Manila:Seoul President Lee Jae-myung is set to participate in significant international summits next week, beginning with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in the Philippines, followed by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac announced that President Lee will depart for Manila on Monday to attend the ASEAN summit, which will continue through Tuesday. Subsequently, Lee will head to Shenzhen, China, on Wednesday for the APEC summit.
During the South Korea-ASEAN summit, Lee plans to engage in discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation with ASEAN countries. He will also participate in a meeting with the leaders of the five Mekong countries—Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam—to discuss strengthening strategic partnerships and enhancing cooperation on critical minerals and transnational crime responses.
Lee's schedule includes attending the ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the East Asia Summit to address regional issues. In Shenzhen, he will join the APEC CEO Summit and a welcome dinner hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The following day, Lee will participate in the APEC Summit under the theme "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together."
In his summit addresses, Lee will emphasize South Korea's constructive role in APEC's development and highlight regional contributions, focusing on energy supply chains, transnational crime, and food security. A presidential official noted that North Korea is not expected to attend the APEC summit or engage in talks with the United States, citing slim chances for dialogue.