Seoul, Dec 30 (NationPress) President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea is set to embark on a State Visit to China early next week for crucial summit discussions with President Xi Jinping, as announced by Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday. The two leaders are anticipated to explore avenues for enhancing strategic collaboration and bilateral economic relations.

President Lee will depart for Beijing on Sunday for the summit, followed by a trip to Shanghai on Tuesday. He will return to South Korea on Wednesday, as detailed by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, in a briefing reported by Yonhap News Agency.

This meeting represents the second face-to-face engagement between the two leaders, the first having occurred on Nov. 1 during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, South Korea.

Notably, this will be Lee's inaugural visit to China since assuming office in June, and the first official state visit by a South Korean president to China since 2017.

The upcoming discussions aim to build upon the progress towards fully reinstating the 'strategic cooperative partnership' between both nations, as per the spokesperson.

They are likely to address ways to achieve tangible outcomes that will directly benefit the citizens of both countries, including collaboration in investment supply chains, the digital economy, and strategies to combat transnational crime, Kang added.

This visit occurs as Lee has committed to managing relations with China—the largest trading partner of South Korea and a pivotal economic supporter of North Korea—in a stable manner, amidst efforts from Seoul to re-engage Pyongyang in dialogue.

Seoul has called on Beijing to play a constructive role in fostering conditions conducive to resuming discussions with North Korea, with China reiterating its commitment to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula.

While in Shanghai, Lee will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Korean independence icon Kim Gu (1876-1949) and the centennial of the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in that city.

Kim was instrumental in the independence movement during Japan's colonial rule from 1910-1945 and served as the president of the provisional government based in Shanghai.

Lee is also anticipated to partake in business events aimed at enhancing collaborations between startup and venture firms from both nations, Kang noted.

During this visit, multiple memorandums of understanding covering various cooperation areas are expected to be signed, with more details to be disclosed later.

According to industry insiders, a significant business delegation led by SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won is expected to accompany Lee. Other notable attendees likely include Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, as part of a delegation organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.