Wi Seongrak Holds Press Briefing on the 22nd
"President's Consecutive Visits to the US and Japan, an Unprecedented Initiative"
Aiming for Trade Stability, Alliance Modernization, and New Cooperation
Lee to Visit Seo Jae-pil Memorial Hall in the US for the First Time in 26 Years
Seongrak Wi, Director of the National Security Office, is holding a press briefing on current issues including the Korea-US and Korea-Japan summit meetings at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News
Wi Seongrak, Director of the Presidential Office's National Security Office, described President Lee Jaemyung's upcoming visits to Japan and the United States, starting on August 23, as "an unprecedented new initiative." He explained that the administration is placing Korea-US-Japan cooperation at the center of its diplomatic agenda, with a focus on improving relations with China and Russia based on this framework.
On August 22, Director Wi held a press briefing at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, stating, "President Lee Jaemyung and the First Lady will visit Tokyo, Japan from August 23 to 24, and then Washington and Philadelphia in the United States from August 24 to 26." He added, "Visiting Japan and the United States consecutively is an unprecedented new initiative in our summit diplomacy."
Director Wi emphasized, "Our government views Korea-US alliance and Korea-Japan partnership as the foundation for Korea-US-Japan cooperation, which is at the core of our diplomatic strategy." He continued, "Based on this, we aim to build our relationships with China and Russia." He further explained, "President Lee's itinerary, traveling from Japan to the United States, reflects this approach."
The Goals of the US Visit: Trade Stability, Alliance Modernization, and New Cooperation
Suh Sunglok, Director of the National Security Office, is holding a press briefing on current issues including the Korea-US and Korea-Japan summit meetings at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News
Director Wi identified three main goals and anticipated outcomes for the US visit: "stabilizing Korea-US economic and trade relations," "modernizing the Korea-US alliance," and "pioneering new areas of cooperation between Korea and the US." He stated, "Trade stabilization has made some progress, as Korea and the US concluded tariff negotiations at the end of July. Through this summit, we aim to elevate this to the presidential level and further solidify bilateral relations."
Director Wi also mentioned the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear missiles and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, stressing the need to further strengthen and modernize the alliance in line with Korea's national interests. He said, "Our vision for alliance modernization is to further reinforce the joint defense posture between Korea and the US and to strengthen our national security. By contributing more, we aim to enhance our military capabilities."
Additionally, Director Wi asserted, "It is necessary to pioneer new areas of cooperation within the Korea-US alliance." The new areas he highlighted include nuclear energy, shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and defense research and development.
Regarding the goals and expected outcomes of the Japan visit, Director Wi said, "Japan is a neighboring country with a similar stance amid rapidly changing international circumstances and is a cooperation partner." He analyzed, "The Korea-Japan summit will provide an opportunity to share wisdom and discuss responses to new strategic challenges from the perspectives of national interest and pragmatism." He also expressed hope that "shuttle diplomacy will evolve into a new platform for Korea-Japan relations."
President Lee to Visit Seo Jae-pil Memorial Hall in the US for the First Time in 26 Years
Seongrak Wi is entering the press briefing room related to current issues held at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News
Director Wi revealed the detailed schedules for President Lee's visits to Japan and the US. In Japan, President Lee will arrive on August 23, meet with overseas Koreans, hold a summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and attend a dinner. The following day, he will meet with political figures from the Korea-Japan Parliamentary Union before departing directly for the United States.
Upon arriving in Washington, DC on August 24, President Lee will begin his schedule with a dinner meeting with overseas Koreans. On August 25, a summit with President Donald Trump will be held at the White House, followed by a luncheon summit. Prior to the summit, there will be a brief Q&A session with the press, in line with US tradition. In the afternoon, President Lee will participate in a business roundtable with major business leaders and deliver a policy speech at the US think tank CSIS. After the speech, he will attend a dinner meeting with key opinion leaders from various sectors in the US.
On the morning of August 26, President Lee will visit Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath. He will then travel to Philadelphia to visit the Seo Jae-pil Memorial Hall. This will be the first visit by a Korean president to the Seo Jae-pil Memorial Hall in 26 years, following former President Kim Daejung. The final event on the itinerary is a visit to the Philly Shipyard, which is considered a symbol of Korea-US shipbuilding cooperation and is invested in by Hanwha Ocean. Senior officials from the US government are also scheduled to accompany President Lee.
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