South Korean President To Visit US, Latin America And Germany In Diplomatic Trip

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will begin a five-nation diplomatic and technology-focused tour on Friday, visiting the United States, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Germany to strengthen international cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), trade and diplomacy. The presidential office said Wednesday that the trip will include meetings with global technology leaders and summit talks with foreign heads of state.

President Lee’s first stop will be San Francisco, where he is scheduled to hold discussions with executives from major technology companies, including OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman and Nvidia chief Jensen Huang. Presidential Chief of Staff for Policy Kim Yong-beom said the meetings will highlight South Korea’s commitment to expanding investment in AI development and promoting international cooperation in emerging technologies.

During his two-day visit to San Francisco, Lee will also participate in a high-level AI meeting involving global technology executives and leaders of major South Korean companies. The gathering will include figures such as Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung, with discussions expected to focus on AI innovation and semiconductor industry growth.

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The South Korean leader is expected to announce a “San Francisco AI declaration” outlining Seoul’s vision to become a leading force in artificial intelligence while encouraging global partnerships. Officials said the discussions will also cover the government’s “megaprojects” initiative, which aims to establish advanced semiconductor production clusters and AI-related infrastructure, with possible business agreements between South Korean and international companies.

Following his US visit, President Lee will travel to Brazil from Sunday through next Wednesday for a state visit and summit talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. He will then visit Chile and Argentina until August 1 for meetings with Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast and Argentine President Javier Milei, with officials saying the tour is aimed at expanding trade, investment and diplomatic cooperation between South Korea and South America.

Lee will conclude his overseas tour in Frankfurt, Germany, where he will meet with South Korean residents before returning home on August 3. The presidential office said the visit reflects Seoul’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships in technology, economic cooperation and regional diplomacy.

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