[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in departed at 2 p.m. on the 11th with First Lady Kim Jung-sook to visit three European countries, including attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Cornwall, United Kingdom.
On that day, President Moon and the First Lady arrived at Seoul Airport by helicopter around 1:50 p.m.
Minister of the Interior and Safety Jeon Hae-cheol welcomed President Moon and the First Lady. After spending 15 minutes in the reception hall of Seoul Airport Terminal, President Moon shook hands with the farewell party before boarding Air Force One.
President Moon, departing from Korea that day, will participate in three sections (vaccine, open society, climate change) of the expanded G7 summit from the 11th to 13th (local time). He will also hold bilateral talks with the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union (EU).
Although Korea is not a G7 member country, it was invited to this summit along with Australia, India, and South Africa.
The G7 summit is the first in-person multilateral diplomatic event since COVID-19.
President Moon is expected to explain the achievements of K-quarantine and deliver messages related to global vaccine sharing and carbon neutrality issues. Topics related to the Korean Peninsula peace process and North Korea's nuclear issue are also of interest. If messages to contain China emerge at the G7 summit, Korea’s diplomacy may face a test.
Earlier, Japan’s Mainichi Shimbun reported that the G7 joint statement might include concerns about China’s hegemonism. A Blue House official drew a line, saying, "The joint statement is not a document that invited countries (such as Korea and three others) participate in."
China is showing vigilance toward the G7 summit. According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the 9th, Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy during a phone call with Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong, stating, "We should not follow the wrong rhythm." He also conveyed the view that Korea, as a friendly neighbor and strategic partner of China, should maintain political consensus.
There is also interest in whether President Moon will hold informal "pull-aside" talks with the leaders of the U.S. and Japan or between Korea and Japan in the UK. A Blue House official explained, "Leaders may talk standing up, or there will be opportunities to sit on sofas and talk freely."
After the G7 summit, President Moon will make a state visit to Austria from the 13th to 15th, holding separate talks with President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. From the 15th to 17th, he will make a state visit to Spain, participating in a state banquet hosted by King Felipe VI and a meeting with Prime Minister Pedro S?nchez. He is also expected to attend business events held respectively in Madrid and Barcelona.
President Moon will return home on the 18th after completing his European tour.
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