Will South Korea's Lee Attend the UN General Assembly in New York Next Week?
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Synopsis
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's first appearance at the UN General Assembly next week is poised to be historic. With plans to address global leaders on critical issues, including AI and the Korean Peninsula, this visit marks a significant moment in international diplomacy. Don't miss the insights from this pivotal gathering.
Key Takeaways
- Lee Jae Myung to address the UN General Assembly.
- First appearance since taking office in June.
- Focus on AI and its implications for global peace.
- Bilateral talks with multiple world leaders.
- Strengthening bilateral ties with the US remains a priority.
Seoul, Sep 19 (NationPress) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to travel to New York next week for the UN General Assembly, where he will deliver a speech and oversee an open debate at the UN Security Council, as announced by the presidential office on Friday.
President Lee will depart on Monday for a five-day trip, marking his inaugural appearance at this annual global event since taking office in June, according to National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. His visit aligns with South Korea's assumption of the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month.
On Tuesday, he is expected to deliver a keynote address at the 80th session of the General Assembly at the UN headquarters.
In his address, President Lee will announce the return of a democratic Republic of Korea, share the government's diplomatic vision including policies regarding the Korean Peninsula, and detail Korea's contributions aimed at promoting peace and prosperity for humanity, as noted by Wi.
As the head of the 15-member Security Council, Lee will lead an open debate on Wednesday focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for global peace and security—this marks a historic first for a South Korean president.
On the sidelines of this multilateral forum, Lee is scheduled for bilateral discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and leaders from nations including France, Italy, Uzbekistan, Czech Republic, and Poland to explore avenues for practical cooperation, as stated by Wi.
There is currently no planned one-on-one meeting with US President Donald Trump, although informal interactions may occur during the gathering. Wi emphasized that the two leaders recently held a bilateral summit in Washington, and another meeting could take place if Trump attends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit hosted by South Korea in late October.
“Lee has already met with President Trump recently, and another meeting is feasible in October,” Wi noted. “Given the intricate schedule and circumstances surrounding the UN session, no formal meeting is currently on the agenda.”
While discussions regarding ongoing trade negotiations with US administration officials and lawmakers may take place during his visit, formal trade talks are not anticipated on the sidelines of the UN assembly.
Despite the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the UN session, Wi expressed hope for a possible visit by Xi to South Korea for the APEC summit, anticipating a bilateral summit if that occurs.
Lee is also not scheduled for a separate meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in New York, although exchanges will continue following their summit in Tokyo last month, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
On the first day, Lee is set to meet BlackRock CEO Larry Fink to discuss potential cooperation in AI and energy transformation. He will also connect with members of the US Congress to garner support for strengthening bilateral ties and engage with Korean residents in the US, according to his office.
On Thursday, Lee will participate in an investor relations session with global investors to present his government’s economic policy and advocate for investment in the Korean market.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize that President Lee's participation in the UN General Assembly signifies a renewed commitment by South Korea to engage with global challenges. His agenda reflects the country's evolving diplomatic stance and its emphasis on cooperation with both regional and global partners. The upcoming discussions on AI and security highlight the importance of innovation in fostering peace.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of President Lee's visit to the UN General Assembly?
President Lee aims to deliver a keynote address, preside over an open debate on AI, and engage in bilateral discussions with various world leaders to enhance cooperation and address global issues.
Will President Lee meet with US President Trump?
Currently, there are no formal plans for a one-on-one meeting with President Trump, but informal interactions may happen during the assembly.
What topics will President Lee address in his speech?
He will talk about the return of a democratic Republic of Korea, South Korea's diplomatic vision, and its contributions to global peace and prosperity.
Is President Lee meeting with any other world leaders?
Yes, he will hold meetings with leaders from France, Italy, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, and Poland, among others.
What is the significance of Lee's presidency of the Security Council?
This month marks South Korea's presidency of the UN Security Council, which provides an opportunity for the country to shape discussions on global security matters.
