During a brief encounter at the G7 Summit in France, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung implored U.S. President Donald Trump to renew efforts to engage North Korea in discussions about its nuclear program. The South Korean presidential office reported that Lee encouraged Trump to leverage his diplomatic strategy by recalling previous direct negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This request occurred while leaders gathered for a group photo, with South Korea participating as a guest nation.
The appeal from President Lee highlights ongoing concerns about North Korea’s expanding nuclear and missile capabilities, developments that have paralleled strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. Although Trump and Kim held summit meetings during Trump’s first term, those efforts ultimately failed to achieve a lasting denuclearization agreement. Recent references by Trump to his past meetings with Kim have been seen by some South Korean officials as a possible indication of a renewed willingness to engage.
Lee’s proposal comes amid South Korea’s continuous push for dialogue with North Korea, even as it bolsters defense partnerships with allies in response to regional security challenges. The South Korean government remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution while addressing the broader implications of North Korea’s military enhancements.
On the sidelines of the G7 Summit, President Lee also engaged in discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Their conversation focused on defense cooperation and the expansion of security partnerships, underscoring South Korea’s proactive diplomatic efforts during the international gathering. These interactions reflect Seoul’s strategic outreach as it navigates complex geopolitical dynamics.