Lee Jae Myung Heads to NATO Summit to Bolster Defense Ties

President Lee Jae Myung will travel to Ankara on July 7 to represent South Korea at a landmark NATO summit, signaling a shift toward deeper security integration with Western allies. The two-day session aims to solidify defense industry partnerships while coordinating strategy among key Indo-Pacific partners.

Editorial·July 3, 2026·reads: 2,052

National security advisor Wi Sung-lac confirmed that the President’s agenda centers on high-level talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Beyond bilateral meetings, the itinerary includes a joint session with leaders from Japan, New Zealand, and Australia, reflecting a concerted effort to align regional security interests. Lee is also expected to address a dedicated defense industry forum to outline Seoul’s strategic goals for military cooperation.

Following the summit, the President will depart for Mongolia on July 9 for a state visit. Discussions with President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa are set to focus on securing supply chains for critical minerals and maintaining stability across the Korean Peninsula. These meetings underscore a broader diplomatic push to diversify economic and security dependencies in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

Lee Jae Myung Heads to NATO Summit to Bolster Defense Ties

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