During the G7 Summit held in France, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged U.S. President Donald Trump to spearhead efforts in resuming dialogue with North Korea regarding its nuclear program. This appeal was made during a brief interaction at a group photo session, where South Korea was present as a guest nation. Lee highlighted Trump’s previous diplomatic engagements with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a potential model for rekindling talks.
The request from President Lee comes at a time when North Korea’s nuclear and missile advancements have been under increased scrutiny, particularly as it strengthens its ties with Moscow. Although Trump and Kim conducted several summit meetings during Trump’s first term, these efforts did not culminate in a binding agreement on denuclearization. South Korea remains committed to fostering dialogue while simultaneously bolstering its defense relations with allies in response to regional security challenges.
Recent remarks by Trump, referencing his past interactions with Kim, have been interpreted by some South Korean officials as a sign of possible renewed interest in diplomatic engagement. This potential shift has encouraged Seoul to continue advocating for discussions aimed at addressing the nuclear issue.
Besides his interaction with Trump, President Lee also engaged with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the summit. Their discussions focused on enhancing defense cooperation and exploring broader security partnerships. This meeting underscores South Korea’s proactive diplomatic outreach during the summit, reflecting its strategic interest in strengthening partnerships amid evolving global security dynamics.