By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Lee Jae-myung departed on a trip from Nov. 17 to 26 to attend the G20 Summit in South Africa and visit three Middle Eastern countries: the UAE, Egypt, and Türkiye.

National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac announced the presidential itinerary during a briefing on Nov. 14.

President Lee will pay a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the 17th to the 19th, followed by an official visit to Egypt from the 19th to the 21st. He will then attend the G20 Summit in South Africa from the 21st to the 23rd, before making a state visit to Türkiye from the 24th to the 25th.

Regarding the South Africa G20 Summit schedule, Advisor Wi Sung-lac stated, “This G20 Summit is the first G20 held in Africa, with the themes of solidarity, equality, and sustainability.” He added, “President Lee will participate in Session 1 on the morning of the 22nd, discussing economic growth, the role of trade, and development support under the theme of inclusive and sustainable growth that leaves no one behind.”

In the afternoon of the same day, during Session 2, the theme will be ‘A Resilient World,’ covering disaster risk reduction and climate change. On the morning of the 23rd, during Session 3, the theme will be ‘A Fair Future for All,’ discussing critical minerals, quality jobs, and artificial intelligence.

Following this, President Lee will conclude his Johannesburg schedule with a meeting with local Korean nationals.

Wi stated, “We will ensure that the visions we presented and secured consensus on at APEC, such as recovery and growth in a global AI-based society, are also discussed at the G20.” He added, “We will introduce the fiscal policies and climate change policies our government is pursuing to lead related policy consultations in the international community.”

He further stated, “We will diversify and expand the Lee Jae-myung administration's practical diplomacy centered on national interests to include Africa and the broader Global South,” adding, “We will express solidarity and cooperation with South Africa, the host country, and Africa as a whole, as well as our commitment to contributing to Africa's development.”

Advisor Wi stated, “In 2028, marking the 20th anniversary of the G20 Summit, our government plans to host the G20 Summit in Korea,” “Following our successful chairmanship of the UN Security Council in the first year of our term and the successful hosting of the APEC Summit, we will reaffirm our changed status by undertaking the G20 presidency, the highest-level forum for international economic cooperation, and lead the restoration of solidarity and cooperation within the international community.”

Meanwhile, President Lee will arrive in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on the afternoon of the 17th. His schedule will begin with visits to the National Martyrs' Cemetery and the Mausoleum of the First President, followed by a dinner meeting with Korean nationals in the evening.

On the 18th, he will attend an official welcome ceremony and hold a summit meeting with the UAE President, followed by an MOU signing ceremony and a state luncheon.

On the 19th, he will attend a business roundtable to discuss economic cooperation with business leaders from both countries and will visit a military base to encourage troops in the afternoon.

President Lee will then travel to Egypt on the 20th, where he will attend an official welcome ceremony, hold a summit meeting, and participate in an official luncheon. In the afternoon, he will deliver a speech at Cairo University, followed by a meeting with overseas compatriots in the evening.

On the 24th, he will travel to Türkiye, where he will visit the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the nation, hold a summit meeting, and attend a state dinner. On the 25th, he will lay a wreath at the Korean War Memorial Monument in the morning and hold a luncheon meeting with Korean residents in Japan in the afternoon.

Wi stated, “The UAE, Egypt, and Türkiye are key Middle Eastern nations. Through this tour, we expect mutually beneficial cooperation with us to significantly advance in new dimensions of peace, prosperity, and culture.” He added, “On the peace front, we will confirm mutual support for peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East, and expand national defense exports.”

Wi declared, “On the prosperity front, we will invigorate investment and trade and achieve tangible results in future-oriented cooperation areas such as advanced technology and healthcare. On the cultural front, we will open the floodgates for expanded exchanges to make these countries, hubs of Middle Eastern culture, key bases for K-Culture.”