Gyeongju, Oct 28 (NationPress) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is navigating a landscape of high-stakes diplomacy as he hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit this week in Gyeongju. The anticipated bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump will center around pressing security and trade matters.

This APEC summit has attracted significant attention as Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are also set to meet in South Korea alongside the main events. Speculation is rife regarding a possible meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

The core APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, focusing on whether member nations can agree on a joint declaration amid rising challenges to free trade and multilateralism.

During the APEC week, global business leaders will gather in South Korea for significant economic events, as the government seeks to draw new investments through various forums and outreach initiatives.

Lee plans to address the opening ceremony of the APEC CEO Summit on Wednesday and interact with business leaders.

Reports indicate that Trump will deliver a keynote speech at the CEO Summit but may not participate in the main leaders' sessions.

Hosting the APEC summit for the first time in two decades presents Lee with a unique opportunity to welcome both US and Chinese leaders shortly after assuming office.

Lee is set to hold talks with Trump on Tuesday and Xi on Saturday, with discussions ongoing to arrange a meeting with Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday.

The stakes are particularly high for Lee's meeting with Trump, as Seoul and Washington are in intense negotiations to bridge gaps concerning South Korea's USD 350 billion investment commitment, aimed at finalizing a trade agreement to lower US tariffs on Korean imports.

Whether an agreement can be reached before the summit remains uncertain, as negotiations continue over critical issues, including the funding of the investment package.

Wednesday's talks will mark the second in-person meeting between Lee and Trump since their discussion at the White House in August.

Lee's inaugural meeting with Xi is anticipated to prioritize enhancing bilateral relations and regional stability, particularly in efforts to secure the Korean Peninsula.

Tensions with North Korea remain high after Pyongyang rejected Lee's outreach and strengthened its ties with Russia and China.

Upcoming discussions come as South Korea aims to maintain stable relations with China while preserving its close alignment with the US amidst growing tensions between the two global powers.

In addition to these significant meetings, Lee will also engage in discussions with leaders from Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and other nations to explore avenues for practical cooperation, as stated by his office.

There is speculation regarding a potential surprise meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un.

While traveling to Tokyo on Monday, Trump expressed his openness to meeting Kim during his Asia journey, suggesting he is willing to extend his trip if needed. North Korea has yet to respond to Trump's latest overture for dialogue.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac mentioned that he lacks information on a potential Trump-Kim meeting but assured that South Korea will be prepared should the opportunity arise.

The last meeting between Trump and Kim occurred in June 2019, hastily arranged at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom, following Trump's invitation via social media.