On June 17, 2025, amidst the scenic backdrop of Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea engaged in a series of high-profile diplomatic meetings during the G7 summit, signaling a renewed vigor in international cooperation and strategic partnerships. A highlight of the day was his summit meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties through trade and defense collaboration.
During their discussions, President Lee and Prime Minister Starmer focused heavily on the revision of the Korea-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). President Lee expressed the need for more progress in updating the FTA, describing the meeting as an opportune moment to reinforce the existing cooperative framework between the two nations. Starmer echoed this sentiment, congratulating Lee on his election and expressing eagerness to work closely together. He highlighted the desire to modernize the FTA, noting that trade and economic partnership remain central to their agenda.
Starmer also conveyed gratitude for South Korea's role in defense cooperation, particularly its support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. This acknowledgment underscored the shared commitment of both countries to international security and peacekeeping efforts. President Lee reciprocated by reaffirming South Korea's dedication to global stability and expressed hope that the talks would pave the way for deeper collaboration in defense and economic matters.
The summit meeting also covered pressing geopolitical concerns. Both leaders exchanged views on the recent developments on the Korean Peninsula. They agreed on the urgent need to ease tensions and resolve the North Korean nuclear issue through close cooperation. Their dialogue reflected a shared responsibility to promote peace and stability in the region, emphasizing diplomatic engagement and multilateral efforts.
Additionally, the worsening situation in the Middle East was a topic of mutual concern. President Lee and Prime Minister Starmer voiced their apprehension over escalating tensions and agreed on the importance of working together to foster peace and support reconstruction efforts. The leaders further committed to joint endeavors aimed at facilitating peace and rebuilding in Ukraine, highlighting their countries' roles in addressing global crises.
Beyond his meeting with the UK Prime Minister, President Lee held significant discussions with other global leaders attending the G7 summit. Notably, he met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, where they underscored the critical role of the UN in uniting the international community amid complex global crises. President Lee stressed the importance of solidarity centered around the UN and pledged that South Korea would actively support the organization's mission to promote international peace and prosperity.
Secretary-General Guterres praised South Korea's contributions across various domains, including peace and security, human rights, sustainable development, and climate change response. He expressed high expectations for South Korea's future leadership in addressing shared challenges through multilateral cooperation. During their conversation, President Lee referenced South Korea's resilient democratic history, including references to the '12.3 martial law and impeachment' episodes, which Guterres found compelling. He suggested that President Lee share insights on Korea's democratic restoration at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, emphasizing the global relevance of Korea's democratic journey.
President Lee also engaged in summit talks with several other influential leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. These meetings further illustrated South Korea's commitment to expanding its diplomatic reach and fostering robust international partnerships.
One of the memorable moments of the day was a group photograph featuring President Lee alongside a distinguished assembly of G7 and invited country leaders. The photo captured a remarkable gathering of global figures, including US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, World Bank President Ajay Banga, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, European Council President Charles Michel, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
This assembly symbolized the collective resolve of world leaders to confront global challenges collaboratively, from economic recovery and trade modernization to peacebuilding and climate action. For President Lee, the summit provided a platform to advance South Korea's strategic interests while contributing meaningfully to international stability and prosperity.
Reflecting on the day's engagements, the South Korean presidential office highlighted the significance of these dialogues in enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The meetings reinforced South Korea's role as an active and responsible global player, ready to tackle complex international issues through partnership and diplomacy.
As the G7 summit continues, President Lee's interactions underscore a broader narrative: in an era marked by geopolitical uncertainties and multifaceted crises, strengthening alliances and fostering open dialogue remain paramount. The Korea-UK partnership, with its focus on trade and defense, exemplifies this approach, promising tangible progress in the months ahead.
Ultimately, the summit in Kananaskis was not just a gathering of leaders but a testament to the enduring power of diplomacy and cooperation in shaping a more secure and prosperous world.
