Lee Jae-myung attends G7, brief talks with Trump, urges U.S. leadership on North Korea issue

(Reporter Yang Chi-fang, Seoul, June 17) South Korean President Lee Jae-myung attended the welcome event for invited nations at the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in France and had a brief conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. President Lee requested that Trump take a leading role in peacefully resolving the North Korea issue, to which Trump responded affirmatively, pledging efforts toward resolving the North Korean situation.

President Lee attended the G7 invited nations welcome event yesterday in Évian-les-Bains, France. He interacted with world leaders and took group photos, including a brief exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to South Korea’s presidential office, the Blue House, via chief spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, President Lee met and exchanged greetings with President Trump during the group photo session at the G7 summit. Trump inquired about the current state of inter-Korean relations, and Lee requested that Trump, as he did in resolving Middle East conflicts, take a leading role in achieving a peaceful resolution to the North Korea issue.

In response, Trump stated he would work toward resolving the North Korea issue.

Additionally, according to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee stated during today’s G7 expanded meeting, 'The AI revolution, while a new challenge for humanity, is also a new opportunity for growth. However, many developing countries still lack sufficient access to these opportunities.' Lee highlighted South Korea’s proposed vision of a 'Global AI Basic Society,' aiming to ensure that the benefits of AI development are shared by all of humanity.

Today, the host country France adopted three documents: 'Reciprocal International Partnerships,' 'Cancer Prevention,' and 'Ebola Response.' The South Korean government expressed support for all three. President Lee emphasized that despite increasing development needs, public funding remains insufficient, making it crucial to jointly advance partnerships in aid, investment, technology, and institutional frameworks. He also suggested that breakthroughs could be achieved by integrating private-sector investment models. (Edited by Tien Jui-hua) 1150617