President Lee Jae Myung will begin his schedule for the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and state visit to Mexico on Monday..
The President arrived at New York’s JFK Airport around 6:00 p.m. He and the First Lady were greeted by Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-wha, Ambassador to the UN Cha Ji-hoon, and Consul General in New York Kim Sang-ho.
President Lee will attend the UN General Assembly for the second consecutive year, delivering a keynote speech on Tuesday. There is anticipation surrounding whether he will present a more developed and detailed blueprint for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, following last year’s E·N·D Initiative that signaled South Korea’s return to the international diplomatic arena.
The President is also expected to outline South Korea’s plans to contribute to UN reform through global problem-solving. Bilateral meetings and informal discussions with world leaders, including the UN Secretary-General, are anticipated to be frequent.
Amid ongoing discussions about troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. investment negotiations, there is speculation about a potential meeting with President Donald Trump. While no official meeting has been scheduled, the two leaders are likely to cross paths at various events, including the leaders’ reception.
Given President Lee’s clear stance against deploying combat troops, even if a meeting occurs, the scope of South Korea’s ‘military contribution’ is expected to remain limited.
However, there remains a significant gap between the South Korean government’s position and the Donald Trump administration’s push for immediate and substantial participation, as well as efforts by European allies like the UK and France to mobilize extensive personnel.
U.S. investment negotiations are facing last-minute hurdles before a final agreement. The government is prepared for potential breakdowns or delays in negotiations. The outcome of these talks could significantly influence the tone of any discussions between the South Korean and U.S. leaders.
Regarding North Korea-U.S. dialogue, President Lee, who has positioned himself as a ‘facilitator,’ is expected to express strong support. He is likely to align with various forms of cooperation aimed at achieving substantial and concrete progress in these talks.
After concluding his UN General Assembly schedule, President Lee will attend the Korea Investment Summit 2026 on September 23, engaging with economic and financial leaders from both South Korea and the U.S. He plans to showcase South Korea’s artificial intelligence (AI) policies, vision, and capital market reforms to global investors, aiming to attract investment.
At the invitation of President Claudia Sheinbaum, he will commence his state visit to Mexico on September 24, marking the first such visit by a South Korean leader in 16 years.
During the South Korea-Mexico summit on September 24, President Lee will focus on expanding trade and investment between the two nations. Tangible outcomes are expected, including the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to strengthen cooperation in AI, digital technology, aerospace, and defense industries, while also establishing a foothold for K-content in South America.
National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac stated that it will explore ways to further expand bilateral trade and investment, and robustly support the companies’ activities in Mexico. It will also actively discuss collaboration on energy and mineral supply chains with Mexico, given its abundant natural resources, including crude oil.
