President Lee Jae-myung Departing for Canada to Attend the G7 Summit

President Lee Jae-myung boarded a flight to Canada on the afternoon of the 16th to attend the G7 summit.

This marks his first overseas trip in 12 days since taking office, with the President and First Lady boarding Air Force One around 4:50 PM at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

Before departing, President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung shook hands with Kim Byung-ki, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, Woo Sang-ho, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, Kim Jin-ah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Tamara Mawhinney, the Canadian Ambassador to Korea.

The President and First Lady are expected to arrive in Canada early on the 17th.

Reviving Diplomacy and Anticipating Meetings with World Leaders

This G7 summit presents a significant opportunity for President Lee to announce the restoration of democracy in the Republic of Korea to the international community. It also symbolizes the formal revival of diplomatic relations that had been suspended following the declaration of martial law.

There is potential for a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during the summit, focusing on key issues such as tariffs and defense cost-sharing. Meetings with other world leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, are also expected.

On the morning of the same day, Suh Wook, head of the National Security Office, discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations with Akihisa Nagashima, an advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister, during a breakfast meeting. Observers speculate that the agenda for a Korea-Japan summit may have been discussed.

Participation in Discussions on Energy Security and AI Innovation

President Lee is set to participate in the expanded G7 summit scheduled for the 17th (local time) in Kananskis.

At this meeting, centered around the theme of "Energy Security," President Lee is preparing remarks on diversifying energy supply chains and the connection between artificial intelligence (AI) and energy. He intends to highlight Korea's role in establishing a stable global AI ecosystem and disseminating the benefits of AI innovation.

Prior to this, on the 16th (local time), he will attend a welcoming reception hosted by Premier Danielle Smith of Alberta and a welcoming dinner hosted by Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon.

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung will also be present at this event, marking the beginning of her "First Lady Diplomacy."

Image source: President Lee Jae-myung and his wife Kim Hye-kyung are departing from Seoul Airport in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on the afternoon of the 16th to attend the G7 summit in Canada / News1, Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President (from left), Kim Byung-ki, floor leader of the Democratic Party, Woo Sang-ho, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, Ko Ki-dong, Acting Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and Tamara Mawhinney, Canadian Ambassador to Korea, wave to President Lee Jae-myung as he departs for Canada on Air Force One at Seoul Airport on the afternoon of the 16th / News1, News1