South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will travel to Turkey next week for a NATO leaders' summit before making a state visit to Mongolia, where he is set to meet President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac announced the plans at a briefing on July 3. Lee will attend the NATO summit in Ankara from Tuesday to Wednesday at the invitation of Secretary General Mark Rutte. He will then fly to Ulaanbaatar for a state visit from Thursday to Saturday.
The Mongolia trip marks the first visit by a South Korean president in 15 years and comes at the invitation of President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. During the visit Lee will hold a summit with Khurelsukh and attend the opening of the Naadam Festival.
Wi said the NATO participation aims to expand defense industry ties with allies that account for about 55 percent of global defense spending. Lee will also meet the NATO chief and join a forum with Indo-Pacific partners.
