Korea-France summit (April 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron, who was on a state visit to Korea, on April 3 agreed in their summit to greatly expand cooperation in cutting-edge industries and energy. Both leaders adopted a joint statement on the development of bilateral relations, amended three agreements and signed 11 memorandums of understanding.

Korea-Indonesia summi (April 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung on April 1 upgraded bilateral ties with Indonesia to the level of a "special comprehensive strategic partnership" after his summit with visiting Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto in Seoul. The new level of relations is a first for both countries.

Korea-Ghana summit (March 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung and visiting Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on March 11 agreed in their summit in Seoul to boost cooperation in climate change, maritime security and digital technology. At Cheong Wa Dae, both sides signed an agreement on climate change cooperation and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on joint efforts in maritime security and the development of cooperation in technology, digital and innovation.

Korea-Philippines summit (March 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung on March 3 held a summit with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the presidential office of Malacanang Palace in Manila. The two leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in new projects for building nuclear energy plants and supply chains for core minerals.

• Current Affairs President Lee's state visits to Singapore, Philippines

Korea-Singapore summit (March 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung on March 2 held a summit with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on improving their free trade agreement, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, and raising bilateral cooperation in sectors such as artificial intelligence and nuclear power.
Both sides also adopted a joint declaration on starting talks to improve the accord and signed five memorandums of understanding on cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and small modular reactors.

• Current Affairs President Lee's state visits to Singapore, Philippines

Korea-Brazil summit (February 2026)

At their bilateral summit held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Feb. 23, President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva agreed to upgrade bilateral ties forged in 1959 to the level of a strategic partnership. Both sides adopted a joint four-year action plan (2026-29) as a blueprint for future cooperation.

Korea-Italy summit (January 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung on Jan. 19 in a summit with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Cheong Wa Dae agreed to expand bilateral cooperation focused on cutting-edge sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence and the defense industry.

On economic cooperation, they pledged to expand trade and investment and revive a bilateral business forum with companies from both countries to create more opportunities and resolve corporate difficulties. They will also jointly develop and support small and medium enterprises based on Italy's well-established ecosystem for such businesses.

Korea-Japan summit (January 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Jan. 13 pledged future-oriented cooperation for the development of bilateral relations, peace on the Korean Peninsula and regional stability during their bilateral summit in Nara Prefecture, Japan. In a joint news release, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation from its focus on trade to economic security, science and technology, and solutions to social issues.

• Current Affairs President Lee's visit to Nara, Japan

Korea-China summit (January 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung, on a state visit to China, on Jan. 5 attended a bilateral summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on methods of raising bilateral cooperation and regional security affairs such as the Korean Peninsula. "This summit will serve as a crucial opportunity to make 2026 the first year of fully restored relations between Korea and China," President Lee said.

• Current Affairs President Lee's state visit to China

Korea-Laos summit (December 2025)

President Lee Jae Myung on Dec. 15 hosted a summit at his office in Seoul with Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith, whose official visit marked the 30th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic ties. They upgraded bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership that will expand cooperation in sectors like infrastructure and core minerals.