President Yoon Arrives in Madrid, Spain... Begins NATO Schedule

Attending at least 14 diplomatic events from the 28th... First multilateral diplomacy appearance for wife Kim Keon-hee as well

[Image source=Yonhap News]

(Madrid, Spain = Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan) President Yoon Suk-yeol arrived in Madrid, Spain, where the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit is being held, on the afternoon of the 27th (local time). This is his first overseas trip since taking office on the 10th of last month, 49 days ago. President Yoon plans to attend at least 14 diplomatic events, intensifying sales diplomacy in defense industry, nuclear power, and more.

President Yoon and his wife, Kim Geon-hee, who arrived late at night, will rest at their accommodation and begin diplomatic schedules from the 28th. The key theme is "security," but a series of summit meetings are expected to address detailed economic security issues. Topics on the agenda include nuclear power exports, semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, artificial intelligence, defense industry, and renewable energy.

On the 28th, he will meet with the President of Finland and the NATO Secretary General, and attend a welcome gala dinner hosted by the King of Spain. On the 29th, he will participate in the NATO member and partner countries' summit, followed by a trilateral summit with the leaders of South Korea, the United States, and Japan. Bilateral meetings with the leaders of the Netherlands, Poland, and Denmark are also scheduled consecutively. On the final day, the 30th, he will hold bilateral talks with the leaders of the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom, have lunch with Spanish businesspeople, and then return home.

Mrs. Kim will also make her "multilateral diplomatic debut" during this trip. Drawing on her experience operating Kobana Contents and hosting performances and art exhibitions, she will engage in related activities. According to the Presidential Office, Mrs. Kim will participate in at least five public events, including attending the session for spouses of attending leaders in Madrid, Spain.