South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to travel to Europe this month to participate in the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France. The trip, spanning from June 9 to June 18, will include visits to Belgium, Italy, and the Vatican, as confirmed by National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac. Lee’s attendance at the G7 summit, happening from June 15 to June 17, is based on an invitation extended by the grouping.
During the initial phase of the journey, Lee will visit Brussels for summit talks with the leaders of Belgium and the European Union (EU). Following this, from Thursday to Saturday, he will embark on a state visit to Italy, engaging in a summit with President Sergio Mattarella and discussions with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The final leg of the trip will take Lee to the Vatican from June 14 to June 15, where he will meet with Pope Leo XIV before joining the G7 summit from June 16 to June 17.
The visit to Belgium coincides with the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year. Lee is expected to discuss ways to enhance cooperation with Belgium, aiming to facilitate South Korean companies’ access to the broader European market. Notably, Belgium’s Port of Antwerp-Bruges stands as Europe’s second-largest seaport, offering a strategic gateway for South Korean businesses into the wider European market.
In Italy, Lee will partake in various engagements, including an official welcome ceremony hosted by President Mattarella, a summit with Prime Minister Meloni, and a visit to Florence under Italy’s special protocol for state guests. Additionally, Lee plans to attend Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on June 15 and hold discussions with the pope the following day, emphasizing South Korea’s commitment to global peace and seeking the Vatican’s support for peace-building efforts on the Korean Peninsula.
Lee’s participation in the G7 summit in France on June 16 holds significance as South Korea’s second consecutive involvement in G7 leaders’ meetings. The trip is viewed as an opportunity to bolster diplomatic ties with Europe under Lee’s administration and enhance Seoul’s engagement in global discussions on critical international matters.
