President Lee Jae Myung will start a four-nation journey next week to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, South Africa, and Turkey, his office announced, marking his first trip to the Middle East and Africa since he assumed office in June.
Lee will leave on Monday for a three-day state trip to the UAE, then an official visit to Egypt from Wednesday to Friday, as reported by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac.
He will subsequently travel to South Africa from Friday to Sunday to participate in the Group of 20 (G20) summit and head to Turkey for a two-day official trip. Lee is set to come back home on Nov. 26.
At the G20 summit in Johannesburg, Lee intends to present Korea's economic strategy and pursue enhanced collaboration with leading economies on matters including the economy, climate change, supply chains, and artificial intelligence, Wi stated.
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"During the summit, President Lee will convey Korea's dedication to working together with South Africa and the broader African continent, along with its readiness to aid in Africa's progress," Wi stated.
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While visiting the other three countries, Lee aims to enhance collaboration in the defense sector and reiterate shared commitment to peace on the Korean Peninsula and stability in the Middle East, he stated.
In Abu Dhabi, Lee will meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to explore methods of enhancing collaboration in investment, defense, energy, advanced technologies, healthcare, and cultural areas.
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The UAE is the only Middle Eastern country with which Korea has established a special strategic partnership.
In Cairo, Lee will meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as both countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
He will additionally give a speech at Cairo University to showcase Korea's initiatives in the Middle East.
In his concluding stop in Turkey, Lee will meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to talk about collaboration in defense, nuclear energy, and biotechnology, Wi stated.