During the G7 Summit in France, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged U.S. President Donald Trump to take a proactive role in restarting discussions with North Korea regarding its nuclear program. This request was made during a brief encounter at a group photo session, where South Korea participated as a guest nation. President Lee highlighted Trump’s previous diplomatic engagements with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a reference point for potential renewed negotiations.
The appeal from President Lee comes at a time of heightened attention on North Korea’s expanding nuclear and missile capabilities, which have been growing alongside its deepening ties with Russia. Although Trump and Kim held summit meetings during Trump’s first term, these efforts did not result in a lasting denuclearization agreement. The South Korean government continues to advocate for dialogue with Pyongyang while also bolstering defense partnerships with its allies amid ongoing regional security challenges.
Recent remarks by Trump, where he referenced his past interactions with Kim, have been seen by some South Korean officials as a sign that there might be renewed interest in engaging with North Korea. This interpretation has added urgency to Seoul’s diplomatic endeavors, as it seeks to navigate the complexities of regional security and maintain open channels with its northern neighbor.
In addition to his interactions with Trump, President Lee also engaged in discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. Their conversation focused on defense cooperation and broader security partnerships, underscoring South Korea’s efforts to expand its diplomatic outreach during the event.