South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to Address UN Assembly

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to travel to New York on September 24, 2023, to deliver a keynote address at the United Nations General Assembly. During this five-day visit, he will also preside over a meeting of the UN Security Council. Despite the significance of this trip, there will be no planned bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump, as confirmed by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac during a press briefing.

Following their recent summit in Washington on August 25, 2023, the two leaders are expected to meet again at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, scheduled for October 31 and November 1, 2023.

Upon his arrival in New York, President Lee will engage in discussions with Larry Fink, the chief executive of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager. Their talks will focus on the development of artificial intelligence and the transition to renewable energy sources.

Key Address on Foreign Policy and Denuclearization

During his address to the UN on September 25, 2023, President Lee is anticipated to outline South Korea’s foreign policy agenda, notably a phased approach to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. Wi indicated that President Lee would clarify his administration’s strategy regarding denuclearization during this critical speech.

In a recent interview with Time magazine, President Lee expressed that South Korea is open to discussing partial sanctions relief for North Korea in exchange for tangible progress on curbing its nuclear program. This stance aims to foster dialogue and enhance security in the region.

On September 27, 2023, President Lee will lead an open debate at the UN Security Council concerning the implications of artificial intelligence technology on global security, marking a historic moment as the first South Korean president to chair such a session.

Strengthening Global Ties and Economic Engagement

Throughout his visit, President Lee’s agenda includes bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, and leaders from Italy, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic. He also plans to meet with members of the US Congress to garner support for enhancing US-South Korea relations.

On September 28, 2023, President Lee will participate in the Korea Investment Summit on Wall Street, where he will present his administration’s economic policies to potential global investors. The summit is expected to attract senior government officials and prominent business figures, including Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, and Chey Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce.

This series of engagements underscores President Lee’s commitment to strengthening international ties and positioning South Korea as a key player in global discussions on security and economic development.