Seoul: U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to make state visits to South Korea during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering, as announced by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. President Lee Jae Myung will engage in summit talks with Trump on October 29 and with Xi on November 1, both occurring in Gyeongju, the venue for the APEC event.
According to Yonhap News Agency, preparations are underway for discussions between Lee and Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during the APEC gathering. While the possibility of a meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is being monitored by Seoul, no new developments have been reported. The APEC forum marks the first in South Korea in two decades, presenting President Lee with a significant opportunity to engage with influential leaders, just months after assuming office.
The principal leaders' session is scheduled from Friday to Saturday, with the APEC CEO Summit and other business forums commencing on Tuesday. President Lee's discussions with Trump carry substantial importance, as South Korea and the U.S. are engaged in intense negotiations over South Korea's US$350 billion investment pledge aimed at finalizing a trade deal to reduce U.S. tariffs on Korean goods from 25 percent to 15 percent. This meeting follows their initial in-person encounter at the White House in August.
Wi Sung-lac stated, "Efforts are being made to achieve progress. While I won't predict the outcome, we're continuing our efforts to produce results," emphasizing the earnest nature of the tariff negotiations. In his inaugural talks with Xi, President Lee is anticipated to explore ways to enhance bilateral relations and address regional security issues, including topics concerning the Korean Peninsula and North Korea.
On the sidelines of the summit, President Lee is expected to meet with leaders from Canada, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss strengthening practical cooperation, as reported by his office. Throughout the APEC week, South Korea aims to attract investment through various forums and programs, as global business leaders convene for economic events.
This year's summit will concentrate on addressing shared challenges for future generations, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence and demographic change. Efforts are in progress to adopt a joint declaration at the meeting's conclusion, Wi added.