Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung is set to commence a significant diplomatic journey spanning five nations, including key visits to South American countries, as announced by the presidential office on Wednesday. This strategic tour, running from Friday through August 3, aims to strengthen ties and foster collaboration in various sectors.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee will begin his tour in San Francisco, where he will engage with leaders of the global tech industry, including OpenAI's Sam Altman and Nvidia's Jensen Huang. The focus will be on South Korea's commitment to advancing investment in artificial intelligence and enhancing global cooperation in this sector. Kim Yong-beom, the presidential chief of staff for policy, highlighted the importance of these meetings in promoting South Korea's AI ambitions.
In San Francisco, the president will also participate in a high-level AI meeting, joining forces with industry giants and South Korean conglomerate leaders such as Samsung's Lee Jae-yong, SK Group's Chey Tae-won, and Hyundai's Euisun Chung. The gathering will address the Lee administration's "megaprojects" initiative, which aims to establish a semiconductor production cluster and AI-related facilities. Cheong Wa Dae officials anticipate the signing of several agreements between South Korean and global companies during this event. Additionally, President Lee will announce the "San Francisco AI declaration," which outlines South Korea's vision to become a leader in AI and foster international collaboration.
Following his visit to the United States, President Lee will travel to Brazil for a state visit, where he will meet with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Subsequent visits to Chile and Argentina will include summit talks with Presidents Jose Antonio Kast and Javier Milei, respectively. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac emphasized that these visits aim to expand trade and investment while enhancing South Korea's diplomatic presence in the South American region.
The final leg of President Lee's tour will be in Frankfurt, Germany. There, he is scheduled to meet with South Korean residents before concluding his journey and returning home on August 3, as confirmed by Cheong Wa Dae officials.