South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who has engaged in multiple interactions with U.S. President Donald Trump, discussed strategies to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula and enhance U.S.-South Korea cooperation during the Group of Seven (G7) summit. The two leaders exchanged views on the Middle East situation, Korean Peninsula issues, and economic cooperation, affirming their commitment to maintain close communication.
At the official G7 summit dinner in Évian, France, on Tuesday, President Trump sat next to President Lee for approximately two hours. They discussed key issues including the U.S.-South Korea alliance, the Middle East situation, and challenges facing the Korean Peninsula.
Lee: Evaluating Middle East Achievements, Expecting Role on Korean Peninsula… Trump: Willingness to Contribute
Deputy National Security Advisor Oh Hyun-joo briefed reporters on the leaders’ discussions on Wednesday.
According to Oh, President Trump showed interest in the Korean Peninsula’s geopolitical characteristics and inter-Korean relations, stating he would play a necessary role in advancing the situation. He added that he would consider ways to contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula and maintain close communication with President Lee.
The leaders also exchanged views on the Middle East situation. President Lee welcomed the conclusion of U.S.-Iran peace negotiations and congratulated President Trump on the successful agreement reached on his birthday. He commended the diplomatic efforts to establish peace in the Middle East and resolve the Iranian nuclear issue.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and shared expectations that Middle East stability would lead to stable oil prices and global economic recovery.
Economic and industrial cooperation were also discussed. President Trump acknowledged the need to expand mutual cooperation between the two countries, including in the shipbuilding sector, and confirmed the established trust between the leaders regarding the implementation of existing U.S.-South Korea investment agreements.
Furthermore, President Trump recognized the importance of U.S.-South Korea-Japan cooperation based on the U.S.-South Korea alliance. He described President Lee as a strong leader and expressed hope that both countries could contribute to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.
Oh added that the leaders confirmed their special friendship and trust through multiple interactions during the summit.
The presidential office stated that Lee expressed willingness to make substantial contributions to the international community, with no separate requests from the Trump side.
Reports indicate that no specific discussions regarding cooperation in the shipbuilding sector occurred during the dinner conversation with President Trump.
A senior Blue House official told reporters that there is deep trust and fundamental consensus between the leaders regarding the implementation of agreed investments, including in the shipbuilding sector, adding that there are no significant disagreements in implementing the agreed matters.
While the Iranian reconstruction fund was not separately discussed, both leaders agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The official mentioned that President Lee conveyed to President Trump South Korea’s willingness and capability to make substantial contributions to international efforts ensuring safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked about additional requests from President Trump, who has previously mentioned South Korea regarding Middle Eastern issues, the official responded that they conveyed their willingness and capability to participate in international efforts, with no special requests from President Trump’s side.
