South Korean President departs for NATO summit, eyes defense cooperation

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has departed for Turkey to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, with a significant focus on bolstering defense industry cooperation. Following the summit, he will undertake a state visit to Mongolia, the first by a South Korean president in 15 years.

During his stay in Turkey, President Lee is scheduled to hold smaller group meetings with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and leaders from Indo-Pacific partner countries, including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. A key event will be his participation in the NATO Defense Industry Forum, where he will deliver a keynote address and join a panel discussion. The presidential office highlighted that the summit aims to establish a solid foundation for entering the NATO defense market and building robust supply chains. Further bilateral meetings with countries interested in defense cooperation are expected.

After the NATO summit, President Lee will travel to Mongolia at the invitation of President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh. The visit aims to deepen mutually beneficial economic cooperation between the two nations. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, President Lee will hold a summit with President Khurelsukh, followed by an agreement and memorandum of understanding exchange ceremony and a joint press conference. He is also slated to deliver a keynote speech at a "Korea-Mongolia Business Forum" attended by government and business representatives from both countries.

The president's itinerary in Mongolia also includes a visit to the memorial of Lee Tae-jun, a Korean independence activist who provided medical support and aid during Mongolia's struggle for independence. He will also have lunch with the Korean diaspora in Mongolia. The trip concludes on the 11th with President Lee attending the opening ceremony of Mongolia's major festival, Naadam, before returning to South Korea.