President Lee: "Trump Asked If Korea Could Quickly Build 10 U.S. Naval Ships"

Direct Briefing on Achievements from European and G7 Tour

"Felt Korea's Elevated International Standing Firsthand"

Requested Pope's Visit to Korea, DMZ, and Possibly North Korea

Asked EU for "Special Consideration" on Steel Quotas

President Lee Jae-myung explained the outcomes of his European tour and participation in the Group of Seven (G7) summit on June 19, stating that U.S. President Donald Trump had inquired about the possibility of rapidly building ten U.S. warships in Korea. President Lee also said he repeatedly urged President Trump to play a role in easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and establishing sustainable peace.

President Lee Jae-myung is answering reporters' questions after finishing a briefing on attending the G7 and the European tour at the Blue House Press Hall on June 19, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News View original image

President Lee held a briefing at the Blue House Press Hall on the afternoon of June 19 on the results of his European and G7 tour, where he mentioned, "On the occasion of the G7 summit, I met with President Trump several times and discussed topics such as shipbuilding, Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation, and peace on the Korean Peninsula." President Lee added, "President Trump and I shared a common view on mutually beneficial cooperation, including shipbuilding, and agreed on the importance of Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation." He especially noted, "He had brought it up previously, and this time as well, President Trump asked me whether we could rapidly build ten U.S. warships. I responded that it is absolutely possible and that we will do our utmost."

The issue of peace on the Korean Peninsula was also a major topic. President Lee stated that he had candid and in-depth conversations with President Trump on several occasions, including the official dinner. "President Emmanuel Macron of France deliberately seated President Trump and me together at the dinner. This allowed us to have a deep discussion for a long time about the Korean Peninsula and Korea-U.S. relations," Lee explained. He continued, "I expressed my support for President Trump's efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East and resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, and once again asked him to play a role in easing tensions and establishing sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula."

Additionally, President Lee said, "President Trump reaffirmed his deep interest in the Korean Peninsula issue," adding, "We agreed that peace on the Korean Peninsula is significant not only for Northeast Asia but also for global peace and stability, and we will continue close communication and seek constructive contributions on related matters."

President Lee summarized the achievements of this tour as 'enhancement of national prestige' and 'pragmatic diplomacy.' He said, "This tour was a valuable opportunity to further enhance Korea's standing in the international community and reaffirm our commitment to resolving global issues. Having been invited to the G7 summit for two consecutive years, we were able to confirm the international community's trust and expectations for Korea's global status and role."

President Lee explained that during the G7 expanded meeting and working lunch, he presented Korea's position on building new partnerships, addressing global imbalances, securing stable supply chains, and issues related to the introduction of artificial intelligence. He stressed the importance of solidarity and dialogue to resolve global economic imbalances, and emphasized that stability, transparency, and accountability must be ensured alongside AI innovation.

Furthermore, President Lee suggested finding systematic solutions to strengthen the global energy supply chain, given expectations for the end of the Middle East crisis. He stated, "The government plans to proactively promote an international cooperation system that serves our national interest by strengthening global energy supply chains and building a system to enhance cooperation among energy-importing countries in the Asia-Pacific region."

President Lee Jae-myung answers reporters' questions during a briefing on the outcome of his participation in the G7 summit and European tour held at the Cheong Wa Dae Press Hall on June 19, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News. View original image

In the summit with the European Union (EU), he cited the signing of the Digital Trade Agreement and the conclusion of the Passenger Name Record Transmission Agreement as key achievements. President Lee said, "At the summit with the EU, the world's largest single market, we made new progress in economic and security cooperation. Digital cooperation and a joint response system for public safety between Korea and the EU are expected to be further strengthened."

In particular, with the EU's steel tariff quota system set to take effect on July 1, amid concerns about the reduction of quotas for Korean steel, President Lee stated, "I conveyed our firm position to EU leaders that these measures must not become trade barriers." He further requested "special consideration for Korea as a Free Trade Agreement partner and strategic partner."

Regarding his visit to Italy, President Lee evaluated that the two countries elevated their relationship to a 'special strategic partnership' and expanded practical cooperation by signing five memoranda of understanding and one agreement in areas such as small and medium-sized enterprises, advanced science and technology, social solidarity economy, development cooperation, and culture.

President Lee said, "I am very pleased that the issue of the super depreciation system, which had been a significant obstacle to Korean companies entering the market, has been resolved quickly." He also noted that issues faced by overseas Koreans, such as the qualification for Korean tour guides, had been addressed with the cooperation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, creating a turning point for solutions.

He also emphasized the achievements of his visit to the Vatican. President Lee said he met with Pope Leo XIV and pledged cooperation for the successful hosting of next year's World Youth Day in Seoul. He explained that he requested the Pope to visit Korea and, if possible, to visit the DMZ and even North Korea.

President Lee reported, "The Pope responded that he would actively consider and pursue this." He also conveyed the wishes of Korean Catholics, given the absence of a current cardinal in domestic dioceses, and the Pope replied that he would give special consideration to the situation in Korea when appointing the next cardinal.

President Lee also introduced the achievements of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G7 summit. In his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation for the establishment of stable energy supply chains for crude oil, LNG, and critical minerals, and President Lee emphasized Korea's readiness to actively cooperate in strengthening Canada's defense industry. In talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the two countries agreed to seek a mutually beneficial cooperation model that combines their strengths in the defense industry sector.

President Lee said that, in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Business Meeting to be held in Korea this October, plans are underway for Chancellor Merz to visit Korea to deepen economic, industrial, and investment cooperation. In his meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto, President Lee conveyed Korea's intention to be a reliable partner in Kenya's national development and shared growth, and requested strengthened cooperation to support Korean companies' entry into Kenya and to protect Korean nationals living there.

President Lee Jae-myung attended the 2nd session of the G7 and invited countries expanded summit held in Évian-les-Bains, France, on June 17, 2026 (local time). Photo by Yonhap News Agency View original image

President Lee said, "Now, as we enter the second year of this administration, it is an extremely important period to lead Korea's great transformation and leap forward in earnest. In a changing international order, we will actively pursue pragmatic diplomacy that puts national interests first and work to secure new growth engines for Korea in all sectors, including the economy, security, technology, and culture."

He continued, "Given Korea's remarkably elevated national power and international standing, often unbeknownst to us, we have an even greater responsibility and role to play for peace, prosperity, solidarity, and cooperation in the global community. I will do my utmost to ensure that the outcomes of this tour yield tangible results for the lives of our people and the future of Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.