Washington partnership is stronger than before. However, he also emphasized the necessity for the alliance to adapt to new threats and evolving realities. This adaptation includes the "modernization of the alliance," which focuses on broadening Seoul's defense capabilities beyond the Korean Peninsula and involves adjusting the role and size of U.S. forces stationed in South Korea, a strategy referred to as "strategic flexibility."
Yun underscored the significance of people-to-people exchanges in reinforcing the alliance between the two nations, indicating that such interactions are vital for maintaining a robust partnership.