President Lee Jae-myung will visit Belgium, the European Union (EU), Italy and the Vatican from June 9 to 18 and attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in France. Attention is also focused on whether a Korea-US summit will take place at the G7, on his first European tour since taking office.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac explained the schedule during a pre-tour briefing Thursday, saying, "We expect to establish Korea's standing as a globally responsible power aiming for 'G7 Plus.'"
In particular, with US President Donald Trump also confirming his attendance at the G7 summit, the possibility of a meeting between the Korean and US leaders is drawing attention. A senior presidential office official said, "Bilateral talks are under discussion," but drew a line, adding, "There is nothing specific I can share at this point."
The first item on the European tour is the Korea-Belgium and Korea-EU summits held in Brussels, Belgium, on June 9. With the EU, the two sides plan to discuss measures to cooperate on responding to cross-border crimes such as drugs and terrorism, including information sharing, based on a security and defense partnership. From June 11 to 13, Lee will make a state visit to Italy to discuss measures to strengthen cooperation in advanced industries and science and technology.
From June 14 to 15, he will visit the Vatican and meet with Pope Leo XIV. Lee plans to attend a "Special Mass for Peace and Solidarity" held at St. Paul's Basilica on June 14 and deliver a speech on the theme of world peace and international solidarity. Regarding the request for a papal visit to North Korea, a senior presidential office official said, "We expect various discussions in the context of peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the world."
The final item is the G7 summit held in Evian, France, from June 16 to 17, where Lee will participate in sessions on major international issues such as global imbalances, critical mineral supply chains and digital transformation. He also plans to present Korea's role and vision as the host of the Group of Twenty (G20) in 2028.
