National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac on June 15 at the presidential office in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District holds a briefing on President Lee Jae-myung's attendance at the Group of Seven Summit in Canada. (Yonhap News)

By Park Hyeri

President Lee Jae-myung on June 16 departed for Canada on a three-day visit to attend the Group of Seven (G7) Summit, his first trip abroad since assuming office.

National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac on June 15 gave a briefing on President Lee's schedule for the summit at the presidential office in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District.

After arriving in Canada on June 16, President Lee that day will hold a series of bilateral talks with countries invited to the summit.

The next day, he will speak about diversification of energy supply chains and linkage of artificial intelligence (AI) energy at the expanded summit with G7 member and invited states.

In his speeches, the president will present a vision Korea's efforts to cooperate for the stabilization of energy systems and supply chains. He will also highlight the nation's role in building a stable global AI ecosystem in the AI era.

Director Wi said he is coordinating the schedule for the president's bilateral talks with major countries before and after the summit.

"This is our first opportunity to let the international community know that we overcame the crisis caused by martial law and that a 'democratic Korea has returned,'" the director said.

"Through engaging with the leaders of the U.S. and Japan through the G7, we can seek to resolve economic and trade issues such as tariffs."

On the expected results from the summit, he said, "This will be a good opportunity to take the first step in practical diplomacy focused on national interests."

"Most importantly, President Lee's in-person meetings with the leaders of major countries some 10 days after his inauguration offer a very timely opportunity to build trustworthy relationships early."

"Given our difficult economic situation, exchanges with the leaders of the world's major economies will contribute to the recovery of the people's livelihood and economic revival in Korea as well as our corporate activities," he added.

"Through diverse rounds of bilateral dialogue, we will gain the opportunity to boost friendly cooperation with major countries from the perspectives of national interest and practicality, while simultaneously seeing progress in talks on pending issues such as trade and commerce."

hrhr@korea.kr