President Lee Jae-myung, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, departed for Canada aboard Air Force One on the afternoon of June 16, marking his inaugural overseas visit since assuming office. The President is slated to participate in the Group of Seven (G7) Summit, held from June 15 to 17, 2025, in Kananaskis, Alberta, a picturesque retreat nestled in the Canadian Rockies. This significant engagement underscores South Korea's growing role on the global stage.

The summit, hosted by Canada, gathers leaders from the world's leading industrialized democracies: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and Canada, with the European Union also represented. Beyond the core G7 members, a contingent of key invited nations, including South Korea, Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Ukraine, were extended invitations, reflecting the forum's expanding scope to address pressing global challenges collaboratively.

Upon arrival in Calgary on the afternoon of the 16th local time, President Lee is scheduled to engage in a series of crucial bilateral meetings with leaders of other invited countries. These discussions are anticipated to foster diplomatic ties and explore avenues for mutual cooperation on various fronts, including economic and trade issues.

The following day, June 17, will feature an expanded session where G7 leaders will convene with their invited counterparts. During this pivotal gathering, President Lee is expected to deliver an address focusing on critical contemporary issues. His remarks are slated to highlight the imperative of diversifying global energy supply chains to enhance resilience against geopolitical volatilities and explore the transformative potential of linking artificial intelligence (AI) with energy systems for efficiency and sustainability. These topics resonate deeply with the broader G7 agenda, which frequently addresses global economic outlook, energy security, and technological advancement, alongside geopolitical concerns such as global trade dynamics and regional conflicts.

President Lee's participation signifies South Korea's commitment to multilateralism and its intent to actively contribute to solutions for complex global issues, asserting its position as a vital partner in shaping a stable and prosperous international order.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]