The Blue House Says It Could Talk With the United States if the Opportunity Arises During Trump's G7 Attendance

[Financial News Rome, Italy = Reporter Choi Jong-geun]Cheong Wa Dae took a cautious stance on the possibility that President Lee Jae-myung, who is touring Europe, may meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the Group of Seven (G7) summit. It said, "The main focus of this European trip is, of course, Europe." Lee is scheduled to attend the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains from June 15 to 17.
A senior Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters in Rome, Italy, on the 12th local time that the possibility of a bilateral summit between the South Korean and U.S. leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit remains uncertain. "Our relations with Europe, and also with the European Union (EU), are the focus. The G7 is also mainly made up of European countries, and because we were invited to a G7 led by France, Europe is the priority," the official said.
The official explained, "The EU is an important entity that is responding well to these changes while trying to preserve the existing rule-based order, whether in international affairs or trade. In the midst of rapidly shifting global orders, international and trade rules are changing quickly, wars are breaking out in many places, and countries are seeing major changes driven by the United States, including new tariffs and U.S.-centered approaches."
He added, "This trip was planned to strengthen cooperation with that entity. Afterward, we will hold bilateral consultations with key members such as Italy and Belgium, and we will do the same at the G7. I want to emphasize once again that Europe is what matters most."
On the possibility of a meeting between the South Korean and U.S. leaders, the official said, "Of course, if the opportunity arises, we could talk with the United States, but it is very difficult to say whether it will happen now." He continued, "Because all schedules are subject to change and the time frame is short, it is difficult to say anything concrete at this point about the likelihood of a meeting or whether it is being actively pursued."
Regarding discussions on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) related to a declaration ending the war between the United States and Iran, the official said, "There appears to be a trend toward reaching a ceasefire agreement." He added, "It seems both sides are roughly laying out draft language and carrying out final coordination work."
cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun Reporter