President Lee Jae Myung heads to Europe next week for a 10-day trip aimed at putting Seoul’s European diplomacy into full swing and strengthening its standing as a “global responsible power” seeking a broader role with the G7.
Lee will visit Belgium, the European Union, Italy and the Vatican from June 9-18 before attending the Group of Seven summit in Evian, France, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Friday during a press briefing.
Lee’s final stop will be the G7 summit on June 16-17, where South Korea has once again been invited to participate as an outreach partner. Through his remarks during the summit sessions, Lee plans to share South Korea’s experience on major global issues while underscoring Seoul’s willingness to serve as a bridge between advanced and developing economies, according to Wi.
“We expect South Korea to further consolidate its standing as a G7 Plus global responsible power through its participation in the G7 summit for a second consecutive year,” Wi said during the briefing.
“The fact that we have been invited to attend the summit for a second straight year demonstrates the G7’s high level of trust in and expectations for our government,” he added.
